IUSASET “U-U” BAKR (Costumes). The first daughter of a seamstress, U-U began sewing at age 7, creating costumes for a United Nations cultural presentation-earning her the UN Youth Ambassador Award. A lifelong performer and designer, she created costumes for many local West African Dance Companies and, by 14, debuted her work at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa Festival. Her fashion lines-Dutchess Crew, The Lalibela Collection, and Kick Rocks Swarovski shoes-led her to dress socialites and celebrities like Iman, Toni Braxton, Marishka Hargitay, Mariam Edelman Wright, Deborah Roberts, Derek Hough & more. Her credits span prestigious companies such as Asase-Yaa, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, The Hungarian Opera, and shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “Nanny,” “Flatbush Misdemeanors,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” “Gotham,” “Emergence,” “Good Morning America,” etc. Known in sacred circles as lya Adefunmilayo, she is a crowned priest in the Lukumi tradition and honored as Alaso-creator of sacred garments. Her designs carry deep spiritual purpose, channeling ancestral guidance into every piece. She is grateful to lend her vision to A Freeky Introduction.
