Banke Kuku is shaping contemporary luxury through a signature fusion of Nigerian heritage and modern print innovation—an approach rooted in her culture and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. In her vision, luxury extends beyond mere fabric or form—it becomes a narrative: the way a print tells the story of Lagos’s vibrant ocean, the way a motif honors ancestral craft, the way each garment serves as wearable art which is what makes her an ambassador for innovative stewardship.
Banke Kuku’s journey as a designer can be traced back to her formative years at Grange School, where she was first introduced to art. There was something about art, she recalls, that gave her the desire to create. With her parents’ encouragement, she nurtured that passion into what is now a deep love for design.
“Design has been intertwined with my identity from a very early age. I have always had a deep-seated love for creating and crafting with my hands. The tactile experience of manipulating materials and bringing ideas to life has always captivated me,” she says.
Kuku studied a foundation programme at Central Saint Martins, then earned a BA in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design. After graduation, she had the opportunity to work with various prestigious fashion houses. One of her earliest placements was with Designers Guild, where she worked on fabrics for the British royal collection showcased in 2010. An experience she describes as invaluable—it allowed her to hone her skills, learn from industry veterans, and develop a keen eye for emerging trends.
In 2011, Kuku returned to Lagos and established Banke Kuku Textiles with a studio in Ikoyi. Her aim was to marry West African visual culture with Western print techniques to create bespoke textiles for fashion and interiors. The business later expanded into an interiors collection in 2013. By 2019, she opened her first standalone boutique where she debuted a collection of women’s loungewear, dresses, and accessories all featuring her signature bold prints and tailored silhouettes
Looking back, her design journey is inspired by a transcontinental fusion between her Nigerian heritage and the culture she experienced in England. This cultural synergy, boldly reflected in her designs, has allowed her to create a distinct narrative—one that celebrates her artistry and positions her as a changemaker in Nigerian fashion.
The designer Banke Kuku. Photo credit: courtesy of Banke Kuku.
The brand aesthetic of Banke Kuku is one defined first by its vibrant, story-driven prints. Each piece opens with a palette derived from natural and cultural references—jewel-toned blues and greens depicting waterways, sunset oranges and pinks drawn from twilight skies, or earthy ochres and terracotta inspired by traditional pottery. The patterns are fluid, ranging from abstract motifs to figuration that often aligns with the story of a particular collection, whether it’s botanic-like samples of parrots or ocean waves—each piece is developed to convey a specific narrative or theme.
And this is highly influenced by the designer’s philosophy
“My philosophy has always been to keep an open mind,” Kuku tells Guzangs. “Embracing the diverse influences around me and remaining receptive to new ideas has been essential in my creative journey. This approach not only nurtures my artistic growth but also allows me to connect with different cultures and perspectives, ultimately enriching my designs.”
Over the years, the designer has released four collections. Her first was titled “A Parrot’s Dream,” which drew on frequent visits to the Aralia plant shop in Lagos, where a resident parrot and surrounding foliage inspired the collection.
Backstage image of the Ocean collection show. Photo credit: courtesy of Banke Kuku.
Her second collection was titled “70s Collection,” which translated the spirit of that decade into modern ready-to-wear. Key pieces included high-waisted, wide-leg trousers cut in flowing silk crepe, paired with button-through blouses printed in bold geometrics and stylized florals. The palette consisting of burnt orange, avocado green reinforced the retro inspiration.
The “Unity Collection” marked a turning point in Kuku’s creative evolution. Drawing on themes of connection and shared heritage, the line featured wrap dresses in earthy tie-dye patterns, block-printed tunics with hand-stitched detailing, and wide-leg jumpsuits in linen blends. The collection conveyed both a personal reflection and a more refined artistic vision.
Launched as a statement of renewal, the “Eden collection” introduced a series of garden-inspired garments rendered in soft, flowing fabrics. Standout pieces included ankle-length slip dresses in silk chiffon printed with oversized botanical motifs, and tailored culottes styled as gowns.
Released in October 2024, the brand’s ‘Ocean Collection’ became one of its most memorable to date.The collection was inspired by the Lagos State government’s initiative to combat plastic waste in our oceans. “The dangers posed by plastic pollution are significant, threatening marine life and the beauty of our ecosystems. I wanted my collection to be a reflection of the incredible beauty our oceans possess and to convey a message about the importance of protecting them,” she says.
A look into Banke Kuku’s 2025 summer drop. Photographed by @theseyikehinde.
Lagos is Kuku’s absolute muse. The city informs everything she creates—from her colors and textures to her themes. Inspiration comes from anywhere: striking architecture, street energy, or the resilience of people. “The dynamic atmosphere of Lagos fuels my creativity, and I am committed to supporting its development. There are countless hidden gems in Lagos, and I believe that the city holds immense potential for artistic expression and innovation,” she says.
As one of the designers shaping the future of Nigerian and African luxury, Kuku says she feels incredibly blessed and privileged to be part of the movement. Being a designer in this context is not just about creating visually appealing designs; it comes with a profound responsibility and it’s vital for her to design sustainably and ethically. She also sees it as her duty to inspire and mentor younger designers, demonstrating that a successful career in fashion design is indeed possible. “I aim to cultivate a new generation of creatives who are passionate about their craft and the cultural legacy they represent,” she adds.
Listen to the Guzangs playlist on Apple Music, selected by Banke Kuku.
