“Why I Chose Omoluwabi By KB” – Revered Publisher Kunle Bakare Explains His Foray Into Fashion

One of the nation’s most respected publishers, Kunle Bakare, has shared insights into why he has chosen to blaze a new trail in fashion with Omoluwabi by KB.

The renowned journalist, famously known as one of the two partners who established Nigeria’s most civil celebrity journal, Encomium Magazine, gave details in a question-and-answer session titled “The Difference Between Being Well-Dressed and Exceptionally Well-Dressed.”

Q – You are better known as a frontline journalist and writer for the last 37 years—from Prime People to Vintage People, Classique, Crown Prince and Fame Weekly. You even published Encomium, organised awards and staged events (White Gig, Green and White Groove, and the Black and White Ball).

Why fashion?

A – Human beings are multi-talented, extraordinarily gifted, and capable of undertaking diverse occupations at the highest level.

Remember, Gianfranco Ferre, the renowned designer, was an architect; the highly talented Brazilian footballer Socrates was a doctor.

Fashion and style have always had a consuming and unique spot in my life. And I am happy to turn it into a gainful engagement with enormous value for our patrons.

Q – Why Omoluwabi for a brand name?

A – I wanted a name that captures the ethos of good form (which the world needs in massive doses): a word that resonates with progressive people.

And Omoluwabi—the cultural and philosophical concept which promotes courage, decorum, dignity, diligence, empathy, honesty, integrity, loyalty, tolerance, understanding and wisdom, among other virtues—passed the test. It defines the essence of a human being. 

For us, the Yoruba, Omoluwabi (omo ti oluwa bi: the child begotten by the chief of virtues), is everything. 

I wanted the brand name to be more than eponymous (Kunle Bakare); to tell our story, to present who we are.

So, I chose Omoluwabi by KB. 

My friends call me KB (right from my early days as a journalist).

Q – What’s the brand about?

A – It’s about high elegance, slow fashion and classic ensembles. Slow as opposed to fast, disposable fashion.

We are about timeless ensembles for business and ceremonies—from white tie and morning dress ensembles, tuxedo and formal suits, agbada and kaftans, to caps and other accessories.

We concentrate on ensembles for gentlemen comfortable in their skin, who are after elegance—not brand names. You know the best tailors across the globe are not the famous brands we all covet.

Our attires are tailored to serve you for years.

How did the journey begin?

From a tender age, from 10 when I bought my birthday ensembles at Kingsway Stores (and I’ve worn a wristwatch since then).

Fashion was a spellbinding preoccupation because my parents loved clothes. There was a time my Mum made clothes almost every week. And my Dad had a collection of over three hundred caps (displayed in what we called a showcase then).

As a teenager, I was drawn to tailors, running errands for them in exchange for their services. I even had an off-white 3-piece suit made for me by one of them (when I was in my early teens). I could use the interlocking machine to weave the edges of fabrics (and the tailors were too happy to leave me with the boring task).

I lived around tailors. I even had a fashion outfit in my late teens, trying to sell a few shirts here and there.

I’ve always tried to make my clothes (explaining what I had in mind to tailors).

I liked being around designers and clothiers—from Messrs Tex Egbedi (Texen), Lanre Ogunlesi (Sofisticat), David Kolawole Vaughan (Dakova), Godwin Mekwuye (Vivid Imagination), Benny Obaze (Bevista), Adeolu Adeboye (Wisemen Apparel), Kennedy Alogaga (L’uomo) to Ifeanyi Okonkwo (Message), MUDI Africa (Mudiaga Enajemo) and Vans Kere (Evans Akere), among many.

As a journalist, I interviewed many designers, tailors and clothiers.

Q – When did you decide to turn the interest into a business?

A – It was in the first quarter of 2018. I’ve always consulted for friends on style, what to buy and where. I introduced them to my tailors and took them to where they could purchase suits or accessories. I was the go-to man. They even asked me to buy things for them whenever I travelled. Or, they met up with me abroad while I took them to stores and ateliers. Friends even sometimes bought things I was wearing!

And on this occasion in 2018, a friend needed to make caps for himself and a partner (for a ceremony). It was urgent. I went to work and delivered.

At this time, I was already slowing down my journalism career. I was not satisfied with a few things. I asked myself, ‘why don’t I make a business of this fashion and style thing I did for free? Why can’t I offer a collection of caps that can be worn for events (and eliminate or reduce the need to buy aso ebi caps for ceremonies)?’

I started offering ten aso oke caps in different colours and designs (handmade embroidery). And I introduced the package to my friends and acquaintances. It was a winner!

I labelled the caps Omoluwabi.

Then, the kaftans followed (when a legal luminary wanted a copy of the gbajumo kaftan—shin-length with a band-collar under shirt—I wore to a lecture/birthday ceremony at Yaba College of Technology). 

My oil company MD friend (who ordered the two caps earlier) inspired Omoluwabi (and he’s still one of my biggest clients).

I planned to expand the business, but COVID-19 truncated my goals. However, we are fully back now, taking one step at a time.

Our most ambitious package is the morning dress and white tie ensembles launched in the second quarter of 2022 (following a massive demand by my friends). It’s a complete package offering items from head to toe (except undergarments).

Turning Omoluwabi by KB into a business is a multi-dimensional story because too many episodes led to it.

Q – What’s on offer?

A – Everything a discerning gentleman who’s already in the best-dressed league desires. We elevate elegance—from top to toe for business and ceremonial ensembles.

Q – What are you doing differently?

A – Everything! We bring more added values to the equation.

Our offer includes literature on the ensembles’ history and how to wear and care for them. And also beautiful packages to store your garments and accessories.

Q – Why should I come to you?

A – So you can join the league of extraordinary gentlemen who won’t cut corners, who has outgrown labels and logos, who wants to remain on the best-dressed list, and settle comfortably among connoisseurs of high, elegant style. You should come to Omoluwabi by KB because you know ‘the difference between well-dressed and exceptionally well-dressed.’