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Bunmi Koko

Creative Director Bunmi Olaye and partner Francis Udom founded Bunmi Koko in 2009.[1] The name was inspired by the designer’s first name ‘Bunmi’ (which means 'God gave me') and the nickname given to her by her partner Francis; “Koko” (meaning my other half’). The two phrases joined to mean, “God gave me my other half.”[2]

History

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Based in London, the brand designs stem from the Olaye and Francis’ Nigerian/Scottish heritage.[2] Bunmi Koko also stress “diversity and inclusion” as part of their mission statement.[3] The joint work of Bunmi and Francis has resulted in the creation of Longitudinal Caissons: a new method of creating tubular silhouettes in fabric. [4][2][5] In addition to that, print technology is a key strength and unique selling point for the brand. This is due to the fusion of Bunmi’s fashion skills and Francis’ engineering skills, resulting in innovative and structured designs.[6]


Designer Profile

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Bunmi Olaye was born in Nigeria and came to the UK to study [7] at St Margaret’s Bushey School in Hertfordshire.[5] Her first fashion degree was an undergraduate foundation course at Wimbledon School of Art where she gained a National Diploma in Art & Design. She went straight on to study Fashion Promotion at the Kent Institute of Art & Design, which led to her working as a fashion stylist and illustrator in London. Bunmi then went on to work for luxury companies such as Anne Fontaine, Harrods and Prada before going back to study at the London College of Fashion, where she undertook the FdA Styling & Photography course. She also ventured off to take a Fashion Design & Marketing Degree at the University of East London, where she was awarded a special prize for Female Entrepreneurship in 2010 and currently appointed by the Vice Chancellor, Patrick McGhee, as their ambassador for Female Entrepreneurship.[8] Whilst studying, she made clothes for individual clients, most notably former Spice Girl - Mel B and in her sandwich year, she worked with couture designer Allison Rodger and Alexander McQueen.[7] While in Aberdeen, Bunmi Olaye met Scottish based engineer, Francis Udom (CEO) and their union inspired them both to start Bunmi Koko.[9] She is the Creative Director of the brand. Bunmi has also worked for the luxury company group LVMH under Louis Vuitton.[7]

File:Bunmi Olaye.jpeg
Bunmi Olaye, Creative Director of Bunmi Koko


Products

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The brand focuses on luxury ready-to-wear and couture garments for bridal and evening wear. The brand’s portfolio of luxury products and services is growing into accessories for womenswear and menswear, special designs (bespoke corporate gifts, gift cards, illustrations) and interior design. The brand wants to expand as a lifestyle brand with plans to produce accessories such as sunglasses, shoes, as well as beauty products such as cosmetics.[10][6][11] The brand uses European fabric for most of her products, with careful emphasis placed on detailing.[12] As well as selling their products online, Bunmi Koko sell their garments at a range of stockists across the world ranging from Scotland to Nigeria, South Africa, and Brazil.[13][14]

Branding

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The fashion label uses celebrities to further enhance their branding, with significant contributions from former Spice Girl, Mel B. The brand has also caught the attention of several other personalities like First Lady Michelle Obama, Hilary Alexander, Mel B, Mischa Barton, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Mica Paris, Estelle and Alex Gerrard.[6][15][9][16]. In two years, the brand managed to be featured in magazines and newspapers such as Drapers, Evening Standard, Scottish Daily Record, Black Hair, Grazia, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Fiasco, Destiny, Idol.[2]


Collections

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Ready-to-wear:
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  • Geisha’s Reform – Autumn/Winter 2010 [10]
  • Matriarchy – Spring/Summer 2010 [15][17]
  • Kaleidoscopia – Autumn/Winter 2011 [18][1][19]
File:Bunmi Koko Matriarchy.jpg
Bunmi Koko Dress from Matriarchy Collection presented at Africa Fashion Week 2010


Couture:

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Awards

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Show Award Rank Date
Graduate Fashion Week 2010 Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textile Award Finalist 06-Jun-10 [20]
Grampian Awards Business Enterprise 2010 Emerging Entreprenuer of the Year Finalist 17-Jun-10 [21]
Africa Fashion Week 2010 International Emerging Designer of the Year Winner 05-Jul-10 [22]
Cosmopolitan's Ultimate Women Awards 2010 Ultimate Women of the Year Finalist 02-Nov-10 [20]
The Precious Awards 2010 Young Entreprenuer of the Year Winner 08-Nov-10 [23]
The Precious Awards 2010 Creative Business of the Year Finalist 08-Nov-10 [23]
Britain Most Influential People of African and Caribbean Descent Top 100 JP Morgan Power List 2011 Enlisted 22-Dec-10 [24]
Pitch Perfect Business Awards 2010 Pitch Perfect Business Awards 2010 Finalist 15-Feb-11 [20]
Arise Magazine Fashion Week, Lagos Nigeria 2011 Show Slot with Arise Magazine Collective, New York Fashion Week 2011 10-Mar-11 [25]
ID Dunedin Fashion Week 2011 ID International Emerging Designer 2011 Finalist 07-Apr-11 [26]
Scottish Fashion Awards 2011 Retailer of the Year 2011 Finalist 27-Apr-11 [27]


Events

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Bunmi Koko participated in many fashion events, including:

  • African Fashion Week 30 June 2010 [28]
  • African Fashion Awards 5 July 2010 [29]
  • Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week 11 September 2010 [30]
  • Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week 22 February 2011 [19]
  • Arise Magazine Fashion Week 10 March 2011 [31]
  • Royal Reception at St James' Palace by invite from HRH Prince Charles [32]

Nelson Mandela

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Bunmi Olaye and Francis Udom were invited to Nelson Mandela’s home in Johannesburg on the 5th of July 2010. Graca Mandela then suggested Michelle Obama as a potential client for Bunmi Koko.[15][9][16]

File:Bunmi Koko and Nelson Mandela.jpg
Bunmi Olaye and Francis Udom (CEO) with Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. 2010.

Nigeria: The Road to the Centenary (1914 - 2014)

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The duo were invited to the “Nigeria: The Road to the Centenary (1914-2014)” event organised by the CEO and Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE publications, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, held at Banqueting House. This event marked the start of celebrations to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary as an amalgamated nation. Notably, Olaye and Udom met Gordon Brown on the event that took place on 28 November 2010.[33]

Royal Wedding

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Bunmi was invited by ITN to give ‘expert commentary’ on the wedding gown worn by HRH Catherine Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, on the ITV Royal Wedding Coverage during the day of HRH Prince William and Duchess Catherine Middleton's Royal Wedding. During the live interview, Bunmi also gave her fashion input about the wedding guests’ outfits with her fellow panelists. Earlier upon announcing the engagement, Bunmi Olaye was also invited by ITN to comment on the possible wedding dress The Duchess will choose for the Royal Wedding to Prince William. Bunmi was interviewed by ITN reporter Nina Nanna and the piece to camera was run all day on ITV News as part of the coverage for the announcement of the Royal engagement. [34][35]

Collaborations

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WFP:

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Following their meeting with Nelson Mandela, the brand collaborated with United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to produce products such as the Red Cup Label scarf and a MacBook case.[36] Half of the profits arising from each sale of a Bunmi Koko-designed WFP product will go towards feeding hungry children [37]


University of East London:

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Bunmi is a member of the alumni of the university and her brand Head Quarters is based in the Knowledge Dock Centre at the university. She has a close relationship with the university, as she is the Ambassador for Female Entrepreneurship of the University of East London.[38] Bunmi also represented them in the Graduate Fashion Week 2010 and caught a lot of attention from that event.[39] The brand announced their first Design & Innovation Award given to a UEL Graduate at Graduate Fashion Week 2011. The 2011 winner was UEL Graduate, Le Thuy Le Thi.[40]

RocketHub:

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RocketHub has worked with Bunmi Koko, amongst other clients, to raise funds and awareness for certain creative projects including London Fashion Week 2010. [41]


References

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  1. ^ a b Torr, Beth. "London Fashion Week A/W11: Bunmi Koko @ Vauxhall Fashion Scout | Londonist." Londonist: London News, Food, Arts & Events. 26 June 2011. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://londonist.com/2011/02/london-fashion-week-aw11-bunmi-koko-vauxhall-fashion-scout.php>
  2. ^ a b c d "From Oil Rigs to High Fashion." Press & Journal. 11 June 2010. Web. <http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1775344>
  3. ^ "Our Mission." Bunmi Koko. Web. 06 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/page/look/our_mission>
  4. ^ "Bunmi Olaye Designer Biography." Bunmi Koko. Web. 07 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/page/look/designer_biography>
  5. ^ a b Keepile, Karabo. "Clothes as Beautiful Inside as They Are outside." Mail & Guardian. 6 July 2010. Web. <http://mg.co.za/article/2010-07-06-clothes-as-beautiful-inside-they-are-outside>
  6. ^ a b c Company Profile." Bunmi Koko. Web. 06 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/page/look/company_profile> Cite error: The named reference "cp" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b c The Designer behind 'Bunmi Koko': Bunmi Olaye." The Tip Magazine. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.thetiponline.com/the-desinger-behind-bunmi-koko-bunmi-olaye> Cite error: The named reference "db" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Bunmi Olaye Designer Biography." Bunmi Koko. Web. 07 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/page/look/designer_biography>
  9. ^ a b c Dolton, Martyn. "Business Profile: Bunmi Koko." YELLOW ADVERTISER TODAY | NEWS | Dagenham School Wins Accolade. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.yellowad.co.uk/news.cfm?id=21236>
  10. ^ a b c "Bunmi Koko." Knowledge Dock. 23 Aug. 2010. Web. <http://www.knowledgedock.com/en/press_Centre/case_studies.cfm/cid/Bunmi%20Koko>
  11. ^ Ndekwu, Ijeoma. "Bunmi Koko Talks Muse; Mel B,The Geisha Reform Collection and Plans for Line | Bella Naija." Bella Naija | Catch A Fire, Naija Style! Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.bellanaija.com/2010/03/15/bunmi-koko-talks-muse-mel-b-the-geisha-reform-collection-and-plans-for-line/>
  12. ^ Ndekwu, Ijeoma. "BN Exclusive: YAFW(III) | Bella Naija." Bella Naija | Catch A Fire, Naija Style! Web. 07 June 2011. <http://www.bellanaija.com/2009/08/14/bn-exclusive-yafwiii/>
  13. ^ a b "– Bunmi Koko’s New Bridal Collection! AFRICA STYLE DAILY." AFRICA STYLE DAILY. 12 May 2011. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://africastyledaily.com/2011/05/bunmi-kokos-new-bridal-collection/>
  14. ^ "Bunmi Koko Stockists." Bunmi Koko. Web. 07 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/dyn/stockists>
  15. ^ a b c White, Donna. "Red-hot Designers Hail Scots Missionary for Inspiring African Style - The Daily Record." The Daily Record - Scotland's Newspaper. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/life/women/fashion-and-beauty/2010/08/29/red-hot-designers-hail-scots-missionary-for-inspiring-african-style-86908-22521443/>
  16. ^ a b "Bunmi Olaye Meets Nelson Mandela (Vogue.com UK)." Fashion News Daily, Catwalk Photos, Fashion Trends and Designer Looks (Vogue.com UK). Web. 27 June 2011 Cite error: The named reference "vogue" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  17. ^ Ndekwu, Ijeoma. "Bunmi Koko Unveils “Matriarchy” at 2010 Africa Fashion Week | Bella Naija." Bella Naija | Catch A Fire, Naija Style! Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.bellanaija.com/2010/07/02/bunmi-koko-unveils-matriarchy-at-2010-africa-fashion-week/>
  18. ^ "Bunmi Koko Wows Crowds at London Fashion Week AW 2011 | Flyer Newspaper."FLYER Newspaper :: Premier Urban Newspaper. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.flyernewspaper.com/2011/02/bunmi-koko-wows-crowds-at-fashion-week/>
  19. ^ a b "UEL Graduate Bunmi Koko Lights up London Fashion Wee." UEL News. UEL University of London, 23 Feb. 2011. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.uel.ac.uk/news/press_releases/BunmiLFW.htm> Cite error: The named reference "lights" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  20. ^ a b c "Awards." Bunmi Koko. Web. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/dyn/press/awards>
  21. ^ "Finalists 2010." Enterprise North East Trust | Enterprise North East Trust Business Advice and Office Accomodation Experts. Enterprise North East Trust. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.enetrust.com/Awards/GrampianAwards2010/Awards2010_Finalists10.asp>
  22. ^ "Graduate Bunmi Olaye Wins Award at Africa Fashion Week 2010 - Fashion Galleries - Telegraph." Latest Fashion News, Style Advice, Fashion Pictures, Fashion Shows - Telegraph. The Telegraph, 14 June 2011. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG7898728/Graduate-Bunmi-Olaye-wins-award-at-Africa-Fashion-Week-2010.html>
  23. ^ a b Welcome to the PRECIOUS Awards 2010. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.preciousawards.com/index.html>
  24. ^ "Bunmi Makes JP Morgan Power List on Day She Graduates." UEL News. UEL University of London, 22 Dec. 2010. Web. <http://www.uel.ac.uk/news/press_releases/Bunmipower.htm>
  25. ^ "AMFW on ITN's London Tonight, Videos | ARISE." Home | ARISE. 16 June 2011. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.arisemagazine.net/videos/amfw-on-itns-london-tonight/88792/>
  26. ^ "ID International Emerging Designer Awards." ID Dunedin Fashion Week. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.idfashion.co.nz/designers.php>
  27. ^ "Nominees." Scottish Fashion Awards. Web. <http://www.scottishfashionawards.com/nominees.php>
  28. ^ "Style Report: Africa Fashion Week 2010." Gidilounge. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.gidilounge.com/?p=5559>
  29. ^ "Events." Bunmi Koko. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.bunmikoko.com/dyn/press/events>
  30. ^ "VFS_Schedule." Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.vauxhallfashionscout.com/vfs_schedule.html>
  31. ^ "Day 2 - AMFW Schedule, Articles | ARISE." Home | ARISE. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.arisemagazine.net/articles/day-2-amfw-schedule/87730/>
  32. ^ http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/diary/wednesday_20th_july_2011_662951076.html
  33. ^ "Former Prime Minister Says He Is Proud of Bunmi, UEL’s Fashion Star and Creative Director of Bunmi Koko." UEL News. UEL University of London, 9 Dec. 2010. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.uel.ac.uk/news/press_releases/BunmiGB.htm>
  34. ^ "Bunmi Koko’s Creative Director, Bunmi Olaye Was Invited by ITN to Comment on the Possible Wedding Dress Kate Middleton Will Choose for the Royal Wedding to Prince William” The Royal Wedding Day 2011 | The Royal Wedding Day 2011. Web. 07 June 2011. <http://royalweddingday2011.com/2010/12/bunmi-kokos-creative-director-bunmi-olaye-was-invited-by-itn-to-comment-on-the-possible-wedding-dress-kate-middleton-will-choose-for-the-royal-wedding-to-prince-william-bunmi-was-approached-as-one/>
  35. ^ "TV Appearance for UEL Fashion Graduate at Royal Wedding." UEL News. UEL University of London, 9 May 2011. Web. <http://uel.ac.uk/news/press_releases/BunmiRoyalWedding.htm>
  36. ^ "Haute Couture Meets Humanity - Bunmi Koko Helps WFP Fill The Cup." WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide. Web. 06 June 2011. <http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/haute-couture-meets-humanity-bunmi-koko-helps-un-world-food-programme-fill-cup-hun>
  37. ^ Karam, Maria. "Fashion Brand Bunmi Koko Joins with UN Food Programme." The Luxury Project. 24 Feb. 2011. Web. <http://theluxuryproject.com/wp/2011/02/fashion-brand-bunmi-koko-joins-with-un-food-programme/>
  38. ^ "Minister Backs University of East London’s Drive to Support Women Entrepreneurs."UEL News. UEL University of London, 18 Nov. 2010. Web. 27 June 2011. <http://www.uel.ac.uk/news/press_releases/Womenentreps.htm>
  39. ^ "Bunmi Koko Luxuria, Art, Elegans." Review. Dockside Review - The Annual 2010: 33. UEL. Web. <http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=Q1b5kY30P0g7&EID=4d776e15-8b71-4106-9241-854312a71649&skip=>
  40. ^ "UEL Fashion Stars Shine at Opening Show of Graduate Fashion Week." UEL News. UEL University of London, 7 June 2011. Web. 14 June 2011
  41. ^ "Project: Bunmi Koko London Fashion Week Launch 2010." RocketHub. Web. 08 June 2011. <http://www.rockethub.com/projects/336-bunmi-koko-london-fashion-week-launch-2010>
[edit]
  • Official Bunmi Koko website www.bunmikoko.com


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