#Bunmi Koko

[velvetrunway]

Bunmi Koko SS 12

Posted by go-kitsch

[go-kitsch]

Bunmi Koko S/S 12

[bunmiolaye]

Throwback Moments! A happy moment just after my fashion show. Backstage at Fashion Scout, Freemasons Hall 2011.

Photo credits: David Brunetti

[africafwl-blog]

[rockethub]

Crowdfunding a London Fashion Week Showcase with Bunmi Koko

I recently chatted with the team of Bunmi Koko, a fashion and art label in London about their crowdfunding project. Their campaign aims to bring their innovative designs to London Fashion Week. Here is what they had to say:

  1. What was the inspiration to your latest fashion project "Bunmi Koko London Fashion Week Launch"? Why is it important to you?

We have been building up to this moment ever since the brand Bunmi Koko was founded in March 2009. This collection, entitled Matriarchy, which we will be showing at the launch during London Fashion Week is a very personal collection for us, as it is inspired by the incredible story of Mary Slessor, who is CEO, and designer Bunmi Olaye's partner, Francis Udom's great-great-grandmother. Mary Slessor was a Scottish missionary in Nigeria who fought for the rights of women and twins, who were traditionally considered evil and left to die at birth. Francis's great-grandmother was one of a pair of twins that Mary Slessor personally saved and brought back to Scotland where she raised them. Bunmi has taken this story and transformed it into a beautiful collection that features the cultural fusion between Nigeria and Scotland and communicates empowerment and strength.

The research into not only a incredible story, but into our own heritage that was necessary for this collection made us incredibly attached to and proud of our work. Showing at London Fashion Week is an unbelievable opportunity for a young brand like us, so it is extremely important for us to have the chance to present our work, and begin our dream of building Bunmi Koko.

2. How are you reaching out to your fans? How has the response been?

We have been using any and every tool we can think of to get the word out: Facebook, Twitter, email, blogs, universities, our website, word of mouth. We reached out to family and friends and encouraged them to get involved and help spread the word. We have been trying to start a buzz that hopefully will grow enough for us to reach our goal! People have been so wonderful and generous so far, but we're going to need a lot more help to raise the money we need.

3. What has it been like as a crowdfunding pioneer in fashion world?

It has been exciting taking part in crowdfunding, and seeing family, friends, and fans getting involved from all over the world! Nobody that we know of in the fashion industry is doing this on the scale of London Fashion Week. It's so difficult, and so much hard work as a fashion brand to gain the opportunity to join the ranks of the designers showing during London Fashion Week, and for us we would never be able to accept that honour without the support of our fans. The people who have been helping us on RocketHub really are actively building a dream, and directly taking part in the success of Bunmi Koko and hope of young designers everywhere.

4. What advice would you give to other Creatives looking to crowdfund their projects?

Give it a try, it can't hurt! But know that it is still hard work. You need to be creative, get the word out as much as possible and reach out to the people you can count on. Be bold, be ambitious, and see how rewarding it feels to see how much everyone is supporting you.

Be sure to check out their project and the great design work they've created.

Brian Meece

[continentcreative]

selections of Bunmi Koko's last runway presentation -- SS12.  Right on trend with tangerine orange and the warmth of yellow.

[afriversal-blog]

This has to be one of my faves, It's like firework, electric energy spewing out of the fabric. Hmmm....

Bunmi Koko’s AW11 Kaleidoscopia Collection at London Fashion Week. 

For more Pieces and Review Visit Afriversal: http://www.afriversal.com/2012/03/bunmi-koko-aw11-in-touch-with-the-wild-side/

[thegidigirl]

Bunmi Koko Auntumn Winter 2011

[stylishlymine-blog]

STYLE IS: GEOMETRIC!

BUNMI KOKO

[velvetrunway]

Bunmi Koko F/W 2011-12

[blackpearlpr-blog]

Amor

[bunmiolaye]

My Archives: My very last collection for Bunmi Koko. Spring/Summer 2012 at AFI Africa Fashion Week, Joburg, October 2011.

It is great to look back at your work, reflect & ponder on the pieces that worked best, what you loved the most and what you want to carry forward into the next season. I am designing again and it is so much fun!!

[giftedandtalentedforthefutu-blog]

Future Diamond: Daphine (Model)

Gifted: Hello Daphne. Very happy to meet you.

DaphIne: Hi.

Gifted: So give us a brief history as to how you got into the world of modelling?

Daphine: Well I started modelling at 18 so I've been doing it for 3 years now. I was first scouted at 21 by my Old agent at the Notting Hill Carnival. I went from one agency, to another, to another until I was introduced to Elite Models in London.

Gifted: Wow, so you're now with the top modelling agencies in the WORLD. What do you love about Elite Models London?

Daphine: Well, they're very professional and 'bang on point. They know what they want and what they're looking for.

Gifted: Who's your inspiration in modelling?

Daphine: Urm, I don't really have one. I can name a few but I wouldn't consider them an inspiration.

Gifted: Do you think that the fashion industry should embrace designers and models from all ethnicities, cultures etc.

Daphine: Well yes..London has people from different cultures, countries and ethnicities and this has influenced London fashion alot so the culture of London fashion should be represented on the catwalks.

Gifted: Which designers are you loving at the moment?

Daphine: Bunmi Koko! I remember when she done her first fashion show after her graduation. She put on her own show! Her first debut collection was amazing. I thought to myself, if she's producing designs like that; imagine what type of innovative designs she'd be producing now.

Gifted: Any accessory designers you're loving?

Daphine: Jewels by Lisa.

Gifted: Okay, cool. Can people found out more about you?

Daphine: Yes, you can find me on Twitter: @dap_tony

Gifted: And finally, any shoutouts?

Daphine: Yeah, big up to...only joking (laughs). Shoutout to my mum, family, Black Pearl, my agencies Elite & Fusion and everybody that knows me!

[sartorialgold-blog]

Designer Spotlight

Africa Fashion Week: Bunmi Koko

[afriversal-blog]

There's something so Futuristic about this look. Loving the Shades

Bunmi Koko's AW11 Kaleidoscopia Collection at London Fashion Week. 

For more Pieces and Review Visit Afriversal: http://www.afriversal.com/2012/03/bunmi-koko-aw11-in-touch-with-the-wild-side/

[pushitmagazine-blog]

Bunmi Koko | Spring / Summer 2012 Fashion Collection