Anglo‑Nigerian designer Adele Dejak grew up between Nigeria and the UK, where her early love for beads—sparked by her grandmother in Kano and Kaduna—eventually guided her toward a life in design. Though initially trained in typographic design in London and briefly in Rome, by 2005 she found herself drawn back to Africa. A few handmade pieces crafted for herself caught attention, and a business was born.
In 2008, out of deep personal passion, Adele launched Magik Grace Art & Design Ltd, later rebranding to her own name by 2012–13.
Her bold, architectural pieces blended her Nigerian heritage and European sensibilities into affordable luxury. Today, the brand maintains flagship stores in Nairobi’s Village Market and a showroom in Kiambu, exporting across Africa and the world.
Adele is unwavering in her commitment to sustainable artistry. Nearly 99% of her materials—primarily brass and aluminum—are recycled or reclaimed, a practice rooted in ethical responsibility and aesthetic innovation. She transforms “waste into something refined and beautiful,” supporting both planet and people.
Every collection begins with deep research: tribal shapes, textiles, artworks, and environmental forms. Using sketching and then prototyping—with up to ten iterations—it’s a hands‑on collaboration with artisans that brings each piece to life. The aesthetic merges masculine and feminine, classical and contemporary influences, all reflecting her pan‑African vision.
Adele’s distinctive aesthetic has attracted international collaborations—from Salvatore Ferragamo and Vogue Italia’s Vogue Talents, to Samsung Amaze Africa Fashion Week.
Her designs have been worn by global icons, including Beyoncé, who featured Adele Dejak pieces in Black Is King and promoted her within a campaign celebrating Black‑owned businesses.
Beyond design, Adele’s business model centers on social impact. She works with refugee communities in Kenya (e.g., Dadaab and Kakuma camps), collaborates with women weaver groups in Maai Mahiu, and trains Ugandan artisans. Its profits feed back into the communities that help make the jewelry, embodying artisan empowerment and economic sustainability.
Adele dreams big: she aspires to become the “Coco Chanel of Africa”—a designer recognized for timeless aesthetic and continental pride.
Despite challenges like funding constraints and counterfeit imitation, her passion and brand integrity keep driving her forward. She balances entrepreneurial learning with creative leadership, steering her team to global visibility.
Adele Dejak’s journey from personal expression to globally recognized Nigerian‑Kenyan jewelry icon is testament to passion, resilience, and cultural storytelling. Through her bold, sculptural pieces made from recycled materials, she not only creates fashion but also forges sustainable opportunity and empowers communities. Her brand stands as a bold chapter in the narrative of African luxury.
Image Credit: Adele Dejak
