When Banke Kuku unveils a collection, it’s never just about fashion—it’s a visual story with a deeper message. Her latest offering, Oceans Front Row, is no exception. Launched at the Royal Box Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, the spring/summer 2025 collection made a statement on the runway while also highlighting sustainability and the beauty of marine ecosystems.
With Nigeria’s elite in attendance—including the First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State’s commissioner for tourism—the night was a celebration of creativity, culture, and conscious fashion.
A collection inspired by the sea
Banke Kuku’s Oceans Front Row captures the movement, colours, and textures of the ocean in ways that feel both luxurious and meaningful. The collection’s standout feature is its use of fluid, flowy silhouettes, with fabrics that mimic the natural rhythm of waves.
Flowy silhouettes
We saw dreamy two-piece sets with wide-leg trousers, kimono tops, and wrap skirts that glide effortlessly, evoking the motion of the sea.
Long, ethereal dresses are another highlight, with light silk and satin materials that catch the air, making each step feel like a ripple on water. The palette is a breathtaking mix of deep blues, seafoam greens, and soft turquoise, accented by touches of sandy beige and coral pink, reminiscent of an ocean floor teeming with life.
Ocean inspired prints
The collection’s patterns tell their own story—delicate bubble motifs and swirling designs evoke the surface of the sea, hinting at the hidden beauty that lies beneath. Banke Kuku has a signature touch of merging African heritage with modern design is evident throughout, with subtle nods to traditional prints, reinterpreted through marine-inspired patterns. These pieces not only feel rich in culture but also give the impression of wearing art shaped by nature itself.
Craftsmanship meets sustainability
Banke Kuku’s choice of materials and attention to detail reflect more than just aesthetic value—they align with her mission to promote sustainability. Each piece serves as a reminder of the ocean’s beauty and fragility, encouraging wearers to embrace fashion with a conscience. The lightweight, eco-conscious fabrics ensure the clothes are as kind to the planet as they are easy to wear, promoting both comfort and elegance.
Kuku explained that the 2023 ban on non-reusable plastics in Lagos sparked her journey into researching marine life and how fashion could drive conversations around sustainability. “The bubbles and waves you see in the collection represent what the ocean looked like, what it is now, and what it could be if we all choose a more sustainable lifestyle,” she shared.
A night to remember
With support from leading brands like Mikano Motors, MAC Cosmetics, Meeyas Jewels, and Polo Avenue, the Oceans Front Row launch was a fusion of fashion, lifestyle, and purpose. The partnership with Polo Avenue was a key highlight, marking another chapter in their shared journey of promoting African designers with a global vision.
“This collection isn’t just beautiful—it’s thought-provoking,” said Chika Nnadozie, head of marketing at Polo Limited. “It reflects the importance of craftsmanship while addressing global issues like marine conservation,” Nnadozie added that the pieces will be available for purchase at Polo Avenue, inviting consumers to embrace luxury with a purpose.
A future as vast as the ocean
As the show drew to a close, one thing became clear—Banke Kuku’s vision flows as endlessly as the sea. Through fashion, she brings attention to the urgency of ocean conservation while offering a collection that is both wearable and meaningful. Oceans Front Row invites us to think beyond aesthetics, proving that fashion can inspire change without compromising beauty or elegance.
Whether it’s a two-piece set perfect for a holiday or a flowing dress fit for a summer soirée, each piece offers a glimpse of the ocean’s wonders and challenges us to protect them. With Oceans Front Row, Banke Kuku reminds us that true luxury lies in fashion that not only looks good but also makes a positive impact on the world.
