Lisa Folawiyo founded her eponymous brand in 2005 (at that time named Jewel by Lisa). Trained as a lawyer, Folawiyo has no formal training in fashion. She is regarded by the fashion industry as one of the founders of the contemporary African fashion scene, propelling African fashions onto the global stage. Folawiyo is known for her ready-to-wear designs made from printed cotton textiles, known in Nigeria as ankara and more widely as African-print cloth wax prints or Dutch wax prints. These have been fashionable in West and East Africa since the late 19th century, when they were produced in Europe for export to Africa. The technique used for wax print cottons was inspired by the Indonesian method of batik, where hot wax is used to draw patterns on a plain cloth before it is dyed so that the dye does not penetrate the areas covered by wax. The design process was characterised by collaboration manner, with local sellers, often women, advising merchants on popular patterns and colours. Political independence in the mid-to-late 20th century led to many African companies successfully establishing local centres of production.

This ensemble, the 'jossa' top and printed trousers, are characteristic of her design aesthetic.