Ade Samuel

Meet Ade Samuel, a New York-based stylist and creative director known for bringing an effortless je ne sais quoi to every red carpet moment. With an A-list portfolio of collaborations spanning Michael B. Jordan to Christina Aguilera, her point of view is as impactful as it is inspiring. We sat down with Ade to talk about creativity, confidence, and her best advice: aspiring stylists, trust your voice, honor your vision, and let your story do the talking.

How would you describe your personal style, and how do you keep it distinct from the looks you create for clients?

My personal style is what I like to call old New York City. It’s organic street-style inspired by my upbringing and memory of being a New Yorker with an energy and taste level that’s not inspired by an algorithm. However, when I style a client, I love to hyper-focus on their natural vibe and aesthetics and I pull references based on looks that they are inspired by. From there, we build together to ensure the looks I create in collaboration with them matches their comfort level and taste.

You’ve styled incredible A-list talent from Michael B. Jordan, Cynthia Erivo to Christina Aguilera - it seems you’ve styled them all! What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring stylists out there?

My advice is to trust your voice and vision. Believe you have a story to tell through your art and gift - then trust that your clients will align with that as you share.

Every stylist has a signature touch — what would you say defines yours, and how do you like it to come through in your work?

My signature touch is adding color, and layers to every look and moment. Whether it’s layering jewelry or an item of clothing that is typically unconventional to the look - I always like to evoke a conversation piece to the styling of my clients' looks.

What motivates you when you need an extra push?

My faith is my motivation, I am deeply spiritual and believe in the higher power when I’m in need of an extra push. I am much more motivated when I stay in the word of scripture.

You’re a native New Yorker, how does the city inspire you after all these years?

New York City is my home and sanctuary. When it comes to inspiration, I find it so easily and naturally here. It’s the essence of the city, the movement of the people and the beauty of each block. I find that people are free here when it comes to style and art and that inspires me because you can always run into something different that’s fresh.

What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?

Honestly, this question is always so hard to answer because - my proudest moment is every single point of my career. I say this because at one point in my life - everything that I’ve accomplished was just a dream of mine. As an assistant in my hustle era, I dreamed of styling clients for The Met Gala, red carpets, press junkets, movie premieres, music videos. I wanted to always bridge a gap between my work in the states with my heritage of Nigeria and throughout my career, I’ve been able to tick off a lot of those boxes and even some I didn’t imagine. I’m super proud of what I’ve done and even more excited at the new pivot I have planned for the upcoming year.

Who are the women that inspire you?

I love Nina Simone, Frida Kahlo, Solange Knowles, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Jill Scott and Mara Brock Akil - to me, these women represent power, true individuality and intelligence in their artistry and craft. I’m personally inspired by the way they honor their divine gifts through the medium that speaks to their soul. It encourages me in what I see for my future.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

If I were a color, I would be a shade of blue - a frosted blue (if I had to be specific, lol) - it’s light and airy but bold when it’s adjusted. I love that blue represents serenity, stability, calmness and is the color for intelligence. It just matches my energy… and it’s cool (no pun intended!)

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