In the world of fashion, Ade Hassan identified a gap—a deeply personal one—that would redefine “nude” for women of colour. As a British Nigerian, she had spent years searching for skin-tone lingerie that suited her complexion. However, options for darker skin tones were scarce. Driven by her frustration and a desire to fill the void for others, she launched Nubian Skin in 2014 to provide a long-overdue solution.
Nubian Skin became more than a business; it was a statement. Hassan was determined to offer lingerie and hosiery shades tailored for Black and Brown women. Partnering with experts in skin tones, she created custom colours that felt authentic and empowering for women of colour, giving visibility to those often overlooked by mainstream fashion. The response was immediate and widespread, resonating with women across the globe—from everyday individuals to high-profile celebrities. For many, Nubian Skin’s products offered a long-awaited solution, fulfilling a need that mainstream fashion had largely ignored.
Raised in a Nigerian household with entrepreneurial parents, Ade Hassan had always envisioned creating her own business. Her path, however, was far from traditional. She began her career in finance, earning an economics degree at Duke University and a master’s in economic development from SOAS in London. Though she succeeded in finance, her desire for creative expression led her to study sewing in Paris—a move that would lay the groundwork for Nubian Skin.
Nubian Skin’s launch had an immediate and powerful impact, especially for women who finally saw their skin tones authentically reflected in its products. Thousands quickly followed the brand on social media, captivated by its portrayal of diverse skin tones in undergarments that celebrated their natural beauty. The brand soon gained media attention, securing features in major fashion magazines and even partnering with Beyoncé’s Formation Tour. Nubian Skin’s influence helped inspire an industry shift, with other brands expanding their “nude” ranges to include darker shades.
Outside its role in fashion, Nubian Skin also sought to support women facing health challenges. Partnering with The Royal Marsden, it became the first UK brand to create “softies”—post-surgery prosthetics for mastectomy patients—designed for women of colour. This initiative reinforced Hassan’s commitment to inclusivity, extending her mission to serve women often overlooked by traditional markets.
For Hassan, the journey has been challenging yet fulfilling. She credits her success to her closely knit team, who work tirelessly to bring the brand’s vision to life. Reflecting on her journey, Hassan takes pride in the brand’s achievements and its broader impact. It has proven that inclusive fashion is essential, reshaping the industry’s understanding of representation.
Ade envisions the continued growth of her brand while maintaining its core values. For her, the brand represents more than a product line; it’s a legacy and a contribution to fashion that challenges established norms.
Ade Hassan is redefining an industry that has overlooked women of colour for too long. Through Nubian Skin, she has transformed the concept of ‘nude,’ setting new standards for inclusivity in fashion. Her work has created a space where every woman of colour can feel represented, valued, and celebrated for who she is.
