Opeyemi Olayinka Kolawole, popularly known as ARTITUDE is a highly skilled fashion designer with over 15 years of experience. 

He graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin before embarking on his passion for fashion. Opeyemi has made a significant impact in Nigeria’s fashion industry, mentoring and training young designers for free. His expertise includes sewing, embroidery, pattern-making, and fashion illustration, among others. He is a well-traveled visionary who captures the essence of his creations through occasional photo shoots around the world. Opeyemi is committed to excellence and innovation, driving his team towards new heights of success.

In this Exclusive Interview with Allure Vanguard, the Fashion Designer takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, challenges and future dreams of ARTITUDE fashion brand.

What factors have contributed to your success in the industry?

Several factors have contributed to my success in the fashion industry, including my unwavering passion for design, over 15 years of hands-on experience, a commitment to continuous learning and innovation, and a strong focus on community empowerment through mentoring and training initiatives. Additionally, my understanding of both technical skills and business acumen has played a crucial role in establishing a thriving global brand.

What inspired your brand name ‘ARTITUDE’?

From my earliest memories, I’ve been on a creative journey that has shaped my identity as ARTITUDE. It began in my primary school days, where my passion for art first took root. This passion matured during my university years, blossoming into tangible forms through crafting, exhibitions, and sales of handmade greeting cards, which served as conduits for healing and reconciliation in broken relationships and a medium of expression between the student community at those times.

As I navigated through university life, I delved deeper into the realm of creativity, experimenting with slip-on shoe designs and palm slippers. These endeavors were not just about fashion; they were also a tribute to my mother’s craft, as I lent a hand with her embroidery work during visits home as I was equally skilled in operating embroidery equipment.

Upon graduation, my commitment to creativity remained unwavering, as evidenced by my continued exploration of artistic expression during my service year in Taraba State. It was during this time that my passion for fashion truly took flight, culminating in the birth of ARTITUDE.

After graduation, my dedication to creativity persisted, evident in my exploration of artistic expression during my service year in Taraba State. It was this period that my passion for fashion flourished, ultimately leading to the inception of ARTITUDE.

The name “ARTITUDE” encapsulates the essence of my journey—a fusion of artistic prowess, positive attitude, and unwavering determination. It represents more than just a brand; it’s a testament to my dedication to blending creativity with discipline and resilience.

In addition to fashion design, painting, and drawing have always been integral to my artistic expression. These mediums allow me to explore new dimensions of creativity and infuse my designs with unique perspectives.

At its core, ARTITUDE stands for fearlessness and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a declaration of my commitment to pushing boundaries, celebrating individuality, and making bold statements through fashion. With every brushstroke and stitch, I strive to deliver quality at its peak, spreading the message of creativity and positivity to the world.

How affordable are your wears?

Our wears at ARTITUDE are priced competitively, ensuring accessibility without compromising on quality or style.

Are you planning to unveil a new collection, can you tell us more about it?

Yes! Brace yourselves for our latest collection to be held in the United Kingdom titled: ‘AWORAN,’ meaning ‘picture’ in English. This collection is more than just a fusion; it’s a celebration of diverse cultures blending seamlessly. Imagine the vibrant hues of African fashion intertwining with the rich tapestry of the United Kingdom’s multicultural values, tailored perfectly for the temperate weather conditions in mind.

At ARTITUDE, we’re on a mission to propel the beauty of African designs, prints, and aesthetics onto the global stage. With ‘AWORAN,’ we’re not just making a fashion statement; we’re forging a cultural promotion and synchronisation. This unveiling marks our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and our relentless pursuit of new horizons.

Stay glued for more updates as we prepare to unleash this magnificent collection—a testament to individuality, innovation, and the limitless possibilities of design. Get ready to witness fashion history in the making.

Do you have notable individuals or public figures who have embraced your designs?

Yes, indeed, our brand has garnered attention from prominent figures across various industries. We’ve expanded our reach to cater to corporations and high-net-worth individuals while paying strong attention to other lower tiers of our products, both locally and internationally. The list of our esteemed clients is extensive. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with a foremost industrial bank in Nigeria to export our distinctive fashion to a global audience.

What are the challenges you face as Nigerian entrepreneur?

For emphasis and space, I will break my response into 2 parts:

1. Power: This is as of now the biggest elephant in the room. work functions are optimal with a constant power supply providing alternative power is a major setback for every fashion business and in fact, any business at all because power is needed to get the equipment to work as required. with the cost of diesel and petrol and high inflation, this has become a strong mitigating factor for businesses to thrive

2. others are but not limited to poor Access to finances, Government policies, Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and economic instability, also competition from other upcoming and established brands requires we constantly innovate and develop our products which is what we are most suited to do

Despite these challenges, we are resilient and resourceful, finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and thrive in this highly dynamic business environment.

How has the current state of the economy affected your business, and what do you think the government can do to help?

The current state of the economy has presented both challenges and opportunities for our business. Economic fluctuations, currency volatility, and shifts in consumer spending patterns have affected our operations and profitability. We’ve had to adapt our strategies, streamline processes, and seek out new market opportunities to remain resilient in the face of these challenges. This has led us to intensify our drive to reach the global space and establish a long-lasting legacy in the international front as we continue to develop our ideologies and create more room for expansion

Who are your industry inspirations or mentors?

Having been around for a while and steadily pursuing exceptionalism in my craft, I have been opportune to meet with, work with, and develop good relationships with various established fashion brands, notably, Nobel Afrique, Kola Kudus and others however, my quest to attain exceptional continues to fuel my drive and has constantly set my work aside from the regular.

Can you mention some fashion shows you have graced?

I have attended GTfashion week, Bank of Industry fashion exhibitions in Civic Centre and Oriental Hotel towards the Olympics exhibition in London, and numerous others.

Which runway show do you look forward to featuring?

London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Lagos Fashion Week for now

What are your future plans for your brand?

Our future plans for the brand include expanding product lines, international growth, adopting sustainable practices, integrating technology, and fostering community support and engagement both in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and internationally as we regard ourselves as a Global Brand. Ultimately, we aim to solidify our position as a leading fashion brand known for innovation, creativity, and commitment to excellence while making a positive impact on society and the environment.

What makes you happy?

What makes me happy is my family, creativity, seeing others thrive, customer satisfaction, making a difference, and personal growth. In the context of my work am happy when i see my work on people, showcase and seeing improvements on every talent within my team.

Below are some of his other designs…