Our Story
We’re here to create something extraordinary together, one piece at a time.
Oya Collection is more than just a fashion brand, it’s a celebration of African culture, heritage, and strength. Our mission is to bring the beauty of African fashion to the global stage, while empowering African women and celebrating their stories. We believe that every piece we create is more than an accessory; it’s a connection to tradition, a symbol of resilience, and a celebration of pride.
The name “Oya” comes from the Yoruba goddess of winds, storms, and transformation. She embodies strength, resilience, and change, values that are deeply aligned with our mission.
For our customers, Oya Collection serves as a bridge to African heritage. It’s a way to express cultural identity with bold, modern style. We work closely with local artisans, using traditional fabrics to bring designs to life, ensuring that every piece tells a story of strength, beauty, and history.
Meet the founder
I’m Atinuke (Adigun) Bakare, the founder and creative director of Oya Collection. My journey into fashion began when I was just seven years old, cutting up my mum’s curtains to make my first dress and sneaking into my aunt’s room to use her sewing machine (much to her frustration!). Creativity surrounded me growing up, and my parents nurtured my passion by enrolling me in craft classes, tailoring programs, and exposing me to fashion shows and business lessons.
After earning a degree in Fine and Applied Arts and specializing in textiles and fashion, I moved to the UK for my master’s in International Fashion Business. During my master’s program, I focused my thesis on African fashion heritage, which inspired the creation of Oya Collection.
Oya is a brand rooted in my childhood creativity, my cultural pride, and my belief in celebrating African craftsmanship. This journey has been about more than just fashion, it’s been about perseverance, purpose, and a love for storytelling through design.
At Oya Collection, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We prioritize efficient management to minimize waste, create thoughtful designs, and support local communities, ensuring our products are both responsible and impactful. We are committed to making a positive difference for both people and the planet, offering beautiful, ethically crafted fashion that supports local artisans and communities.
Our commitment extends beyond the products themselves. By sourcing local African fabrics and collaborating with artisans, we preserve traditional craftsmanship and promote fair trade. Every piece we create is not just beautiful but also empowers local communities and supports ethical practices.
Looking to the Future
Our aim for the future is to establish a foundation that supports those in need, particularly the less privileged, women experiencing domestic violence, and empowering youth. As we grow, we’re dedicated to giving back to the community by providing resources, mentorship, and support to help those who need it most. These initiatives will be a key part of our mission as we continue to build Oya Collection.
Oya is a brand that celebrates African culture, promotes empowerment, and leaves a lasting legacy of positive change.