The eagerly awaited launch of Banke Kuku’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, titled Oceans Front Row, occurred at the esteemed Royal Box Event Centre, attracting a distinguished gathering of friends, colleagues, fashion aficionados, and influential figures from Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, luxury, and lifestyle sectors.
This event highlighted the brand’s dynamic creativity, emphasizing environmental sustainability and the splendor of marine ecosystems.
The occasion was honored by the presence of prominent dignitaries, including the First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, along with John Obayuwana, Managing Director of Polo Limited, and other notable attendees.
Banke Kuku, who is internationally acclaimed for integrating intricate cultural stories into her designs, unveiled the Oceans Front Row collection, which represents a vibrant blend of contemporary fashion and African heritage.This collection not only highlights her exceptional creativity but also aims to raise awareness about the critical need to protect marine ecosystems through the medium of fashion.
In discussing the inspiration behind the collection, Banke Kuku, the Creative Director and founder of her eponymous brand, remarked, “Fashion serves as a powerful storytelling medium, and I aspire to use my designs to foster awareness and inspire positive change.
With Oceans, I aim to spotlight the immense beauty of our marine ecosystems and the pressing necessity for their conservation. Our oceans are essential to life on Earth, and through fashion, I hope to ignite a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world.”
Banke Kuku also conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to Polo Avenue, whose enduring support has been instrumental in elevating her brand to global prominence.
Chika Nnadozie, Head of Marketing at Polo Limited, commented on the collaboration with Banke Kuku, stating, “Our partnership with Banke Kuku is a natural alignment, as she is a visionary designer whose work consistently exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship.”
Her collections tackle significant global challenges, including environmental sustainability, which aligns seamlessly with the values upheld by Polo Avenue.
She further highlighted that Banke Kuku’s creative strategy for raising awareness about ocean conservation resonates with both global and local audiences, who desire luxury that not only showcases aesthetic appeal but also makes a meaningful contribution to society.
The collaboration between Polo Avenue and Banke Kuku has lasted three years under the Polo Avenue Fashion Series, which champions Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry. This series enhances the visibility of African designers like Banke Kuku, who enrich the elegance, lifestyle, and beauty of African fashion while also utilizing their platforms for social good.
Chika Nnadozie remarked that the Oceans Front Row collection offers a new perspective and a compelling narrative that aligns with the objectives and values of Polo Avenue. She concluded by announcing that the Oceans Front Row collection will soon be available for purchase at Polo Avenue.
As the event drew to a close, one sentiment resonated throughout the venue: akin to the oceans, Banke Kuku’s vision is expansive, boundless, and continuously evolving, urging us all to embrace sustainability, diversity, and the splendor of the natural world.
Fondly referred to as Printess Banke, a nickname that reflects her deep passion for prints, her remarkable talent for designing exquisite patterns, and her outstanding ability to bring them to life, this Central Saint Martins (CSM) graduate is establishing her unique presence in the international fashion print and pattern industry.Born in Nigeria during the 1980s, Banke Kuku relocated to the United Kingdom at the age of eight. She completed her studies at Central St Martins College by the age of 19 and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Textiles from Chelsea College of Art and Design. Her artistic vision is profoundly shaped by the cultural blend of her Nigerian roots and her upbringing in the UK.
As a textile artist, Banke has made a significant mark in the realms of fashion, textiles, and interior design as the creative director of Banke Kuku, Africa’s premier luxury brand, which she founded in 2011. The brand is celebrated for its unique print collections that delve into the richness of African culture while integrating contemporary design elements, effectively showcasing her heritage to a global audience.