The world is colorful and beautiful, and as humans, we have a way of translating it into our daily lives. One way we do this is through our outfits. One designer who gets the perfect blend of color and prints with an interesting mix of African and Western Cultures is Banke Kuku ‘’Queen of Color and Prints”.
The creative director of Banke Kuku textiles, the eponymous brand that creates luxurious, stylish, and comfortable lounge and occasion wear was established in 2011 and produces textiles for the fashion and interior industry
In 2014, She won a competition organized by Triumph International underwear manufacturer founded in 1886 in Germany. One of the world’s most famous trend forecasters Lidewij Edelkoort described Banke Kuku’s prints as an ‘’exquisite piece of art’’.
Banke Kuku first started as a textile design brand and later expanded into fashion design. Banke has collaborated with major fashion brands including Burberry, Lisa Folawiyo, Duro Olowu, Selfridges, Swoon, and Jasmine Di Milo. One of her latest collaborations was with Celebrity actress Gabrielle Union.
Banke Kuku was born in the 1980s in Lagos and moved to the United Kingdom at age 8. Her love for fashion can be traced back to the age of 5 when she started knitting and she was also inspired by her mother. Her parents recognized her creativity and supported her.
She obtained a diploma in fine arts from Central St. Martin and a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in woven textiles from the College of Art and Design. Queen of color was the name given to her by Jasmine Al fayed the creative director of Jasmine Di Milo due to her perfection in dying fabrics while working for Jasmine Di Milo before Jasmine Di Milo ceased operation.
Her outstanding designs come in unique ways of being able to create a balance between her western and African influence. Also being able to capture moods through patterns, color, and silhouettes.
