In the heart of Abeokuta, where the iconic Olumo Rock stands as a symbol of heritage and resilience, a fashion brand is quietly stitching its name into Africa’s style map.
ADE’s Couture, popularly known as AC, is setting its sights beyond the borders of Ogun State as it prepares to compete at the forthcoming Africa Fashion Show, marking a significant step in its evolution from a local fashion house to a continental contender.
Speaking during an exclusive interview at the brand’s corporate headquarters in Abeokuta on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer, Aladetan Iseoluwa Adefarati, also known as MC STOPSHEBE, declared that the brand is poised to take on bigger platforms across Africa.
According to him, the planned participation in the Africa Fashion Show is not merely about showcasing designs on the runway, but about projecting Nigerian creativity to a wider audience.
“We have spent years perfecting our craft within Ogun State. We have mastered the perfect fit and the art of storytelling through fabric. Now, ADE Couture is ready to stand side-by-side with leading fashion houses across Africa. We are not just representing a brand; we are representing the creative spirit of Nigeria,” he said.
Inside the AC headquarters, the steady hum of sewing machines and the display of premium fabrics reflected a team driven by ambition.
The CEO explained that the brand’s long-term vision is to reposition “Made in Nigeria” as a symbol of quality, luxury and global competitiveness.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as limited business exposure in Abeokuta when compared with Lagos, noting that the brand has faced challenges in gaining wider visibility despite media coverage.
“We have enjoyed coverage from major media platforms, but we need influential personalities to amplify our brand. When they post about us, more people become aware and engagement increases,” he said.
Adefarati appealed for stronger social media support and collaboration with key stakeholders, stressing that strategic partnerships would boost sales and help the brand sustain its growth momentum.
Over the years, the AC signature has become associated with a fusion of traditional Nigerian aesthetics and contemporary global silhouettes. Industry observers note that as the creative economy in Ogun State continues to gain traction, brands like ADE Couture are helping to position Abeokuta as an emerging fashion hub.
Participation in the Africa Fashion Show, the CEO maintained, is a calculated move aimed at transitioning from local retail dominance to continental recognition, with a long-term goal of global export.
As preparations intensify for the unveiling of its new collection, ADE Couture appears determined not just to join the race on Africa’s fashion stage, but to set the pace.
