From the rhythmic hum of looms in her childhood home to commanding ready-to-wear runways across Lagos, Olamide Latifat Mohammed is redefining African fashion by blending Yoruba textile traditions with modern silhouettes. As the founder of Bolamsasooke and Bolams Lagos, Olamide transforms ceremonial fabrics into everyday elegance, crafting pieces that are not just worn but lived, felt, and remembered.
Raised in a textile-centric household, Olamide’s mother orchestrated the production of Asooke, a sacred Yoruba fabric, for prestigious communities like NASFAT, Ansar-ud-Deen, and Ojude Oba celebrants. “Our home was a textile house—full of voices, threads, dyes, and dreams,” Olamide recalls. “The sound of looms was the heartbeat of my childhood. I saw fabric as sacred, a vessel for love, dignity, and joy.”
This reverence birthed Bolamsasooke, a brand dedicated to brides and cultural icons, dressing them in heritage-rich Asooke for ceremonies. Its sister brand, Bolams Lagos, extends that legacy into everyday wear—kaftans, kimonos, and coords that marry functionality with cultural pride. “I didn’t want women to hang their identity in the closet and wait for weddings,” Olamide says. “Bolams Lagos lets them live in it daily—at brunch, business meetings, or birthdays.”
Olamide’s designs draw deeply from Yoruba culture, particularly the vibrant pageantry of Ojude Oba, a festival she describes as “the runway of our people—regal, unapologetic.” This energy permeates her work, from ceremonial Bolamsasooke pieces to the fierce, free-spirited ready-to-wear collections of Bolams Lagos. Each collection carries powerful Yoruba names like Obata, symbolizing calm presence; Aniwura, honoring the formidable Iyalode of Ibadan; Tami, evoking tender grace; and Arìrán, a nod to mysterious, unforgettable allure. “In Yoruba tradition, names are declarations,” Olamide explains. “Each piece is a love letter to the bold, rooted women who wear them.”
Beyond aesthetics, Olamide is committed to cultural authenticity and artisan empowerment. Bolams sources directly from women-led artisan groups, paying fairly and sharing their stories. “They’re not behind the scenes—they’re part of the scene,” she emphasizes. This respect ensures that every thread carries the weight of tradition and community.
Looking ahead, Olamide envisions global expansion for both brands. “I see Bolams Lagos in closets worldwide and Bolamsasooke gracing ceremonies across continents,” she says. Her dreams include fashion residencies uniting African artisans with international creatives and concept stores that serve as hubs for storytelling. As a designer and cultural bridge, Olamide aims to empower women to wear their identity with pride, whether in Asooke, silk, or soft cotton Adire.
“In Africa, we don’t just dress—we declare,” Olamide asserts. “Bolams isn’t about trends; it’s about truths. Our clothes say: I’m rooted. I’m radiant. I’m rising.” With her unwavering commitment to legacy, identity, and storytelling, Olamide Latifat Mohammed is weaving a future where African fashion speaks loudly—and globally.
