An Architect of Style

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."   

 ~ Proverbs 31:25 

A woman adorned in Kelé Studio designs appears acutely aware of her natural beauty and firmly secure in her style. Lifted by gravity defying textures and seated among trendsetters of her time. One might even say she is ahead of the curve.

Udo Asomugha founded Kelé Studio in the Spring of 2010. Her goal: to blend traditional West African fabrics with the broad range of American shapes and silhouettes. Since it's origin, Kelé Studio has appeared on national television and on women across the U.S. introducing African inspired designs into the homes of women who can't afford to shop across the Atlantic in the UK.

She strives to break the mold set by celebrity culture where exact replicas are valued more than the original.

“In a world where everything is the same, it’s very hard to express who you are."

A custom clothier, Asomugha prides herself on intricate designs crafted to fit the shape and personality of the wearer. "I'm making clothes for you," she says. "I have to understand your body." A self-taught seamstress, she asks only for your trust.

Early in 2011, she debuted her Velvet Rock Collection; three designs made entirely of deep, dark, gold-patterned velvet. The gowns and sets were beautiful. Still, I thought she was crazy.

A few months later, velvet fabric flowed from New York runways. This was only the beginning.

Week by week Asomugha mentioned some new idea that eventually appeared in every fashion magazine as if she had an inside scoop, a magic crystal ball, some creative premonition that always came true. Still, she was no insider. In fact, just two years ago, she had no interest in making clothes at all.

The UMICH grad abandoned a career in public health in pursuit of a childhood dream. An old love for architecture led her to a certificate in interior design. When asked if she also made clothing, she scoffed, laughed aloud, and politely responded, "No, I don't make clothing. I shop for clothing."

How wrong she was.

Two years later, Asomugha is forging her way into the fashion world, eager to bring her nascent vision to life. “I am custom made, but I want you to be able to see what I’ve made on a runway… to show the clothing in motion.”

Truthfully, she could not have chosen a better time for her debut. The international stage is set, welcoming the nuanced perspective of African-based and African Diaspora designers. ARISE Magazine's annual Africa Fashion Week invites over 500 designers to compete for 50 spots. The best of the best will not only showcase their wares on the African stage, but will also make their way to an annual gala at New York Fashion Week.

Asomugha dreams of that stage. In the meantime, she continues to build Kelé Studio, dress-by-dress, piece-by-piece.

In moments of uncertainty, her unwavering faith propels her forward. She credits her trust in God with the growth of her business thus far. She even remembers thinking, "If I can just get my mind stayed on God, then everything else will fall into place." Thus far it has.

With countless original designs taking the streets of San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, she continues to develop her signature aesthetic with the everyday woman as her canvas. Ankara fabrics morph into gowns that defy gravity. Body conscious silhouettes prove modern while paying homage to their traditional roots.

She is both African and American, clothed with the strength and dignity of her Nigerian heritage. She is an architect of style.

To view Kelé Studio designs online visit her blog www.Keléstudio.blogspot.com.

To view the Kele Studio online inspiration board visit http://kelestudio.tumblr.com.

Email KeléDesigns@gmail.com for a custom consult.