‘Take My Brand To The Global Stage’: Nigerian-British Fashion Designer Attempts New World Record For Largest Sandal

Liz Sanya’s motivation for this latest attempt was inspired by the recent achievements of Nigerians who have broken various world records, including Hilda Baci’s longest cooking marathon and Tunde Onakoya’s longest chess marathon.

Twentytwo-year-old Nigerian-British fashion designer Elizabeth Sanyaolu, also known as Liz Sanya, has completed her attempt at the Guinness World Records for the largest sandal, measuring 8.147 meters long and 3.156 meters wide.

The Guinness World Records typically reviews evidence within 12 weeks to make the awards decision. The record was set in 2016 by the Municipio de Sahuayo (Mexico) in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, with a sandal measuring 7.45 meters (24 feet 5.31 inches) long and 3.09 meters (10 feet 1.65 inches) wide.

Sanya, founder of the fashion brand SANYA, started the attempt on January 2 at 10PM West African time (WAT) and completed it on January 5 at 4AM. The pink clog was constructed at a location in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

“We took under 35 hours to complete the shoe as we had a timer and between rest breaks,” Sanya, who returned to Nigeria on December 10 for the attempt, says to FORBES AFRICA.

This is not Sanya’s first attempt at a world record. Previously, she had tried to set a record for the “world’s darkest shoe” by reimagining Air Force sneakers in an ultra-black finish.

“It was the comments at the time that encouraged me to submit to the Guinness World Records but they came back with concerns about some technicalities and no existing record of such nature,” she shares.

The fashion designer’s latest record-breaking attempt drew support from Nigerian celebrities, including Aboriomoh ‘Dremo’ Raymond, Peace ‘P.Priime’ Oredope, Phillip ‘Pheelz’ Moses, and Mayowa ‘Mayorkun’ Adewale, who visited her at the Lekki location to offer encouragement.

“I aim to take my brand to the global stage, making it a household name that resonates with people across continents,” notes Sanya who has also designed merchandise for Nigerian singer Divine ‘Rema’ Ikubor’s 02 tour.