By Josephine Agbonkhese

Adedolapo Fashanu, the founder and creative director at Zinnia Couture Fashion brand has always been artistic and creative from childhood.

In this interview with Allure, Adedolapo Fashanu sheds light on her brand, creative process, challenges and lots more.

What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design?
Growing up, I had always been artistic and creative. I would sketch various designs on a drawing book my mum got for me and that was when I knew I wanted to chase a fashion career on the side, which I am doing fully now. I studied Public Health in the University up to Masters and PhD level. Studying didn’t stop me from still following my fashion dreams and vice versa. I love to design and I always found Joy in expressing myself through clothing. I am an introvert but I love my outfits to speak for me. The mere thought of being able to tell a story and speak with my designs inspired me to pursue a career in fashion design.

How would you describe your signature style as a fashion designer?
I love to tell stories with each design. I lean more towards the African prints so I create designs that mostly incorporate various African prints in them. I also strive to create pieces that flatter one’s natural beauty and bring confidence. My motto is comfort in every design. I want the wearer to be comfortable in my designs as it is that comfort that boosts confidence and enhance beauty from within.

How do you stay updated with the latest fashion trends and incorporate them into your designs?
It is very important to stay updated with fashion trends and understand the evolving preferences of customers. We are now in a fast-paced generation and one should be able to keep up. I stay connected with the fashion industry by following various influential designers and brands as well as engaging with the fashion community.

What challenges have you faced as an emerging fashion designer, and how have you overcome them?
In the early stages, sourcing for materials was a challenge as they were not accessible but thankful for technology and modernization, I can now easily access various materials home and abroad. Production was also challenging when we factor in the electricity situation of the country, as we barely get 8 hours of constant supply. I was able to overcome this by depending fully on generator to provide electricity for my machines to run.

What role do you think fashion plays in expressing one’s individuality and identity?
Fashion plays an important role in expressing who we are as individuals and showcasing our unique identities. It goes far beyond just wearing clothes, it’s about making a statement and telling the world who we are without saying a word. Your outfit becomes a canvas where you can paint your personality, your interests, and your values. It’s a lovely way to pay tribute to and highlight our roots. By dressing in traditional clothing, ethnic designs, or cultural symbols, we honor our heritage and give the world a glimpse into our identity.

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your designs?
I believe every successful person or designer has had series of feedbacks and criticisms. It is all these that makes one better. When I have a negative feedback or criticism from a customer, I go back to check what went wrong. I analyze from their own point of view and check if there are areas I need to enhance my design. Also, not all feedbacks will align with one’s style. However, feedbacks are an integral aspect of growth and development in the fashion industry as it pushed one to do better.

Could you talk about the importance of storytelling in fashion and how you incorporate it into your designs?

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who are just starting their journey?
Persistence is key! Stay true to yourself and keep pushing, never give up. I would say take risks and experiment with designs and keep refining your skills while following various trends. In the fashion industry, learning never ends hence the need to keep exploring.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the fashion industry today?
The fashion industry is fast growing and one has to be able to be up to date with the various trends. Keeping up with the fast pace while trying to create unique and timeless designs could be challenging. Access to funds to and resources to create unique designs is also one as most materials are not readily available in the country.

How do you approach sizing and inclusivity in your designs to cater to a diverse range of body types?
I believe everyone deserves to wear beautiful pieces and fashion should be accessible for all, irrespective of body size and types. I also do made to order pieces which is to enable me factor in a diverse range of body types in my designs. I always aim at my designs making everyone feel fabulous and confident in their unique beauties. Fashion should be an inclusive and positive experience for all.

How do you connect with your target audience and build a strong brand identity?
I share my designs on my social media pages where I interact and engage with my customers by responding to their messages, comments as well as asking for feedbacks. I also share process and behind the scene videos which I have noticed my followers love to see and engage with.

Finally, what message or feeling do you hope people experience when they wear your designs?
I just want to bring smile to people’s faces when they wear my designs. There is no greater joy than seeing how my design brings confidence, happiness and uniqueness to various body types. Outfits speak and I want people who wear my designs to have this aura that speaks for itself.