Luxe in Lagos - Alonuko Bridal

Gbemi Okunkola, owner of Alonuko Bridal, for HBSC’s Top 25 Entrepreneurs To Watch

Let us talk about how one woman turned £150 dresses into a £1.4million business. 

Armed with a to-die-for work ethic, a sewing machine, and a burning desire, this British-Nigerian woman, Gbemi Okunlola, built a brand that shook the bridal industry across multiple countries. 

When bridal couture meets pure talent, creativity, and inclusivity, the result is a luxury brand that doesn’t just dress brides—it transforms them. Alonuko, founded by British-Nigerian designer Gbemi Okunlola, has become a beacon in the bridal industry, especially for women of colour seeking gowns that celebrate their beauty and skin tone.

The Humble Origins of a Trailblazer

Gbemi's journey began long before Alonuko became a household name. She taught herself to sew at age 11, inspired by watching her mother craft dresses at home. A turning point came when her sister trusted her with her wedding dress, cementing Gbemi’s passion for bridalwear.

Gbemi officially launched Alonuko in 2015. She funded her business with  £15,000 of personal savings and matched it with another £15,000 from crowdfunding, kickstarting her first collection and runway show, which drew around 400 guests.

The Viral Breakthrough

For years, the bridal industry has lacked gowns that seamlessly match a range of skin tones, especially those with darker shades. In 2022, Alonuko shattered that norm when actress Danielle Brooks wore a custom-designed wedding gown featuring illusion tulle perfectly matched to her complexion. The moment went viral, sparking widespread conversation, and it served as a powerful affirmation that Black and plus-sized brides deserve bespoke couture just as much as anyone else. 

Daniella Brooks in her Alonuko bridal dress, photographed by REEM Photography

That pivotal moment transformed Alonuko’s trajectory: the gown, priced at around £15,000, opened doors into the U.S. market. By 2024, the brand had achieved £1.4 million in revenue, with under 150 dresses sold. Alonuko now targets £3.5 million in revenue for 2025.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Inclusivity

Alonuko’s design philosophy is straightforward: accentuate. Each gown is crafted to highlight a bride’s beautiful features, with glitter, white embroidery, and an inconceivable tulle. The brand excels at illusion tulle that matches diverse skin tones, bespoke embroidery, and inventive silhouettes that are as timeless as they are irresistible.

The “Freedom” collection, launched in 2021 after the pandemic, embodies this ethos. A tender nod to resilience and new beginnings, its pieces were crafted with luxurious materials, including Mikado, Swarovski crystals, and Japanese fabric. The collection was a perfect balance between elegance and emotional storytelling. 

One of my favourite things about Alonuko is her separates. She flawlessly creates beautiful bodysuits with skirts, offering a variety of options to her brides. From mermaid gowns to ball gowns, every single design is a wonder to behold. 

Each lace, tulle, embroidery, and stone is a testament to the magic of her hands. 

Marketing by Community, Not Just Commerce

Gbemi understands that luxury fashion is about emotional connection. Alonuko’s marketing leans into community, authenticity, and storytelling rather than aspirational perfection. She shares behind-the-scenes moments on social media, and her Instagram following soared with genuine engagement and vulnerability.

She also hosts sample sales and bridal showcases quarterly, to turn her online audience into clients, nurturing trust and converting followers into brides who feel seen and celebrated.

Elevating Nigerian Heritage in Global Luxury

Though based in London, Gbemi’s Nigerian heritage is woven into the DNA of Alonuko. The name itself, “Alonuko,” is Yoruba for “to represent your uniqueness,” underscoring the brand’s mission to celebrate individuality. Through every stitch, Alonuko is a conduit for Nigerian-inspired luxury.

This brand graces brides worldwide, challenges norms, and reshapes bridal couture with cultural pride and technical precision. 

Alonuko continues to design majestic dresses for brides from all over the world, and of course, her own country. She recently designed the wedding dress for Chioma Adeleke, the wife of Nigerian and International musician Davido.

She was also kind enough to walk us through her design process for Chioma’s dress.

Chioma Adeleke wearing an Alonuko bridal dress

Luxe from Yoruba – Alonuko isn’t just a fashion feature; it’s a story filled with inspiration, representation, and the redefinition of luxury. Through couture crafted with cultural sensitivity and a business rooted in authenticity, Gbemi Okunlola has created more than just gowns; she has crafted a movement. 

As Alonuko strides forward, it carries a message: true luxury is inclusive, personal, and beautifully, unapologetically unique.