BUKI AKOMOLAFE – Making A Difference In Fashion

She is a Berlin based clothing label founded by Buki Akomolafe in 2016.

 

Founder

Her German/Nigerian heritage bring a diverse background of tradition, handcraft, design experience, and aesthetic vision. The designer spent her early childhood at the side of her father in Africa, who now manages an agricultural project in Nigeria (VPP Nigeria), which has allowed her to experience and appreciate a better conscious use of resources today.

 

Production

The label stands for Contemporary high-end women’s clothing with a slight hint to androgyny, precise tailoring and high quality eco materials. The small-scale collections are fully handcrafted with care in her studio and a small manufacture in Berlin. Beside the Basic range, BUKI AKOMOLAFE is specialized in the creation of unique Quilt pieces, that are reversible and limited editions.

 

BUKI AKOMOLAFE

BUKI AKOMOLAFE is an homage to the gentlewoman of today. A refined balance between clean European classical tailoring and traditional craftsmanship, and techniques of West-Africa. Her creations are placed within a new and globally accessible context.

Fashion Africa Now

What made you want to become a designer? 

I have always been interested in the way people dress. As a teenager I started to ‘design’ my own pieces and my mum had to knit or sew them for me… The key point when I decided to study fashion design was at an open house day at a fashion school. I was so fascinated by the way the drawing teacher explained his class – he was so passionate in his profession, that moment I knew I want to learn from him.

 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I don’t have a specific person that inspires me the most. I’m basically inspired and impressed by people who are true to themselves, true to their believes and practice what they preach. And also people that are very passionate about what they do.

 

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Nigeria?

🙂 second home.

 

How do you think consumers can be more eco conscious when it comes to their fashion consumption?

Consumers can start to question their own behaviour through asking themselves: Do I need to buy this specific item? How does buying this item makes me feel tomorrow?  Does this item sparks my joy? Who made this item, under what circumstances is it produced?

Through questioning your own consumption behaviour you become more and more aware of what you have and what you really need. It’s about buying less, going for quality instead of quantity, supporting small business or buying second hand. Going for timeless clothes that last long.

 

What designer would you want to collaborate with if you could pick anyone?

Dries van Noten 🙂

 

If you weren’t a designer what job would you want to have?

Photographer, singer or healer

 

What does a day in your life look like?

I am quite disciplined I have a regular morning routine, I get up early and meditate, I go for runs several times a week to activate my body and my mind. It’s important for me to be in a good balance and flow with my work and time to rest and care for myself.

My studio days are always different depending on the projects I work on. I have a lot to organise and plan, that’s why I spent quite some time in front of the computer (emails etc.). Beside organising, I make patterns, cut, sew, create new pieces, there is always different tasks each day. Thats what I love about being a small business, the variety of tasks 🙂 as I produce almost all of the pieces in my studio. After work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, cook together, go to concerts and enjoy time together.

 

Where do you see your brand in 10 years?

The future is unwritten 😉  I see the brand on the international market and as a part of a change in the fashion system. Also as a brand that changed the narrative of what the global north sees as ‘African fashion.

Photographer: Niculai Constantinescu
Hair & Make Up: Richard Wilkinson
Model: Mwesigwa Paul (Twenty Model Management)

About the author: Ruth Minthe is a fashion marketing graduate and passionate about the African fashion movement.