Luxury lifestyle brand Banke Kuku is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing Nigerian brands, owing to their exquisite textiles and essential designs which includes a range of fashion and interior items; dresses, bags, and more recently face masks. Led by Central Saint Martins alumna and textile Designer Banke Kuku, the brand has amassed a cult following of IT fashion girls including Tiwa Savage.
In a new Zoom interview with Vogue, the brand’s CEO discusses the fashion industry in Nigeria, adding a line of face masks with her signature prints and how the lockdown period led to major brand changes.
On the fashion community in Nigeria and Africa as a whole
Coronavirus has taught us the importance of working together as a fashion community. It’s the first time Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa have communicated in this way. Before, we were lazy, but now we’re recognising the importance of having structure and being visible by going online.
On being a textile designer
Textiles are my canvas. I work digitally, so there’s no limitations on colours, tones and prints. Unlike weaving, it’s quick to turn my artwork around.
On the importance of black spending power
When I visit the UK, I still find it hard to find Afro hair products and make-up for black skin. The market is not reflective of black spending. By giving more space to black-owned brands, retailers [such as Sephora which has signed up], will see there is more than 15 per cent out [customer appetite] there.
On some positives of the COVID-19 era
It has been time to reassess what’s good for the customer, too. They should be able to walk into a store in December and buy a winter coat, not spring/summer collections.
Read the full feature on www.vogue.co.uk
Connect with Banke Kuku on Instgaram @bankekuku