...............35............
It is important to me as a Nigerian to use Africa’s rich textile to create amazing designs.
When designing your clothes, do you have a niche, a special group of customers you are targeting?
My targeted Client is a classy, stylish and upscale lady who keeps up with fashion. The age range is open.
The fashion industry has always been very tight square on some principle, like curvy line of women that are not always shown, as a black woman designer in that world how do you deal with it? Do you try at least to give room to curvy women in your creation? What is your take? fashion must be idealized, or it must reflect the reality of the world?
My take on this is to be as realistic with my designs. My models portray realistic body sizes, so that women on the skinny or curvy side can relate. My designs emphasize on bringing out beauty curves, in a classy way on women.
Runway shows are never enough even for top designers, how have you managed to be proficient beside the runways have you opened a store like some young designers do ? If so, where are your creation available for those who want to buy them?
Ayo by Yinka has an E-Store presence
www.ayobyyinka.com it’s where orders can be made.
As we are closing this talk do you have a word towards the public what are you next hot dates?
Ayo by Yinka will be showcasing our latest designs in different fashion shows around the US. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specific dates.
Thank you for the opportunity
Ola Yinka Flashmag and it readership thanks you for this open talk.
Interview by Hubert Marlin E. Jr.
Journalist
I have discovered you a few months ago, during the Seattle Fashion week, where you were one of the best act. One may think that the best places for designers are New York or Paris. Why did you choose to settle in Seattle? And how do you see the fashion industry in your new hometown?
I knew Seattle was not much of a fashion Market but for me as an individual, I settled here because of family, and I want to be part of those, to raise the fashion industry in Seattle.
You are Nigerian American. How does this influence your art, and the perception of your surrounding?
What inspire you when creating a collection?
My designs are rooted in my origin, my slogan is “Western meets Africa fabrics” I am inspired to use both Western fabric and silhouette infused with African textile.
Flashmag January 2018 www.flashmag.net