By Ayo Onikoyi

Fashion is perceived in many different ways and it means different things to different people. When Vanguard caught up with the Founder of Bolamsasooke, Olamide Latifat Mohammed recently, she offered her own  perspective concerning fashion, highlighting its connection to tradition and culture.

According to her, ” To me, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a profound expression of identity, culture, and artistry. Growing up in a community that values the beauty and richness of Yoruba traditions, I’ve come to see fashion as a bridge that connects our heritage with the present, allowing us to celebrate who we are and where we come from in a tangible way.

“Through my craft, I’m not just creating outfits; I’m weaving stories, values, and cultural pride into each piece. Fashion allows me to honour my roots while making a statement about the beauty of African traditions. In every design at Bolamsasooke, my goal is to blend the timeless essence of Asooke with contemporary elegance, creating pieces that resonate deeply with clients. Fashion, for me, is a medium to preserve, celebrate, and reimagine the artistry of my culture for a new generation.”

For a woman who has made a name for herself in the fashion space by promoting the Yoruba’s Aso-Oke fabric to the world. Olamide Latifat Mohammed explained why her focus is on Aso-Oke while she also let us into her brand’s essence, and the identity it has carved for itself.

” My focus on Asooke is deeply personal and rooted in my upbringing,” she said. “I was born into a traditionally rooted culture that values the preservation and celebration of Yoruba heritage. Growing up, I was surrounded by family members and elders who instilled in me a respect for our culture and a sense of pride in our traditional practices. Asooke, being one of the most significant aspects of Yoruba ceremonial attire, naturally became a symbol of identity and pride for me.”

Mohammed revealed that she founded Bolamsasooke to honour her heritage by making Asooke accessible and relevant to modern brides while staying true to its cultural essence.

“This focus has shaped my brand’s identity; we’re not just creating bridal wears, but also weaving the rich history, values, and artistry of the Yoruba people into every piece. Each Bolamsasooke design reflects a deep commitment to upholding tradition while embracing the elegance and style that resonates with today’s brides. My mission is to offer a meaningful connection to Yoruba heritage, allowing clients to celebrate and carry forward these beautiful traditions in a contemporary way.” She added.

Speaking further,  she explained the vision behind Bolamsasooke, asserting that the brand is dedicated to creating elegant, culturally-inspired bridal Asooke designs.

“Asooke is a traditional Yoruba fabric that holds deep cultural significance, especially in weddings and other special ceremonies. At Bolamsasooke, we strive to keep this heritage alive by merging traditional weaving techniques with modern design elements to create timeless pieces. Our brand focuses on making every bride’s vision come to life,” she stated.

Olamide Latifat Mohammed spoke to Vanguard at a recent function in Lagos.