Get to Know Me
About the Designer
Maria Olatoke Olaitan is a Nigerian-born, London-based fashion designer and creative director whose practice explores the emotional, cultural and transformative role of bridalwear. Through RobesandBlingsbyAkokomali (RBA), Maria challenges the traditional perception of bridal preparation garments as temporary pieces designed for a single moment. Her work repositions bridalwear as an evolving wardrobe one that carries memory, identity and purpose beyond the wedding ceremony. Combining Nigerian heritage, contemporary luxury aesthetics and responsible design principles, Maria creates garments that celebrate the woman before, during and after marriage.
Her creative language is defined by:
Storytelling-led design
Sculptural femininity
Textile exploration
Circular fashion thinking,
Emotionally durable luxury.
With a background in fashion artistry, fashion and lifestyle marketing, and independent brand development, Maria approaches design through both creative intuition and strategic understanding of the modern luxury consumer.
Design Philosophy
RobesandBlingsbyAkokomali was born from Maria’s desire to transform the overlooked ritual of bridal preparation into an intentional luxury experience. The moments before a bride enters the ceremony are filled with emotion reflection, anticipation, connection and transformation. Yet historically, garments created for these moments have often been treated as disposable.
RBA exists to challenge this idea.
The brand creates elevated bridal robes, loungewear and transitional pieces designed to become part of a woman’s personal wardrobe beyond her wedding day.
The philosophy is simple:
A meaningful garment should not end its story after one occasion.
Through thoughtful craftsmanship and timeless design, RBA creates pieces that become keepsakes rather than waste.
Design Approach
Beyond The Wedding Day
Maria’s design approach is rooted in redefining what bridal wear can represent. Rather than designing solely for ceremony, she explores: bridal wear as identity; garments that reflect the woman’s personality, heritage and transformation. Bridal wear as Lifestyle. Pieces that transition into moments beyond marriage. Bridal wear as Legacy. Objects designed to hold emotional and cultural value.
RBA’s signature design language combines:
Fluid silhouettes
Luxurious textures,
Feminine structure
Expressive prints
Nigerian cultural influences
Sustainable production methods.