Bridging Aso
Rachael Adegoke
This Collection fuses the vibrant culture and material language of my Nigerian heritage with the tailoring codes of British menswear in this exciting collection. Creating a sophisticated and contemporary dialogue around Black dandyism for a mature audience. Rooted in both nostalgia and modernity, the collection explores Art, heritage, and Cultural expression through a cross-cultural lens, balancing expressive craftsmanship with timeless wearability. Referencing
contemporary Nigerian Art and archival portraits of folk attire contrasting these against relaxed British ‘Henley Regatta’ suiting.
Inspired by Nigerian folk tales that guide, comfort, and frighten, the collection translates oral storytelling traditions into layered tactile expression, creating garments that feel both ceremonial and effortless.
Referencing the work of Ben Enwonwu and the Zaria Art Society, custom beaded lace embellishments and silhouettes are created that echo the rhythm and complexity of mid-century Nigerian Art.
Discarded materials are transformed through craftsmanship and care into covetable leather bags creating the final dynamic, cross-cultural link between London and Lagos.
Ultimately, the collection presents a vision of contemporary menswear that is emotionally resonant, culturally rooted, and quietly radical: one that honours heritage while redefining the codes of British Tailoring, through a modern cross-cultural lens
As a recent Menswear graduate specialising in tailoring and outerwear, Rachael is eager to contribute her skills, creativity, and passion for craftsmanship to a brand whose heritage and values closely align with her own.
Her design practice is rooted in a deep appreciation for British classic menswear traditions. Working within environments at Simone Rocha, S.S Daley and Labrum London enhanced her understanding of garment development, construction, research, communication and collaborative design processes. Throughout her studies, she has sought to celebrate and preserve the craftsmanship of embroidery and the codes of tailoring that form the foundation of modern menswear.
