Adaure Masha does not wait around. As a graduate of the Academy, Adaure is running her own fashion line from her home in Aberdeen.
Growing up around Nigerian culture, colour and style, Adaure found inspiration all around her. The story of many African sartorial choices run far deeper than mere aesthetics and it certainly spread into the imagination and emotional impact of Adaure’s creativity. But it was Nigerian wedding clothing in particular that drew Adaure towards fashion design.
“I saw how garments could communicate identity, pride, and status. I wanted to learn how to translate cultural heritage into modern, well-crafted designs.”
Because fashion is, in its essence, a storytelling medium, understanding this is a profound insight into a world of expression and sometimes, discourse. Fashion is both traditional and rebellious, it has the power to blur the lines of gender and bend the rules of convention. Every colour, fabric, style, stitch and drape has come from an idea, born from a need, generated by a culture and evolved into a garment.
“My interest started early through observing fabrics, beadwork, and ceremonial outfits. Over time, that interest grew into a desire to design pieces that are not just beautiful but meaningful.”
Fashion is, and always has been a movement, and Adaure possesses the innate wisdom and emotional maturity to have understood that from the get-go.
She says she “was inspired by culture and storytelling through clothing,” and that is evident in her designs.
Tradition vs Discourse
Before enrolling in the Academy, Adaure graduated from Robert Gordon University with a master’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. The skills achieved in her prior education, like any life experience, will serve to support and enhance her fashion journey. When Adaure was searching for a place to pursue her fashion studies, it was important to her that the course she chose respects and promotes the artistry of the craft, and the professional skills needed to succeed.
“I chose the academy because of its strong emphasis on craftsmanship, creativity, and practical skills. I discovered it while researching fashion programs that would allow me to grow creatively, develop professional-level techniques, and integrate into the Western fashion industry, particularly in the UK. The academy’s approach promised the perfect balance between creative freedom and industry-ready training, which aligned perfectly with my goals as a fashion designer.”
Adaure was already enjoying her own fashion design work, but it was time to branch out and find new avenues to explore. She has always been interested in clothing with cultural relevance and influence but also wanted to integrate more into the British fashion industry. It was in the academy that she would refine this vision and today Adaure says her time at the academy has “shaped my ideas into a clear, professional design identity and gave me the confidence and skills to create work at a higher, couture-level standard”.
Regardless of the skills or experience a student arrives at the Academy with, an open creative mind will always find new and sometimes surprising things about their craft, and indeed themselves. The comfort zone can feel like a cosy safe place but as soon as we step into the unknown, the most exciting things can happen. Adaure has been honing her skills and expanding her ideas. This takes hard work, sacrifice and dedication.
“I now see fashion as a balance between creativity, technical skill, and purpose. I’ve learned that strong design requires patience, structure, and attention to detail, not just inspiration.”
Dedication, Passion and Drive
The truth is, that deep sense of achievement and the rewarding feeling of fulfilment only exists when challenges have been confronted. During her studies, Adaure embraced her love for hand crafted creations and found that “the most challenging part was mastering detailed handwork and finishing to a couture standard”.
Which naturally led to the most interesting part; “developing my graduate collection, where everything I learned came together creatively and technically”.
And Adaure has no intention of slowing down. Her eye is on a future involving “a couture collection that modernises African ceremonial fashion for an international audience, working with skilled artisans to preserve traditional techniques while presenting them in a contemporary way”.
Her stunning graduate collection “The Aunty Asoebi Gown”, featured here, is her first step on a road that the fashion world will undoubtedly adore. Adaure is laying the foundations for a “fashion brand that creates couture and occasion wear rooted in African culture and craftsmanship”.
And if anyone can, Adaure Veronica Masha can!
