About Us
About Us
Established in 1991, Ade Bakare Couture is a testament to the transformative power of fashion. The brand was initiated with the assistance of a loan from the Prince of Wales Youth Business Trust (PYBT) and has since grown into a notable name in the global fashion industry.
Ade Bakare, the creative genius behind the brand, launched his business shortly after graduating from Salford University College, Manchester, where he majored in fashion design. Prior to this, he earned a combined honours degree in history and education from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1987.
Bakare honed his couture skills in London, where he interned with Christiania Stambolian and Victor Edelstein. These fashion houses were highly favoured by the fashionable set and had a significant impact on Bakare’s style.
In 1992, Bakare introduced a ready-to-wear collection that quickly caught the attention of high-end women’s boutiques. His collection was featured in the store window display of Lucienne Phillips of Knightsbridge, a renowned boutique of its time. This exposure led to his collection being purchased by department stores and boutiques across the UK.
Bakare’s designs, which encompass beautifully crafted dresses, jackets and evening wear styles in luxurious fabrics like silk chiffon, organza, brocades, velvets and silk crepes, have brought him much acclaim. He was invited to represent the UK in the ‘Best of British Brands’ in Vienna, Austria, in 1994.
Bakare later opened an atelier in Mayfair on Grosvenor Street, creating couture outfits for private clients. His clientele included the crème de la crème of society, professionals, and those who appreciated his exquisite designs. While at design school in Manchester, Bakare won numerous fashion student awards, including one for bridal design. He has since been recognized in the Conde Nast publication, “Brides Magazine”, for his modern yet traditional wedding dresses.
Ade Bakare Couture has been featured in fashion shows globally. Bakare served as the official designer for the late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, the First Lady of Nigeria. In 2006, he opened a fashion Store in Lagos, Nigeria, offering both couture and ready-to-wear collections.
Over time, Bakare’s label began to embrace his Nigerian heritage. He incorporated indigenous textiles such as Aso Oke and Adire into his designs, adding a modern twist by using silk chiffons, organzas, and satins. This infusion of traditional and modern elements created a unique “Modern African” aesthetic, maintaining his international appeal while showcasing an African influence.
