Oluwatoyin Olawunmi @ Zephyr's Atelier |
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Oluwatoyin Olawunmi is a young designer who founded Zephyr's Atelier. Her bold, colourful designs incorporate traditional handwoven Nigerian fabric, Akwete, in contemporary women’s wear.
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What is your background?
When I was in high school I knew I wanted to go into fashion. After graduating I went to the OSC College of Fashion in Lagos where I was trained in design, pattern cutting and garment construction and learnt about the business side of the industry. When I finished my training I wasn’t clear on direction to go in until one day I saw I posted on Instagram explaining how Ankara fabric isn’t from Nigeria - a lot of people think it is, but it’s usually imported from China – and which fabrics are really made in Nigeria. I started researching different fabrics and realized that very few designers were using the handwoven Akwete fabric from Eastern Nigeria. I couldn’t find any women’s wear designers who were using it so it’s something that is quite unique to my work. I founded Zephyr's Atelier in 2019 and we do made-to-measure and ready to wear, but during the pandemic started producing face masks. |
Copyright © Oluwatoyin Olawunmi / Zephyr's Atelier
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Copyright © Oluwatoyin Olawunmi / Zephyr's Atelier
Who is your typical client?
My clients are mostly successful young women
who appreciate the fabric I use and the value of it. They wear my designs to work, for leisure or when they are travelling. I also have international clients; I sell through several key boutiques in Lagos where foreign travellers shop when they visit Nigeria.
How would you describe your style/design work?
The traditional Akwete fabric is the key inspiration for my designs but I use it in a contemporary way. It’s handwoven by an older generation of women in Eastern Nigeria but it’s been forgotten and the knowledge and skills needed to make it are at risk of dying out. I wanted to bring it back to life because it's a beautiful fabric with
many colours. It’s also very light weight and high quality so it’s comfortable to wear and it will last a long time. I source the fabric from the Akwete town in Eastern Nigeria and I’m inspired by the colours and patterns they use.
My clients are mostly successful young women
who appreciate the fabric I use and the value of it. They wear my designs to work, for leisure or when they are travelling. I also have international clients; I sell through several key boutiques in Lagos where foreign travellers shop when they visit Nigeria.
How would you describe your style/design work?
The traditional Akwete fabric is the key inspiration for my designs but I use it in a contemporary way. It’s handwoven by an older generation of women in Eastern Nigeria but it’s been forgotten and the knowledge and skills needed to make it are at risk of dying out. I wanted to bring it back to life because it's a beautiful fabric with
many colours. It’s also very light weight and high quality so it’s comfortable to wear and it will last a long time. I source the fabric from the Akwete town in Eastern Nigeria and I’m inspired by the colours and patterns they use.
Copyright © Oluwatoyin Olawunmi / Zephyr's Atelier
What are your ambitions?
I want to make a mark on the industry and to give the Akwete fabric a new life through my designs. I want to be known for making good quality garments that people will wear for a long time. Beyond this, I am passionate about sustainable, locally produced fashion and I want to make this more popular and affordable in Nigeria.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
My biggest achievement so far is starting my fashion brand at the age of seventeen. It's a great achievement that I'll remember forever.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos?
A piece of advice I'll give to a young designer is, don't rush it! Don't be in a haste, take your time, work on your brand, you'll get there. Also, to always write down your goals and read them when times seem tough.
I want to make a mark on the industry and to give the Akwete fabric a new life through my designs. I want to be known for making good quality garments that people will wear for a long time. Beyond this, I am passionate about sustainable, locally produced fashion and I want to make this more popular and affordable in Nigeria.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
My biggest achievement so far is starting my fashion brand at the age of seventeen. It's a great achievement that I'll remember forever.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos?
A piece of advice I'll give to a young designer is, don't rush it! Don't be in a haste, take your time, work on your brand, you'll get there. Also, to always write down your goals and read them when times seem tough.
