Omobolade Kolade Mayowa: The Architect Behind Nigeria’s Crochet Revolution

Omobolade Kolade Mayowa is not your typical Nigerian designer. With an academic background in architecture and a deep passion for handmade artistry, she has reimagined what fashion can mean in a fast-paced, trend-driven industry. Hooked by Lade is recognised for its bold crochet bags and outfits, and it stands as a luxury alternative to fast fashion, one that celebrates sustainability, structure, and individuality.

Rather than chasing seasonal trends, she creates wearable art pieces designed to last. Each bag, stitch, and silhouette reflects hours of craftsmanship, transforming simple yarn into coveted fashion statements carried by celebrities and admired by eco-conscious buyers across Nigeria.

 

From Architecture to Fashion Innovation

The path to fashion wasn’t straightforward. Omobolade’s foundation in architecture taught her to think in forms, lines, and structures. These lessons seamlessly transitioned into her work with crochet, where geometry and balance dictate how a bag holds its shape.

When she launched Hooked by Lade in 2021, she set out to prove that crochet could go beyond its traditional associations with craft and enter the world of high fashion. What emerged was a design philosophy rooted in precision and storytelling: every bag, tote, or outfit she creates mirrors the discipline of architecture and the freedom of artistry.

Sustainability Through Handmade Craft

In a global climate where fashion is often criticised for its waste, pollution, and reliance on mass production, her brand stands apart. Crochet, by its nature, is slow. Each bag requires several days of manual work, and no two products are ever identical. This attribute eliminates the cookie-cutter uniformity of factory-made goods, ensuring that buyers receive a one-of-a-kind piece.

Sustainability here is layered. It reduces environmental impact by cutting down industrial processes, but it also reshapes consumer behaviour. Instead of buying disposable items, customers are investing in luxury goods designed for longevity. In this way, the brand not only participates in the slow fashion movement but also educates Nigerian consumers on the value of patience and permanence in style.

Architectural Influence in Design

Her architectural training continues to shape the visual identity of her pieces. Structured handbags echo the symmetry of modern buildings, while clutches carry the clean, sharp lines of blueprints. Even the larger totes, bold and striking, maintain a geometric precision that ensures they are not just fashionable but functional.

This approach sets her apart from other Nigerian designers, who primarily emphasise fabrics, colours, or embellishments. For Omobolade, form is central, and it is this design language, rooted in architecture, that gives her brand its distinctive voice.

 

Celebrity Appeal and Growing Recognition

In just a few years, the brand has earned recognition across Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment industries. Icons such as Sola Sobowale, Mercy Johnson, and stylist Veekee James have all been spotted wearing or carrying her creations. Their endorsement signals more than celebrity influence; it affirms that her label resonates across different audiences, from Nollywood royalty to the next generation of style leaders.

Hooked by Lade has managed to elevate crochet into the mainstream, positioning her brand as a proudly Nigerian luxury brand that competes with imported labels. In doing so, she has become one of the key voices shaping how sustainability and exclusivity can co-exist in Nigeria’s fast-evolving fashion market.

 

Signature Designs and Pricing

The brand’s standout designs feature structured handbags that strike a balance between elegance and durability. One of the most popular is the “Comfort” bag, priced at around ₦372,592 ($250 USD). Larger totes with bold silhouettes range from ₦446,000 to ₦521,000, while limited-edition clutches or evening bags can reach even higher prices.

These prices reflect more than just the cost of materials. They represent time, labour, and the rarity of handmade art. Each product sits in the luxury category, offering customers exclusivity in addition to aesthetic appeal. For collectors and eco-conscious buyers, the value lies in knowing that no two pieces are ever the same.

 

Navigating Nigeria’s Fashion Landscape

Building a sustainable luxury brand in Nigeria is not without its complexities. The limited production capacity is a result of imported yarns, rising material costs, and the time-intensive nature of handmade work. But instead of seeing these factors as setbacks, Omobolade has embraced them as part of the brand’s identity.

The limited availability adds to the aura of exclusivity. Waitlists for certain pieces have only fuelled demand, reinforcing the notion that the label is more than just a business; it is a movement redefining how Nigerian fashion can thrive without succumbing to mass production.

 

Reshaping Consumer Values in Nigeria

Beyond aesthetics, the designer’s work taps into broader cultural changes. Younger buyers—especially millennials and Gen Z- are increasingly conscious of sustainability. They want products that align with their values, not just their wardrobes. Hooked by Lade meets that demand, demonstrating that Nigerian fashion can be luxurious, ethical, and innovative simultaneously.

Her rise also challenges the dominance of foreign luxury brands. By offering a proudly local yet globally relevant product, she is proving that Nigeria’s fashion scene can produce its own symbols of prestige and artistry.

Read Also:

• Alterations by Olaide: Transforming Fashion in Lagos Through Circular Craftsmanship
• Gozel Green: Nigerian Twin Sisters Sylvia & Olivia Enekwe Redefine Fashion as Art
• The Untapped Potential of Nigeria’s Cotton Industry in Building a Sustainable Fashion Economy

 

The Future of Slow Fashion in Nigeria

As the fashion industry shifts toward sustainability worldwide, Nigeria’s role in that transition is still taking shape. Designers like Omobolade Kolade Mayowa are at the forefront of this shift, demonstrating that slow fashion is not only viable but also desirable.

Opportunities for international showcases, collaborations, and expanded collections seem inevitable. But what will remain constant is her design philosophy: sustainability, precision, and artistry. In a world defined by fast consumption, her label is a reminder that true luxury is timeless.

 

Conclusion

Omobolade Kolade Mayowa has proven that fashion can be art, sustainability, and cultural identity rolled into one. By blending her architectural background with a passion for handmade craft, she has elevated crochet into the luxury space while challenging Nigeria’s fashion industry to rethink its values.

In a market dominated by fast-moving trends, her work stands as proof that slow, thoughtful fashion not only survives but thrives.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Omobolade Kolade Mayowa?

She is the Nigerian architect-turned-designer behind Hooked by Lade, a label known for luxury crochet bags and outfits.

• What makes her brand sustainable?

Each product is handmade, reducing industrial waste. The slow fashion model involves producing fewer, but higher-quality, pieces.

• Where can I buy Hooked by Lade products?

Her bags and outfits are available through the official website, select fashion stockists, and occasionally via curated exhibitions or pop-ups.

• What materials are used for the bags?

The brand utilises high-quality yarns, often imported due to limited local availability, selected for their durability, structure, and aesthetic appeal.

• Does Omobolade Kolade Mayowa ship internationally?

Yes. Orders can be placed online, and the brand offers international shipping for customers outside Nigeria.