How This Young Designer Ended Up Dressing Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Monét
In a world where fashion often feels like a static landscape dotted with the same familiar names, Michelle Adepoju is a breath of fresh air. This young designer, who has turned her passion into a thriving business, is redefining what luxury can mean in the fashion industry. With her innovative brand, Kílẹ̀ńtàr, Adepoju is not only making waves; she’s creating a tsunami.
Raised in the UK in a Nigerian immigrant family, Adepoju’s love for fashion ignited at an early age. As a teenager, she found joy in rummaging through thrift stores, crafting unique clothing pieces that spoke to her identity and creativity. But it wasn’t until a transformative post-college trip to Western Africa that she realized the potential of her hobby. Surrounded by the rich tapestry of her heritage, she felt a surge of inspiration that pushed her to take a leap of faith—melding her designs with the traditional techniques of African artisans.
Launched in 2019, Kílẹ̀ńtàr reflects a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and time-honored African craftsmanship. With pieces ranging from luxurious gowns to eye-catching swimwear and intricate jewelry, Adepoju makes it clear that luxury isn’t solely the domain of established Western brands like Chanel or Hermès. “We are putting African craftsmanship on the map for luxury fashion,” she states, underscoring her mission to elevate and celebrate the beauty of her heritage.
Her vision has already captivated an impressive clientele, including A-list celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Monét. These icons have donned Kílẹ̀ńtàr designs, helping Adepoju carve a niche for her brand in an industry that has long overlooked the latent potential found within African aesthetics. Each piece she creates tells a story, one that speaks to the dynamic nature of modern luxury while honoring traditional craftsmanship.
In 2024, Adepoju took her rightful place among the fashion elite by debuting her designs at New York Fashion Week. This milestone not only cements her status as a designer to watch but also serves as a testament to her relentless drive and creativity. For Adepoju, the runway isn’t just a platform for fashion—it’s a stage to showcase the rich cultural narratives that inspire her work.
As she continues to rise, Michelle Adepoju exemplifies the power of following one’s passion and embracing one’s heritage. In doing so, she is paving the way for future generations of designers, proving that the intersection of cultural identity and contemporary fashion can create a truly revolutionary brand, one that resonates not just in the realm of aesthetics, but in the celebration of cultural richness and diversity.
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Video “How This Young Designer Ended Up Dressing Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka And Victoria Monet” was uploaded on 06/02/2025 to Dailymotion Channel Forbes