How Banke Kuku Built a Global Fashion Brand From Lagos Worn by Gabrielle Union
Afropolitan
Operational Advantages of Local Production
Banke argues local production gives agility, lower waste, and control over inventory despite infrastructure burdens.
Banke Kuku, founder and creative director of Banke Kuku Textiles, reveals how she built one of Africa’s most recognizable luxury fashion brands, worn by Gabrielle Union, Lupita Nyong’o, and Beyoncé, from her living room in Lagos to global runways.
In this exclusive episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Banke opens up about the brutal realities of building a “Made in Nigeria” brand, surviving COVID after investing every penny, and redefining African luxury for a global audience.
She explains:
◼️ How she pivoted overnight during COVID to save her entire business
◼️ Why she refused to move manufacturing abroad despite the challenges
◼️ The hard truth about funding, quality control, and integrity in African fashion
◼️ What investors actually look for when backing creative entrepreneurs
◼️ Why staying patient, purpose-driven, and ethical is her biggest competitive edge
If you’re a designer, founder, or dreamer building something out of Africa, this episode will inspire you to create with courage, resilience, and authenticity.
Follow Banke Kuku
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankekuku/
Website: https://www.bankekuku.com
Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast
For more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans.
Stay connected with Afropolitan:
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
Website: https://www.afropolitan.io
Join the Network State: https://afropolitan.io/join
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter
This episode is sponsored by:
VBan — The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce.
Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com
Inverroche Gin — South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.
Discover more: https://www.inverroche.com
Risevest — A digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.
Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan
Convo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers.
Visit https://convo.vip/ to connect with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.
Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585
Hosted by
Eche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/
Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:38 The Rise of Nigeria’s Fashion Industry & Creative Economy
02:20 From Home Interiors to Founding a Fashion Label
04:55 Launching Her Brand Right Before the Pandemic
06:50 How She Pivoted to E-Commerce Overnight
09:30 Selling Pajamas Online to Save the Business
11:00 Building a “Made in Nigeria” Luxury Brand
13:40 The Harsh Realities of Manufacturing in Africa
16:30 Balancing Global Quality Standards with Local Talent
18:50 Funding Her Fashion Startup Through GT Bank & Grants
21:00 Lessons on Integrity, Leadership & Hiring the Right Team
23:00 What Global Investors Look for in African Designers
25:45 How “Made in Nigeria” Became Her Global Advantage
27:30 Pricing, Perception & The African Luxury Dilemma
30:00 Behind the Gabrielle Union Collaboration
33:00 Is Nigerian Fashion Overpriced — or Undervalued?
34:45 The Banke Kuku Woman: Confidence, Class & Culture
37:30 Taking Nigerian Fashion to Global Markets
40:00 The Psychology of Patience, Faith & Growth
42:00 The Doha Partnership & Middle East Expansion
43:30 Moving From London to Lagos — Culture Shock & Adaptation
45:00 Inside Her New Collection “Savannah” & Its Story
47:20 The Future of Fashion Investment in Africa
49:45 Protecting African Craftsmanship, Culture & IP
51:00 Building Her New Luxury Flagship Store in Lagos
52:30 Customer Experience, Culture & Patience in Business
54:00 Her Favorite Signature Pieces & What They Represent
55:40 The Strangest Custom Requests From Clients
57:00 The Afropolitan Toast: Creativity, Legacy & Resilience
59:00 Rapid-Fire Questions + Closing Reflections
The AI-powered Podcast Player
