Patricia Osita Onumonu, fondly known as Lady Trish, has once again proven why she stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most formidable forces in fashion and business. On Sunday, March 23, 2025, she was honored as one of the 53 outstanding female icons at the prestigious City People Female Entrepreneurs Awards held at the UP Association Club House in Maryland, Lagos.
This recognition is another shining feather in the cap of the celebrated style queen, whose brand, Trish ‘O’ Couture, has become a symbol of elegance, creativity, and cultural pride in African fashion.
From Beauty Queen to Fashion Powerhouse
Patricia’s rise to prominence is nothing short of inspiring. Before gracing the world of design, she made waves as a top model and beauty queen, famously emerging as the first runner-up at the 1999 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant. Yet, rather than remain in the limelight of the runway, she pursued a greater dream — to create timeless designs that others would wear on stage, on screen, and in everyday life.
That dream came alive in 2009 when she founded Trish ‘O’ Couture. From modest beginnings, the brand has blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most respected fashion houses, with a flagship showroom at 27 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Today, Trish ‘O’ Couture is the preferred choice for celebrities, dignitaries, and style lovers seeking everything from everyday elegance to red-carpet glamour.
Her creative genius has earned her numerous accolades, including Most Outstanding High Fashion Designer at the Glam and Essence Style Awards (2014) and Fashion Designer of the Year at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (2016).
Building Empires Beyond Fashion
A true business mogul, Patricia’s influence extends beyond fashion. She is the driving force behind Lady Trish Empire, a fashion line that curates and delivers exclusive, high-end designs to a wider audience. Her flair for business also shines through in her roles as Director of Mercury Oil and Gas and OAJ Investment, where she demonstrates the same vision and resilience that built her fashion empire.
Her versatility is further showcased in her work as a certified relationship and marriage counselor, where she shares practical wisdom on love, balance, and personal growth — a calling that underlines her passion for empowering people to thrive in all aspects of life.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Inspiration
Despite her towering success, Lady Trish remains deeply committed to mentorship and philanthropy. She consistently uses her platform to uplift women, support young designers, and open doors for the next generation of entrepreneurs. For her, success is not just about personal achievement but about creating opportunities for others to shine.
A Shining Star Among Icons
By being named among the 53 remarkable women celebrated at the 2025 City People Female Entrepreneurs Awards, Patricia Osita Onumonu has once again solidified her place as a style icon, entrepreneur, and visionary leader. Her journey — spanning over 16 years of excellence in the fashion industry and remarkable impact across multiple sectors — continues to inspire countless dreamers.
Patricia’s story is proof that elegance, resilience, and vision are not just hallmarks of personal success, but powerful tools for building a legacy that transcends generations.
