Born in Lagos in the 1980’s, Banke Kuku moved to the United Kingdom at the age of eight. At the age of 19, Banke graduated from Central St Martins College and then Chelsea College of Art and Design, having gained a bachelor degree in Textiles. In 2011, Banke launched the textiles arm of her business, after working at a number of international fashion houses and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild, assisting with fabric design for the Royal collection which showcased at Buckingham Palace in 2010. The cultural fusion, between the country of her birth and the country where she spent her formative years, has heavily influenced her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact.
Over the years, Banke Kuku Textiles has collaborated with brands to create exquisite and unique pieces. Her collaborative designs are created clients’ meticulous taste, as well as according to project briefs.
Collaborations range from:
• Fashion prints for seasonal collections
• Prints and product design for fashion and lifestyle accessories
• Interior fabrics and furniture for residential and corporate (hotels, restaurants, bars, office spaces) clients.
The resultant designs, through collaborations with fashion houses including Duro Olowu, Jewel by Lisa, Virgos Lounge and Lot78, have been worn by the likes of Michelle Obama and Lupita Nyongo as well as gracing the catwalk in New York Fashion Week. In 2013, Banke launched the interiors arm of her business, which was inspired by her dedication to and creativity in fusing West African and Western cultures to create a sense of a modern Africa, with a design aesthetic that Banke Kuku is a striking kaleidoscope of colour and vibrancy.
Each design is then used as a stencil to create luxurious fabrics for interiors, soft furnishings and fashion. All products meet international quality standards. Positive reactions to her interiors were almost immediate with orders from prestigious customers such as Selfridges, Aynhoe Park Hotel Oxford, Le Bon Marche Paris, Bazar et Grande Manger Tokyo and ABC Carpet and Homes New York to name a few. In 2014, Banke Kuku Textiles was selected from thousands of applicants to win Triumph’s ‘Women in Making’ competition for female creatives. The judging panel
included fashion stalwarts Roksanda Ilincic and Sophia Webster. In 2019, Banke Kuku opened her Lagos boutique for women where she debuted her first womenswear and accessories collection.
This October, Banke Kuku is collaborating with Polo Avenue to showcase her SS22 collection in her first ever fashion event.
