Born in Lagos in the 1980’s, Banke Kuku moved to the United Kingdom at the age of eight. At the age of 19, Banke graduated from Central St Martins College and then Chelsea College of Art and Design, having gained a bachelor degree in Textiles. 

Prior to launching her eponymous label, Banke worked at a number of international  fashion houses and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild, assisting with fabric design for the Royal collection which showcased at Buckingham Palace. She also launched an interior design arm to her business which attracted orders from prestigious customers such as Selfridges, Aynhoe Park Hotel Oxford, Le Bon Marche Paris, and Bazar et Grande Manger Tokyo.

In 2019, Banke Kuku opened her Lagos boutique for women where she debuted her first womenswear and accessories collection. This was followed by the launch of her e-commerce store in 2020 and inclusion of childrenswear in 2021. Combined with local  and international stockists and specialty retailers, it works in unison to bring her collections to a global audience.  

Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke takes inspiration from the cultural of her years spent in London and Lagos, which has heavily influenced her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact. 

Banke Kuku’s designs have been featured in leading publications around the world,  including Stylist Magazine, where she was described as one of the best modern female fashion designers, to Vogue, Marie Claire UK, and Gold Times. She received the Eko 100 Women Award in 2021 for her “unending commitment to a more equal and equitable world."  

The designer was invited to host a pop-up at the prestigious Soho House in London, 2021; the sold out event was described as one of their most successful fashion pop- up  yet. The launch of the “Jungle Fever" collection attracted interest from online retailer  Moda Operandi and was selected to showcase at Dubai Expo 2020 with Arise Fashion Week, where her designs were worn by top models Alton Mason and Naomi Campbell. 

In 2022, Banke Kuku became the first Nigerian designer to be stocked at Galeries  Lafayette Doha. The groundbreaking trajectory of the brand led to a global, dynamic partnership between Banke Kuku and A-List actress Gabrielle Union. Developed as a celebration of both Banke Kuku’s and Gabrielle Union’s combined impact on fashion and  greater culture, the capsule collection was released in October 2022. The collection was first previewed at Lagos Fashion Week, alongside the highly anticipated Spring Summer 2022 collection which has been featured in Vogue Business, The Citizen and WWD.