“The Oscars is such a huge moment but when it comes to styling my clients, it comes down to how best to create a story with clothes. The moment that the new year begins, my team and I begin planning every look I’m going to try on during awards season. This year, we asked Michael B Jordan, Letitia Wright and Cynthia Erivo how they would like to feel and then I take it from there, utilising the knowledge I have of the runway to figure out the right pieces to fit.” – Ade Samuel
Meet Ade Samuel
Ade Samuel is a New York native who according the numerous fashion magazines is setting the standard among Hollywood’s creatives, impressing the industry with her dynamic, one-of-a-kind approach to cutting edge style.
Background
Raised in The Bronx, Samuel was born to a family of Nigerian descent. She grew up working with traditional clothing, textures, fabrics, and silhouettes inspired by her cultural roots. Hence, her discerning eye and unprecedented perspective on fashion developed from a very young age. Her background, working with African clothing, has led to a flourishing career as a stylist to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, as well as the sole founder/designer of Ade Samuel Shoes.
Her Rise To Stardom
“At the beginning of my career I would receive a lot of “nos” when I asked to borrow a runway look for a client to wear on the red carpet and I would find myself pleading with PRs at fashion houses to loan designers’ looks to me.”
Samuel’s rise to stardom as a celebrity stylist began after she graduated from Buffalo State College, receiving a dual degree in fashion merchandising and textile technology. While attending Buffalo State, Samuel interned for both W Magazine and Teen Vogue, further fostering her love of fashion. Ultimately she began assisting some of the industry’s most renowned stylists, subsequently landing her first solo project styling Yara Shahidi for the cover of Essence magazine. Coining the term ‘Black Girl Magic’ later lead to Samuel landing her longtime client, Big Sean.
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Unnatched Skill
Samuel’s skill is unique as it is varied and personal. She’s paving the way for creatives of color and setting a new precedent for generations of fashion enthusiasts to come. It is no surprise that her clientele includes notable names such as Michael B. Jordan, Letitia Wright, Usher, Big Sean, Haley Kiyoko, and Justine Skye among many others.
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In addition to working for a variety of publications such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, W, Glamour, CR Fashionbook, and many more, Samuel was named ‘Stylist of the Year’ by Essence magazine and a ‘Rising Star to Watch’ by The Hollywood Reporter.
In 2018, she was a part of Essence magazine’s iconic cover featuring Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira and Letitia.
“Essence Magazine has always been ahead of its time and styling an all-black cast for an all-black magazine was history. I’m still honoured to have been chosen to style that imagery, it was truly one of my favourite moments as a stylist”
Her comprehensive experience as a stylist and designer allows. her to understand the industry at large. Samuel’s unparalleled aesthetic, and constant strive to stay true to her Nigerian roots, are a true personification of ‘Black Girl Magic’.
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