Banke Kuku Is a Nigerian brand which at the end of October presented their Spring/Summer collection titled "Eden". A runway show in Victoria Island, Lagos, marks a new direction for the brand, focusing on craftsmanship whilst elevating the mainline with new seasonal prints.
The collection is inspired from Lagos' stunning fauna and flora which the designer - Banke, will admire while on her near-meditative morning walks. It draws on classic silhouettes that effortlessly accentuate the female figure.
Eden SS24 features an array of styles. A few of the more interesting pieces in the collection are a pair of relaxed trousers and a top, with a cape featuring a stunning purple and white print of flowers and hummingbirds; a long yellow silky gown with a velvet trimming, styled with ombre silky monogram shorts; for men - a relaxed co-ord look featuring a relaxed silky blazer in a leaf pattern in contrasting blue and green styled with relaxed trousers and loafers in the same pattern.
Nature serves as a consistent theme in both the prints and designs of Banke Kuku's collections. Intertwined with the brand's ongoing commitment to impactful work. Through the platform 'Prints for Purpose,' Banke actively supports local causes like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, contributing donations to preserve natural wildlife in Nigeria.
The prints in the collection narrate captivating stories of plants and animals native to Nigeria, such as hummingbirds whispering to Bougainvillea or ladybirds amid the Yellow Trumpet, Nigeria's national flower. The brand's new signature monogram features colors inspired by natural elements—earth, water, fire, and air. This fusion of nature and creativity defines Banke Kuku's unique approach to fashion, reflecting both style and a commitment to environmental causes.
You can purchase the EDEN collection online at www.bankekuku.com, farfetch.com, modaoperandi.com, and Threads.com. Additionally, the collection will be available in-store at B1–B3, 2 Alexander Road, Ikoyi Lagos, and Galeries Lafayette Doha.
About the designer:
Now Lagos-based, Banke Kuku studied her craft in London, graduating from the prestigious Chelsea College of Art and Design and Central Saint Martins before returning to her native Nigeria. From Lagos, she has built an impressive repertoire as a leading designer, dressing A-listers and creatives, including Gabrielle Union, Davido, Naomi Campbell, and Kelly Rowland. Dedicated to amplifying the beauty and intricacies of African culture and practices, Banke has been a prominent voice on the world stage. In June 2023, Kuku was a guest judge on the BBC One’s programme The Great British Sewing Bee, sharing traditional West African sewing values with the contestants and viewers, and her work has been featured in Vogue, WWD and Marie Claire.
