by Sola Fasasi

“How deflating to walk into a room to find someone wearing the same outfit!” Kiki Kamanu says. For the designer, the face of her eponymous label and a true restless soul, the above statement guides her every piece – she ensures that each stands out from the crowd.

She speaks: “The Kiki Kamanu motto was stirred by the fascinating life of a moor named Ziryab who lived in the 8th century  Baghdad and Andalusia. Truly ahead of his time, Ziryab is credited with the introduction of the open toed sandal, the change in wardrobe we enjoy per season, fringes (bangs) in the hair, the modern day stringed instrument, the lute, and a string of other firsts. Kiki Kamanu is constantly motivated by Ziryab’s spirit of originality, creativity and vision and continues to channel him for inspiration as she designs her pieces.”

Kiki Kamanu has worked with a range of clients including Stephanie Okereke, Omawumi Megbele, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Genevieve, TW Magazine, Boston Globe, MADE, élan, ‘Face of Sleek’, Reeds and the Society for Performing Arts of Nigeria (SPAN), among a string of others.

We present Kiki Kamanu’s collection from the Fashion Mavericks Showcase at the Strand Palace Hotel, from the recently concluded London Fashion Week.