Orange Culture at the Met Gala 2025: A Proof of Concept for African Luxury Fashion
When actor Brian Tyree Henry stepped onto the Met Gala 2025 red carpet in a custom ensemble by Orange Culture, it was more than a fashion statement—it was a paradigm shift. Dressed in a stunning tailored maroon suit with a floor-length coat adorned with streaks of brassy gold, Henry's look was a masterclass in storytelling through textile. His ensemble not only captivated attendees but also earned him a spot on several best-dressed lists, including those by GQ and CR Fashion Book, highlighting his embodiment of the event's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style".
The Road to the Met: More Than Just a Moment
Founded by Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Orange Culture has long been a vanguard of ethical, gender-fluid, emotionally charged fashion. The brand’s SS25 collection is a masterclass in storytelling through textile.
Inspired by memory, displacement, and belonging, the collection features handwoven fabrics, hand-beaded appliqués, and locally sourced materials—every piece crafted in Lagos using Yoruba artisanal techniques.
This journey was spotted by us at Untapped Creatives, welcoming Orange Culture to our platform in 2023!
"We are drawn to brands that through heritage, ethics, and individuality redefine what luxury means. Orange Culture’s moment at the Met is a testament to that."
— Funmi Scott, Founder, Untapped Creatives
The Untapped Creatives Ethos: From Soho House to the World
In May 2024, Untapped Creatives launched its African luxury fashion speaker series at Soho House London.
Showcasing African and diasporan talent such as Abiola Olusola, GVDŠ, Gravalot, and of course Orange Culture. The event was oversubscribed within a day.
A clear sign that international buyers, editors, and tastemakers are open to discovering African stories told on African terms - how African luxury is steeped heritage, craftsmanship, sustainability, and slow production.
Why Orange Culture Matters
Orange Culture’s appearance at the Met is far more than representation—it’s validation. The brand’s ethos of community, emotion, and radical softness is a sharp counterpoint to the excess and ubiquity of many global fashion houses. As a finalist of the LVMH Prize and a consistent innovator, Oke-Lawal is not just designing clothes; he’s reimagining what African luxury can be.
This aligns with broader industry insights, as reported by Business of Fashion, which note how African designers are surging by “tapping into their cultural roots” and translating that into modern, global aesthetics.
“I wanted to root this collection in the recesses of the garden I grew up in as a child… where I found myself.”
— Adebayo Oke-Lawal on Orange Culture SS25
What’s Next?
As fashion continues its reckoning with diversity, sustainability, and ethics, Orange Culture's ascension proves what Untapped Creatives has long known: African fashion isn't the future—it's the now.
‘discover what it means to wear not just style, but story.’
As we prepare for 2025 concept store and showcase, we will soon invite our community of subscribers, collaborators, and global curators to share their insight.
In the meantime, explore Orange Culture and the wider world of designers curated by Untapped Creatives at and discover what it means to wear not just style, but story.
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