A graduate of Business Law from Portsmouth University and South Thames College, United Kingdom and Essex County College in New Jersey, USA, Adewunmi Yesufu of TailorLoRoN Clothier started designing clothes for her personal use. She later dumped the law profession for fashion designing and today has a success story to tell. In this interview with Kehinde Oluleye, the multi-talented designer speaks about her career and foray into the fashion world.
How did it all start? Although I didn’t start off designing clothes for the public, I actually started making clothes for just myself first, then my immediate family. But along the way, I widened my horizon, and I started designing clothes for my close friends who loved what I wore. As I continued to enjoy doing this, friends of my friends began to show sheer interests in my works too. Thereafter, when referrals to me became astounding, it encouraged me to dive into fashion full time, and officially too. And today it has birthed TL Clothier. Glory be to God
Do you feel your formal fashion education helped prepare you for the industry?
Absolutely not! I have had no formal or informal trainings whatsoever as far as fashion is concerned. I am not afraid to declare that I am an amateur who’s learned extensively on the job. However, while it is encouraging to get properly trained on the logistics/rudiments of fashion designing, I also think it has more to do with being gifted. I am of the stance that it is necessary to further inform one’s gifts by enriching it with adequate education.
But personally, in the area of fashion, I humbly say that I have learned that your merit is more dependent on your ability/gift to discern. More so, to be able to put clothing items together accurately. All these I narrow down to being gifted in the overall.
What inspired you to go into fashion design?
My inspiration came from God. I only just found it to be a true part of my existence. Quite apart from that, I get inspired solely by overwhelming commendations, feedbacks, and by the continuous out-pour of encouragements from ladies, and at times even from males. Initially, it was a question of “Oh you carry this outfit well” and “Whaoo…I love your designs, I want one too”. Notice these comments are two different things. The former will make anyone believe they are the reason the outfit looks gorgeous because they carry themselves well. And the latter will inform you that the outfit itself is absolutely fantastic. Hence, it will suit anybody else. So these were the sorts of applause that compelled me into fashion full time. And I have never enjoyed any other job like I do this one.
When did you realise your passion for fashion?
Again, like I said in my earlier statements, fashion has always been in me. I only just started serving my taste of it to the public since moving back to Nigeria few years ago. Matter of fact, I have been doing this for barely 2years.
What is your philosophy about the art of fashion?
My philosophy about the art of fashion is thus; wear ONLY what suits you irrespective of what may be in vogue. And this includes colour combinations, fabric prints/texture and the overall style of outfit. Also, it is advisable to be very mindful of your body shape before you make anything. Don’t just follow the crowd complacently, you can stand out in a spectacular way, no matter what the fashion statement of the time or day may be.
Two things attract people to your mode of dress sense. It is either because you are too clumsily conspicuous in your appearance of unmatching colours, or because your simplicity and demeanour is absolutely regal. These are the two extreme reasons people pay attention to you.
What do you enjoy most in designing clothes?
I enjoy tossing around with different fabrics, with a combination of reasonable colours in one outfit. Nothing gives me more joy than when I spontaneously get a new inspiration for my next outfit design. The natural impulse is always amazing and exciting for me.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
Well, I would say, pay attention to your intuition, make sure you aren’t only verging into it because of monetary benefits. To carve a niche for yourself in fashion, be innovative, do not imitate. Avoid mental laziness and full reliance on catalogue/fashion magazines, because any idiot can copy what they see in a magazine. So try to be different. Ultimately, make sure it’s your calling. Encourage feedbacks momentarily, be open to criticism, and be very patient with your clients. Unlike me, you may wish to enroll in a formal fashion tutorial, so as to amplify your creativity; as not everyone can get away without it. I am just a lucky rugged person that trained herself on the job (Laughs).
Having been around for a while, what would you like to see fashion designers improve on?
First of all, as a full blooded Nigerian, I applaud every distinguished fashion designer in this country. In the last 5years, I must say that the overall outpour of fashion consciousness in Nigeria has been very encouraging. The awareness has been blown up like a parachute. And for years to come, I am certain we’ll be one of the best, if not the best in the world. All thanks to our fine African prints. For the overall improvement, I say, designers should try do away with complacency. Avoid being monotonous with fabrics and styles. Be innovative and copy less. With these, the sky will be just the beginning for all.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
My design inspiration? Hmm, like I told you the other day, am an insomniac. So I get my overflowing inspiration to design in the wee hours of the mornings, say between 2 and 5 o’clock, and within the confines of my bedroom. It just comes naturally. When am informed, I draw it out instantaneously, and boom! I make it real as soon as possible(asap). That has been my pattern over the years.
What is the best perk in being a designer?
The best perk for me is that I get to model my designs myself, and I get to wear every one of them first. I love to show off. After all they say charity begins at home (Laughs).
What do you wish people would understand about the fashion industry?
That it is a very wide platform that can contain every intending fashionista, no matter how many want to do it. And that it is also an intricate venture, given that crises are inevitable, it will always occur. For example, you may get a client who wants an outfit they have seen on you or another client, wanting it the exact way they have seen it. When you make a replica for such a person, they may find it doesn’t suit them like the person on whom they first saw it. This in fact is a major challenge in the fashion industry. And not many understand this aspect. Therefore, I always advice adequate consultation is put in place with every client. Don’t assume you know what they want. And even when they choose something they love, it is the designer’s prerogative to advice such on whether or not their choice will be suitable for their body shape and colour. That is key.
What trends do you see becoming big in 2013?
I see the Peter Pan collar all the way. I see the bright colour mixes. Even though in recent time, some people have made the colour combo situation a very appalling sight to behold – the ‘colour blocking’ mix, as it is called in Nigeria. We need to be very careful with these colours, not all of them are appropriate to dress sense. And again, the ankara prints are going nowhere! I see them more in 2013 and far beyond.
If you could design the wardrobe for any movie star, who would it be & why?
Whao, interesting question, you got me on this one. Didn’t see it coming. Hmmm, never given much thoughts to this. Genevieve Nnaji and Bisi Ibidapo Obe. If both ladies get to read this, get in touch with me fast (laughs). See, both ladies have body shapes that I love absolutely. For Genevieve, she’s got carriage that I would love to be a part of. Same with Bisi, she’s a tall woman with a good sense of dressing, and I would also love to see my designs on her.
If you could be a famous designer for a day, who would you choose to be and why?
Oh oh, I assume that you mean Nigerian designer? I would love to wear Lanre Da-Silva’s shoe for a day. Reason is because I love her concepts, more like the Ancient Scottish taste of fashion. Peculiar but fantastic. Kudos
What is your absolute favourite item that you’ve made?
This would be the ‘Cinderella dress’, undoubtedly. I love the concept.
Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste?
Oh absolutely indeed. Don’t forget what I said earlier, I get to wear all my designs first. Would never make you a dress I cannot wear myself. So yes, my works are a total reflection of my personal fashion disposition.
Please describe your style.
Very simple, precise, yet stylish; less for me is more for me. I love comfortable and very versatile outfits.
