By Patricia Uyeh

The runway of the recently held African Fashion Week Nigeria had fashion designers, who unleashed their creativity to the fullest. One of such is Sheila Adetola Black, whose pieces spell comfort, class and style.

The psychology graduate, who is well-travelled took time to share with us about her brand, Sheila Black.

Read Excerpts below:

On what inspires her designs, She said;
‘‘Fashion is something that has always been with me. It is a passion I have had ever since I was a little girl. From  when I turned 10 years old and I told all my friends to wear long dress. The designs I have here in Nigeria was inspired by the weather and the break of a relationship. Hence the name ”Free me.”  I didn’t want to go into  a negative thinking pattern, much like you would expect, when you come out of a relationship, rather I put all my energy into creativity”

”The whole thing about ”Free me” is liberation. Freedom in the sense that ‘allow me to be who I am. Don’t try to make to be who  I am not. Allow me to stay on my lane. Allow me to live my most authentic life.’ So that’s what inspired me and  I was inspired by fabrics. I love soft fabrics especially here, in Nigeria where it is so hot”

Speaking on what sets her fashion brand from others, Sheila Black said:
”I think what sets me apart is because I allow each person I work with to be the best they can be in their chosen personality. I don’t make them conform. So when we have a meeting, I allow ideas to flow and  to be incorporated . That is why I said, it is not me, it is us. They have been able to relate with me because they have been working with me so they know who  I am and they come out like we know you said we should be who we are. No limitations. I allow them to fly. This is virgin territory”

According to the talented fashion designer, travel is education as she shares how she had  travelled extensively and stayed abroad; visiting places like England, London, Iceland and others.

Speaking on the necessary skills needed to excel in fashion designing, Sheila Black said:

”You have to be creative. You need to have a mind of your own. You have to be true to yourself and when you are true to yourself, there is a confidence that comes with that and that confidence translates, transfers to a targeted audience.

”Sheila Black star is about fashion, spirituality, collaborations. I go to the villages to search for people to work with. Irrespective of your journey in life, wherever, you are right now, if you are at the top of your craft, I would work with you because I work with local tailors and local fabrics”

Photo credits: Instagram @sheilablackstar