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Oluwabunmi Bolawa’s Journey as an Entrepreneur: The Challenges and Successes in Building a Fashion Brand

The fashion world has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 21st century, and Africa has played an increasingly central role in shaping that evolution. A continent once overlooked in global fashion circuits is now home to some of the most daring, innovative, and culturally resonant designers of our time. These trailblazers are not only redefining aesthetics but also rewriting the business models of fashion through sustainability, heritage preservation, and authentic storytelling. Among this new generation of bold creators stands Oluwabunmi Bolawa, the visionary entrepreneur and Creative Director behind Nella Stitches, a brand that has steadily risen to become synonymous with elegance, innovation, and purpose. Her entrepreneurial journey is one marked by resilience, originality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of fashion. The Vision Behind Nella Stitches Founded with a mission to bridge sustainability and cultural storytelling, Nella Stitches was born out of Oluwabunmi’s desire to challenge the norms of fashion both in Nigeria and globally. At the heart of her vision lies a deep-rooted appreciation for African heritage, particularly the rich traditions of the South West region of Nigeria. Her collections feature bold patterns, daring silhouettes, and unique fabric pairings that reflect the dynamic duality of African modernity and ancestral pride. Unlike many fashion entrepreneurs who launch their brands within the comfort of established industry hubs, Oluwabunmi began her journey outside the mainstream, away from the glamour of Lagos Island where fashion titans like Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Abba Folawiyo dominate. Instead, she started with little more than passion and grit, challenging the idea that creativity must reside within elite circles. Overcoming Structural and Cultural Barriers Breaking into Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry was not easy. The structural challenges were immense, limited access to capital, sourcing sustainable materials locally, and navigating a fragmented supply chain. Additionally, Lagos’s fashion elite often gatekeep opportunities, making it particularly difficult for designers without influential connections to get noticed. Despite these odds, Oluwabunmi refused to be sidelined. She embraced her outsider status as a strength, crafting designs inspired by underrepresented voices and regional aesthetics. She infused South West narratives into her collections, giving voice to communities often left out of the luxury fashion conversation. One of her most powerful decisions was to champion sustainable fashion. With the fashion industry accounting for 8–10% of global carbon emissions (according to the United Nations), Oluwabunmi made a conscious choice to use recycled and repurposed materials. Her approach was not only ethical but also creative, proving that sustainability can elevate design rather than restrict it. Rising Above the Noise As the brand gained visibility, Nella Stitches began appearing in national and international runway shows. Her unique blend of high-fashion techniques and cultural relevance struck a chord with diverse audiences from local fashion enthusiasts to global buyers. Yet, with rising acclaim came new challenges. One persistent issue has been design theft. Like many African designers, Oluwabunmi faced the disheartening reality of having her original designs copied and mass-produced without credit. It’s a battle that many creatives in the Global South continue to fight, where legal protections for intellectual property are weak or poorly enforced. Still, her response was not retreat but reinvention. Oluwabunmi doubled down on her authenticity, further investing in storytelling, transparency, and direct engagement with her audience. Her loyal client base comprised of celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning customers grew not just because of the beauty of her garments but because of the brand’s integrity and purpose. Expansion Beyond Borders In a bold strategic move, Nella Stitches expanded operations and relocated its headquarters to South Africa, positioning the brand at the intersection of African continental influence and global export potential. From this new base, the label now serves clients across Africa, Europe, and North America. The South African fashion scene, known for its progressive industry policies and appreciation for indigenous artistry, has provided fertile ground for Oluwabunmi’s continued growth. Nella Stitches collaborates with local artisans, trains young designers, and participates in global sustainability forums redefining what it means to be a modern African fashion house. Entrepreneurial Success with a Human Touch What sets Oluwabunmi apart is not just her design talent, but her entrepreneurial mindset. She has built a thriving business without compromising her values. Her leadership is hands-on and community-driven. Whether mentoring upcoming designers or advocating for circular fashion systems, Oluwabunmi continues to inspire a new generation of ethical fashion leaders. Her story is proof that entrepreneurship is not only about profit but about purpose. She took adversity, limited resources, industry bias, and environmental crisis and turned them into creative fuel. Nella Stitches is more than a brand; it is a movement that calls for intentional, conscious fashion built on identity, sustainability, and resilience. Looking Ahead The African fashion industry is teeming with potential, but it remains a space with structural inequalities and untapped opportunities. Designers like Oluwabunmi Bolawa are the vanguard of this new wave merging business acumen with cultural intelligence. As her influence continues to grow, Oluwabunmi remains committed to transforming lives through fashion. Her story is not just one of individual success but a powerful reflection of what is possible when vision meets perseverance. We can only expect to see more groundbreaking collections, industry-defining collaborations, and social impact from this exceptional designer in the years to come

Sandra Odige, CEO of La Mode Receives Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications At Chichester United kingdom!

Sandra Odige, esteemed media entrepreneur, visionary fashion leader, and CEO of La Mode Group UK, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications by Myles Leadership University. The prestigious ceremony was held at the historic Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex, United Kingdom on July 19th. This remarkable honor recognizes Odige’s outstanding contributions to media, fashion, communication, and cultural advocacy over the past decade. As the Publisher and Founder of La Mode Magazine and a trailblazer for women in media, Sandra has reshaped the fashion media landscape with bold storytelling, purpose-driven campaigns, and a global platform that champions inclusion, empowerment, and African excellence. From launching La Mode Magazine in 2011 while still in banking, to building La Mode Group UK into an international brand, Sandra Odige has consistently combined creativity, leadership, and vision. Her work in media and communications has not only influenced industry trends but has also empowered underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Green October Event and Disability Inclusion Campaigns. “This recognition is deeply humbling,” said Dr. Sandra Odige during the ceremony. “It reaffirms my lifelong mission to use media as a tool for transformation. I’m grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the global community that continues to support and amplify our message.” The honorary doctorate from Myles Leadership University places Sandra Odige among a select group of leaders recognized for shaping the future of media and communication across borders. About Sandra Odige Sandra Odige is an award-winning media entrepreneur, fashion advocate, and global speaker. She is the Founder and Publisher of La Mode Magazine and the CEO of La Mode Group UK. Her work spans across Africa, the UK, and internationally, empowering thousands through fashion, storytelling, and philanthropy. About Myles Leadership University Myles Leadership University is an independent institution committed to recognizing excellence and leadership in global education, innovation, and service. The university honors individuals who have made significant societal contributions through honorary doctorate recognitions.

Adekunle Gold Launches 5 Star Care to Support 1,000 Sickle Cell Warriors in Lagos

Adekunle Gold just took “5 Star” from a personal anthem to a public promise—and it’s one that could change lives. You might know him as the hitmaker with golden vocals and a taste for sharp tailoring, but if you’ve been paying attention, you know there’s more to his story. In 2022, AG Baby opened up about living with sickle cell disease—a moment that didn’t just connect him to fans on a deeper level, but made clear just how much strength he’s been carrying all along. Now, he’s using that story to make a tangible impact. To mark World Sickle Cell Day (June 19), the singer introduced 5 Star Care, a new initiative under the Adekunle Gold Foundation that will provide free health insurance to 1,000 sickle cell warriors in Lagos. Yes—real help, not just words. “Today is World Sickle Cell Day,” he shared in a video. “And today, I’m proud to announce something that’s deeply personal to me.” With 5 Star Care, the goal is simple: make sure people living with sickle cell feel seen, supported, and safe. The programme isn’t just symbolic—it’s survival. Sickle cell disease, a genetic condition that alters red blood cells into a painful crescent shape, often leads to extreme fatigue, chronic pain, and life-threatening complications. Access to consistent medical care can be the difference between struggle and stability. With this launch, Adekunle Gold isn’t just spreading awareness—he’s making moves. It’s the kind of effort that turns vulnerability into empowerment, and lyrics into legacy. Watch him speak more about the programme and what it means to him on Instagram.

University of Westminster BA Fashion Design Class of 2025 Stuns with Bold Graduate Collections

If you ever need a reminder that the future of fashion is in extremely capable (and chaotic) hands, look no further than the University of Westminster’s BA Fashion Design Class of 2025. Their graduate collections debuted on Friday, June 13 at London’s Ambika P3—and as expected, it wasn’t just a runway. It was a reset. This annual show has carved out a cult following in the London fashion scene, consistently turning out bold, unfiltered visions that push way past the polish of commercial fashion week fare. And this year? It doubled down. From visceral storytelling to outfit-as-architecture moments, the Class of 2025 came with something to say—and the technical range to back it up. Westminster’s grads have form. Remember when the uni opened London Fashion Week in 2023? Yeah. That same energy pulsed through this year’s show, with collections that felt part protest, part personal diary, and part experimental film still. Think: dismembered tailoring, dystopian romance, oversized puff volumes, club kid escapism, new-age minimalism, and silhouettes that made you squint (in a good way). Each look felt like it came from a brain that’s spent the last three years trying to out-design the apocalypse. And somehow, it worked. Notable standouts included Xiaoting Chen’s precision draping, Angelika Deopante’s anatomical tailoring, and KJ Tantivachyanon’s sculptural forms. Paris Otuyelu, Rachel Ahonaruogho, and Misa Ricchiuti brought cultural hybridity into focus, while Lily Rose Murphy and Rosa Bonner-Morgan reminded us that sometimes the loudest look is the one that dares to be delicate. And yes—the casting, styling, and staging all snapped. From the music to the motion, everything felt intentional, yet refreshingly unvarnished. These weren’t just student collections—they were thesis statements with seams. So what do you do after watching 30+ designers drop graduate collections this rich in visual language? You screenshot. You obsess. You start thinking about what they’ll do next. Because if this is Westminster’s Class of 2025, then fashion’s future is looking deeply strange—and seriously exciting.

Damilola Adegbite’s Dress Game Is Two for Two — and We’re Still Not Over It

Listen. At this point, Damilola Adegbite could host a masterclass in “How to Shut It Down in a Floor-Sweeping Train.” Twice now, she’s stepped out draped in ethereal, sheer drama—and both times, we’ve saved, zoomed in, and screamed “add to moodboard” like our lives depended on it. Let’s rewind to the 11th AMVCA, where she floated in wearing a nude mesh gown that knew exactly what it was doing. The neckline? Deep and plunging. The slit? High and purposeful. The vibe? Regal, thanks to that choker-style neckline that said “yes, I came to collect crowns.” With gold heels peeking through and a sleek, pulled-back hair moment, it was giving grown, glam, and gorgeously unbothered. And then came her 40th birthday. Now, some people do cake and dinner. Damilola? She did full-on goddess energy in a champagne-gold, crystal-drenched gown that looked like it was stitched by angels with good taste. The sweetheart neckline, the sculpted bodice, the train that went on forever—it was the kind of look that says, “I didn’t just turn 40. I rebranded it.” So, AMVCA glow or birthday brilliance? We’re not choosing. We’re greedy like that. Give us both. Print them. Frame them. Manifest them into our lives. Check out the looks below and prepare to fall in love twice. Photo Credit: Damilola Adegbite/Instagram

Royal Ascot Isn’t Just a Horse Race—It’s a Fashion Power Play with a 200-Year Head Start

Forget Coachella. Ditch the Kentucky Derby. If you want hats the size of dinner tables, necklines that bow to royal protocol, and celebrities who whisper instead of scream “look at me,” Royal Ascot is the moment. Every June, Britain’s most stylish week gallops into view at Ascot Racecourse, turning what should be a traditional equestrian tournament into a full-blown fashion editorial—complete with top hats, tailcoats, and paparazzi-proof fascinators. But make no mistake: this isn’t just about vibes. It’s history. So, what is Royal Ascot really? Held in Ascot, England (about an hour outside London), Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing event—and yes, the horses are fast, but it’s the fashion that truly steals the show. The event dates back to 1711, thanks to Queen Anne, who founded Ascot Racecourse because she loved horses (and probably a bit of glam too). The actual “Royal Ascot” as we know it began in 1807, with the now-iconic Gold Cup trophy. Today, the event still starts each day with a royal procession, a flex King George IV started back in 1825—and you better believe it still goes strong. Also? The venue is still Crown property. Regal, right? The dress code? Oh, it’s not just a suggestion. This is not the event to pull a Zendaya Met Gala entrance in nothing but concept. Royal Ascot has rules, and depending on which enclosure you’re in, you might need to channel your inner Bridgerton extra or just your Sunday best. Here’s the fashion breakdown: But really, who shows up? Besides horses? British royalty—and lots of it. Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted regular (and let’s be honest, the event basically lost a bit of its sparkle when she passed). But don’t cry yet—Kate Middleton keeps the crown polished, and Princess Diana’s legacy still floats in every polka-dot moment. Celebs like Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, and Helen Mirren have all dropped by in the past, keeping things glitzy without ever crossing the line into “Hollywood red carpet.” Royal Ascot is less “look at me” and more “behold this refined slay.” Royal Ascot Looks That Still Live Rent-Free in Our Heads: 1934 Elsa Schiaparelli went surrealist and bold when bold wasn’t even trending yet. 1955 Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret brought ‘50s cloche hat realness. 1990 Princess Diana in pink and purple Catherine Walker? Yes, mother. 2018 Meghan Markle’s minimalist Givenchy gown + Philip Treacy hat = chef’s kiss. 2021 The Queen’s mint ensemble with her mother’s Cartier brooch? Iconic until the very end. 2022 Kate Middleton channeled Diana again in polka dots by Alessandra Rich and a hat by Sally-Ann Provan. Say less. If you’re attending this year (Royal Ascot runs June 17–21), make sure you check the rules and bring your A-game. And if you’re not? Well, stay tuned—because we’ll be rating every hat, every hemline, and every royal wave.