The Designer
Yemi Osunkoya
Thirty-five years of couture, from London to Harlem.
London, 1991
Yemi Osunkoya trained as a fashion illustrator and founded Kosibah in London in 1991. [Where he trained, and the early years of the label, from Yemi.]
Thirty-five years on, the atelier is in New York, on Manhattan Avenue in Harlem. [Why New York, and when, from Yemi.]
The sketch
Every Kosibah gown begins as a drawing. Yemi sketches in front of the bride, in real time, while she talks: her figure, her venue, the hour of the ceremony, the traditions that matter to her family. The drawing is the brief, and it becomes the dress.
The hourglass
The Kosibah hourglass is the signature fit, built in the corsetry rather than added over it. [One or two sentences on the corsetry and how the fit is achieved, from Yemi.]
Clients
His clients include royal households in Nigeria and Ghana and senior staff of the British Royal Family. [Any further clients Yemi is happy to name.]
Milestones
- 1991Kosibah founded in London
- [Year][First notable commission, from Yemi]
- [Year][Asheyori Eji collection launched]
- [Year]Atelier opens in New York
- 2026Thirty-five years of couture
In the press
Featured in
- Vogue[Headline and link to come]
- CFDA[Headline and link to come]
- World Bride Magazine[Headline and link to come]
Consultations
Meet Yemi.
A private hour in Harlem or over Zoom. You leave with a sketch of your gown.
Book a consultation