In a time when fashion is increasingly about storytelling, few designers are telling stories as boldly or as beautifully as Benard Samuel. With its latest collection, the Nigerian fashion house once again proves that African fabrics are not just heritage, they are haute.
From the richly symbolic Nsibidi Set to the sun-drenched brilliance of the Oge Ihekando Set, Benard Samuel continues to blur the lines between culture, craft, and contemporary design. Each piece is a deliberate conversation between past and present, rooted in African tradition but tailored for the global stage.
The Akwete Set: Woven Legacy
Paying homage to the storied Akwete weaving tradition from southeastern Nigeria, the Akwete Set is a standout. Traditionally handwoven by women, the fabric carries generations of symbolism. Benard Samuel reinterprets this legacy through sharp tailoring and thoughtful design, transforming the cloth into a structured yet fluid ensemble that feels both ceremonial and street-ready.
The Oge Ihekando Set: Spice and Sunshine
Vibrant in yellow and red, the Oge Ihekando Set (translated as “Time of Beauty”) is a radiant tribute to African vibrancy and joy. Designed with travel in mind, the set features clean lines and effortless movement, making it perfect for city streets or seaside escapes. The palette, reminiscent of marigold petals and sunlit spice markets, embodies the warmth and power of the African sun, bold, unapologetic, and full of life.
Odi n’Ocha Set: Ombré Sophistication
Crafted in a luxurious silver to black ombré fabric, the Odi n’Ocha Set glides with elegance. Whether in its flowing dress or coordinated two-piece form, it’s a piece made for movement, soft yet structured, delicate yet commanding. It speaks to the duality of modern African womanhood: graceful, powerful, and entirely her own.
The Nsibidi Set: A Language of Style
Perhaps the most philosophically grounded piece in the collection, the Nsibidi Set is a wearable canvas of ancient West African symbolism. Each hand-drawn symbol reflects a value central to the BSC: unity, wisdom, courage, journey, and balance. In this look, fashion becomes code. Not just an outfit, but an identity. A statement of pride and personal philosophy.
Global Fashion, African Fabric
At the heart of Benard Samuel’s design language is a steadfast belief: African fabrics deserve a permanent place in the global wardrobe, not as trend-driven novelties, but as timeless, versatile staples. This collection proves it. Akwete, Adire, lace, and ombré silks are crafted into pieces that could hold space on any runway from Lagos to Paris, Accra to Milan.
The label’s founder puts it simply: “We don’t create for a moment. We create for legacy.” With every piece in this new collection, that legacy becomes more visible and more undeniable.
CREDITS
Muse @samikoodunukwe @chuksagatha @ginikaolua @odamigram
Photography by @jeremiah.Ohimai
Mua @_komolafebisola.mua
Hairstylist @hairniola_____
Stylist @jahnaffah
Directed by @ayo_l @smoothallysyn
Beauty curator @a.j.i.d.e
Videography @noeltruth
Script writer @cavannaugh_s