Nigerian fashion designer Banke Kuku has just showcased her latest runway for the Spring Summer 2024 collection ‘EDEN’ in Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 21st of October, 2023. This marks a new direction for the brand, focusing on craftsmanship whilst elevating the mainline with new seasonal prints.
Drawing cues from Banke’s near-meditative morning walks, transporting her to serene EDEN-like gardens has led to a rich set of new prints based on Lagos’ stunning fauna and flora, adding to the already vibrant print library. The new collection draws on classic silhouettes that effortlessly accentuate the female figure. SS24 also marks the introduction of the first menswear line for the brand.
EDEN showcases an array of styles, from long gowns with a draped cape to relaxed blouses and elasticated trousers in dreamy silk, as well as a new range of kaftans, a brand staple. Every piece is crafted from one-of-a-kind prints exclusive to Banke Kuku. For men, the new collection focuses on effortless styling, combining button-down shirts with matching trousers for a sophisticated and refined look.
Nature is a recurrent theme both in the print and collection designs intertwined with the impact work Banke Kuku continues to be involved in. The brand’s platform ‘Prints for Purpose’ sees Banke support local causes such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, providing donations to help preserve natural wildlife in Nigeria. The EDEN collection manifests this passion for the outdoors – a dreamy and scenic collection with silhouettes reflecting the key essence of the brand’s Occasion Loungewear, delivered this season with an ethereal twist. Lagos has become a fertile fashion hub where “Creativity is Currency”, according to Banke, who frequently collaborates with musicians, contemporary artists and designers to help propagate this creative fertility onto the international scene.
The prints tell captivating tales of the plants and animals hailing from the brand’s home, Nigeria. Hummingbirds whispering to Bougainvillea. Ladybirds amid Nigeria’s national flower – the Yellow Trumpet. The brand’s new signature monogram in colours are inspired by natural elements – earth, water, fire and air.
EDEN will be available for purchase online at www.bankekuku.com, farfetch.com, modaoperandi.com, Threads.com and in-store at B1 – B3, 2 Alexander Road, Ikoyi Lagos and Galeries Lafayette Doha.