At 29, Michelle Adepoju is redefining luxury fashion by blending her British-Nigerian heritage with traditional African craftsmanship. Her brand, KÍLÈNTÁR, has emerged as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and cultural pride in the fashion industry. Pulse NigeriaForbes+11Essence+11Essence+11
Growing up in the UK, Adepoju developed a passion for fashion early on, often reimagining thrift store finds into unique pieces. This creative spark led her to explore the rich textile traditions of West Africa, inspiring the launch of KÍLÈNTÁR in 2019. InStyle+10Hello Beautiful+10Black Girls Bond+10
KÍLÈNTÁR, meaning “What are you selling?” in Yoruba, pays homage to the vibrant marketplace culture and the artisans who sustain it. Adepoju collaborates closely with female artisans in Nigeria, incorporating hand-woven and hand-dyed materials like Aso Oke and Adiré into her designs. Pulse Nigeria+1africanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.uk+1
In 2024, Adepoju made a significant mark on the global fashion scene with her debut at New York Fashion Week. Her collection, “Mama Ìbẹ́ta,” celebrated African craftsmanship and ethical fashion practices, featuring garments handwoven, dyed, and beaded by skilled women artisans. All News Black Womenafricanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.uk+3Hello Beautiful+3Black Girls Bond+3
The collection radiated Black beauty and femininity, with bright colors, flowing fabrics, and elegant silhouettes. Adepoju’s designs told a compelling story of culture, heritage, and sustainability, resonating with audiences and critics alike. Hello Beautiful+2All News Black Women+2Black Girls Bond+2All News Black Women+2Black Girls Bond+2Hello Beautiful+2
Adepoju’s work has garnered attention from high-profile clients, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Monét. Her commitment to ethical fashion and cultural storytelling has positioned KÍLÈNTÁR as a leading voice in the industry. africanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.uk+1Forbes+1Forbes+10Black Girls Bond+10Hello Beautiful+10
Meanwhile, Adepoju is passionate about empowering women artisans and preserving traditional techniques. She credits her mother as a source of inspiration, teaching her resilience and grace—values that permeate her brand’s ethos. africanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.uk+3Hello Beautiful+3Black Girls Bond+3Black Girls Bond+1Hello Beautiful+1
Adepoju’s journey reflects a broader movement in the fashion industry towards inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Her success underscores the potential of African craftsmanship on the global stage.africanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.ukForbes+1africanetwork.jbs.cam.ac.uk+1
As KÍLÈNTÁR continues to grow, Adepoju remains committed to her vision: creating luxury fashion that honors heritage, empowers communities, and tells meaningful stories.InStyle+11Essence+11Black Girls Bond+11
Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers and entrepreneurs, illustrating the power of passion, innovation, and cultural pride.
