Nigerian brand Orange Culture is the brand to watch. Launched in 2011 by designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Orange Culture mixes universal silhouettes with an African twist. It is a celebration of individuality and uses a mix of Nigerian inspired patterned textiles, colour, and contemporary urban street wear.
In an interview with Vogue Czechoslovakia, Oke-Lawal describes the brand as a movement against traditional gender norms and stereotypes of how African fashion should be expressed. Orange Culture aims to present new possibilities for fashion on the continent.
In 2015, the brand was selected as one of 20 finalists from over 1000 brands for the prestigious LVHM Prize. Orange Culture is also a regular at Lagos Fashion Week and has gained international acclaim after showcasing at both London and New York Fashion Week. It has also been featured in a range of fashion publications.
The brand’s most notable collaboration was with globally recognised Nigerian artist Davido in 2017, who designed a limited-edition collection sold exclusively at Selfridges.
Their latest Spring/Summer 2022 collection was a whimsical delight with watercolour prints, bold silhouettes and vivid colours. Their garments have been worn by the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Dua Lipa and Chimamanda Adichie.
Words by Tamar Hayden
