Bio

Michelle Adepoju is the visionary founder and creative director of KÍLÈŃTÀR, the luxury fashion house renowned for its bold reinterpretation of African craftsmanship. Launched in 2019 after Adepoju’s inspiring travels across West Africa, KÍLÈŃTÀR (derived from the Yoruba phrase ‘Kí l’ẹ̀ń tà, meaning ‘What are you selling?’ ) bridges traditional techniques with contemporary design.

Adepoju centres storytelling, heritage and the tangible empowerment of women artisans – working closely with skilled weavers and dyers across the continent – in every creation. Her distinctive approach, translating rich cultural narratives into modern femininity through pieces ranging from gowns to swimwear, has captured significant international attention.

This impact was significantly recognised when Michelle was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for Art & Culture in 2025. KÍLÈŃTÀR marked a major milestone with its debut runway show at New York Fashion Week in 2024, showcasing the “Mama Ibeta” collection, and has also presented collections at Lagos Fashion Week. The brand is further acknowledged within the industry through its listing on the official London Fashion Week designer platform. KÍLÈŃTÀR’s unique aesthetic has also attracted high-profile clientele, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Monét, and earned features in publications such as Essence and Vogue Polska.

Through her work with KÍLÈŃTÀR, Michelle Adepoju actively challenges industry norms, champions ethical practices and successfully elevates African craftsmanship within the luxury fashion sphere, offering a compelling new blueprint for modern, culturally rooted luxury on the global stage.