As founder Ibrahim Damilare Saheed looks to reach more people in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and overseas, Barham Stitches has stated its plans to grow its native-wear and kaftan collections, build up its digital footprint and create a dedicated website.
The plans are the next phase for the fashion brand that was launched in 2024 based on an amalgamation of African cultural identity, current design and craftsmanship.
Next, Saheed is looking to expand her product line and develop some stronger systems to ensure that potential customers find the brand’s products.
A dedicated website is meant to be used to reinforce that, fit with social media activity and customer demonstrations of completed products and their awareness.
Collection development is also a priority. The founder will expand the line of native wear and kaftans, but continue to focus on fit, comfort, quality finishing and individual expression.
The expansion is being taken more as a long-term goal, rather than a promise of an established international retail business. Saheed’s aim is to establish recognition slowly and steadily by creating customer relationships, gaining digital visibility and engagement in the appropriate fashion platforms.
He has plans for exhibitions, runway shows, networking events and industry partnerships he might want to explore, helping him reach new audiences and build industry connections.
As part of that activity it is planned to attend Yorkshire Fashion Week on 14th November 2026, subject to participation and event arrangements.
Saheed who is a recipient of the Nigerian 40 under 40 award and also an appointed member of the west African Youth council aims to showcase designs that blend together African heritage and a contemporary flavour, as well as finding ways to increase the brand’s visibility in the UK fashion market.
In addition to the creative aspect of the business, the founder’s passion for enterprise and sustainability is also influencing its development. According to his supplied profile, Saheed is a Medical Laboratory Scientist and has a bachelor’s degree in the field, but is currently studying for an MRes in Business at York St John University.
He sees the integration of analytical and creative practice, and business learning together as applicable to the growth of a fashion business beyond its initial customer base.
International aspiration is always closely linked to cultural identity for Barham stitches. The founder’s intention is not to leave behind the African-inspired clothing, but to make his version of it available to more people.
The next step will thus be on the pillars of the brand: to reinforce the development of the collection, the digital trace of the brand will be made more visible, the contacts will be more professional and the customer service will be consistent.
Saheed’s vision for the future is to have Barham Stitches become a globally recognised African-inspired fashion brand, known for its craftsmanship, fashion and the strong sense of culture it embodies.
