Olamide Mohammed Honored with Prestige Excellence Award for Fashion Innovation | The Guardian Nigeria News

Olamide Latifat Mohammed, founder of the indigenous fashion brand BOLAMSASOOKE, has been named the recipient of the 2021 Prestige Excellence Award for Outstanding and Creative Fashion Expert. The award, presented during the fifth edition of the Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture (PEAL), recognizes Mohammed’s outstanding contributions to the fashion industry, particularly her innovative use of Asooke, a traditional handwoven Yoruba textile.

The PEAL Awards, organized by Prestige News Online and Prestige International Magazine under the Prestige Media Group, celebrate individuals and institutions that exemplify excellence, integrity, and service across sectors such as politics, business, entertainment, and the creative industries.

Mohammed’s selection follows a rigorous evaluation conducted by the group’s Research and Investigation Team, composed of veteran media professionals and business analysts. The process incorporates public opinion polls, peer recommendations, and independent research to identify nominees with a proven record of distinction.

Over the past five years, Mohammed has distinguished herself by reimagining Asooke for modern women, transforming the fabric into luxurious bridal and contemporary designs. Through BOLAMSASOOKE, she has championed cultural preservation, empowered local artisans, and contributed to the visibility of African heritage on both local and international platforms.

In an exclusive interview, Mohammed reflected on the award and her professional journey.

“This award is more than recognition,” she said. “It’s a reminder that staying true to your roots and telling cultural stories through fashion has value. BolamsAsooke is built on authenticity, heritage, and creativity. I’m honored that PEAL recognizes that.”

She added that the award validates years of purpose-driven work and highlights the role of traditional fabric designers as custodians of culture.

Mohammed launched BOLAMSASOOKE in 2016 with a vision to celebrate Yoruba identity through design. In 2019, her brand gained national attention after showcasing at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, where her designs were lauded for blending heritage with contemporary elegance. She has since dressed numerous brides and women across the diaspora, using fashion as a medium to reflect cultural pride.

Beyond design, her brand actively supports Nigeria’s local weaving industry by collaborating with artisans to preserve traditional crafts and create economic opportunities.

The PEAL Awards ceremony, held in Lagos on November 28, 2021, gathered influential figures from various industries. Past awardees include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, legal luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Princess Toyin Kolade, among others.

Mohammed expressed gratitude for being part of this distinguished cohort.

“Being in that room filled with leaders and changemakers was humbling,” she said. “It encourages me to continue using fashion not just as an art form, but as a voice for identity and empowerment.”

The Prestige Excellence Award continues to stand as a symbol of purposeful achievement, recognizing individuals whose work has left a lasting impact on society. With this honor, Olamide Mohammed joins the ranks of celebrated professionals shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative landscape through heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.