Tapping into the true extent of your God-given gifts with Phillipa Nyasha
Phillipa Nyasha has found her calling in Fashion Design and is embarking on her journey to discovering the true extent and dept of her skills.
“the one thing you definitely have that they won’t is you- your unique mind, ideas and flavour. Sprinkle it all”.
Reaching a point in life where we realise and tap into the gifts God has given us is truly a blessing. Phillipa Nyasha has found her calling in Fashion Design and is embarking on her journey to discovering the true extent and depth of her skills. With a family lineage of creative visionaries, experiencing and observing first hand their talents has influenced Phillipa to wholeheartedly pursue and unravel the creative spirit in her. The technical skills and detail to design are truly impressive!. Elements such as pattern cutting and sewing which have taken individuals years to learn are almost an innate, deeply ingrained skill for this promising designer. She is definitely one to look out for!
Tell us about your talent and how you came to discover it?
I am currently exploring my new found creative disposition within fashion design. I realise a connection between nature and nurture is how I got here today as a creative. Growing up I was exposed to family members who are innovative and gifted with their hands. I believe the inspiration of family alongside life experiences in school and society stimulated my abilities and have played a role in my journey of discovering what I am capable of. In the past, I have dabbled in art, photography and more recently hairdressing. Upon reflection, I realize my passion as a creative has been longstanding as I become enlightened and active in the gift God has given me. Like many of us, I have been a fashion enthusiast especially in women’s going-out-wear and have recently decided to embark on a journey of creating and designing fashion pieces mainly focused on womenswear. I aim to create luxury fashion pieces that compliment any woman. I am only just getting started and look forward to the rest of this journey of dressmaking and freedom in creativity.
Describe your aesthetic?
I believe every woman has the right to feel luxurious so I would say my aesthetic definitely aims to encompass/cater to this. I am inspired by the woman I am becoming, who aims to embody elegance, whose stepping out bold and confident in the pieces she’s wearing. I look for inspiration in various places from artwork to runway pieces, designer, high fashion and current trends. I aim to explore femininity through various silhouettes, shapes and compositions & textures of fabric.
What makes you stand out?
I would say the fact that I am currently making clothes myself, opens up opportunities for me to get very experimental, taking my time to perfect whatever it is I create, making each piece different. I desire to keep this element of my work going in any future endeavours. I believe there is great power in how God created me. I’ve come across a statement that read “the one thing you definitely have that they won’t is you- your unique mind, ideas and flavour. Sprinkle it all”. So, I believe what God will use to make me stand out is me.
Do you feel that the industry is lacking black creatives?
I feel as though we are still very much a minority within the industry. I acknowledge that there has been a rise in independent black-owned fashion brands and other black creatives over the years, which I think has been very refreshing and a great move towards change. I also think social media has created a great platform for black creatives to be seen on a larger scale and be noticed, however, I believe that there is still room for more black creatives to take up household name status and to be recognised and appreciated for their work, rather than be used by larger brands as inspiration.
What are your feelings towards the natural hair movement?
I think it is a personal choice on how you treat your hair and you should do what feels most comfortable and empowering to you. I think our hair forms a part of our identity as women, and I appreciate the beauty in the natural hair movement, it’s allowing us to be proud of who we are and what we were given. I think it’s great that people are increasingly appreciating their hair, whether this is through conformity or genuine appreciation it brings about a community of sisterhood, confidence, familiarity and representation for those who participate.
What are your plans for the future?
I aim to build a platform where I can use my creativity to impact women on how they look and feel & would love to someday own a luxury womenswear brand. I would love to create pieces that are very explorative in their artistic vision whilst maintaining retail accessibility. I aim to not limit myself but maximize my potential in everything I do, to create unique pieces that I hope will be loved by many.
Follow Phillipa on her Instagram to experience her exciting journey @phillipanyasha
Asoamoke from Lagos to London - Heritage fused with Modern Femininity.
We virtually sat down with Mary Bolawole (@itunumary), founder and designer behind ASOAMOKE (@asoamoke). A brand that offers exclusive womenswear handmade in London inspired by her Nigerian heritage.
‘Have a clear vision and know your why’ - Asoamoke founder, Mary Bolawole
@itunumary_ Founder of Asoamoke
Mary Bolawole’s life started in Lagos. She later found herself in the unfamiliar settings of Birmingham, where she draws on her experiences to run her brand Asoamoke. She did not allow the effects of the covid-19 pandemic to hold her back whilst showing her pride in where she came
I, virtually sat down with Mary Bolawole (@itunumary), founder and designer behind ASOAMOKE (@asoamoke). A brand that offers exclusive womenswear handmade in London inspired by her Nigerian heritage.
Born and raised in Ketu, Lagos, Bolawole was constantly surrounded by three things; fashion, science and hair. Her father a doctor, her mother a seamstress and a local hairdressing salon where she would spend her time. Without knowing, each of these would influence her future choices and shape her into the young woman and designer she is today.
At eight years old, her family moved to London and a new journey began. When I asked where it all started for her, she recalled, ‘my love for fashion starting young, I would cut up everything and handmake clothes for my dolls’. She always knew that she wanted to start a fashion brand but it was not until this time last year that she finally decided to take the leap of faith with encouragement from her loved ones and friends.
Her first encounter with fashion outside of Nigeria were textiles lessons in a secondary school which quickly became a favourite subject alongside science. She took things further by choosing to study fashion with textiles at college and laughs sharing “I remember in my final year; I had been working hard on my portfolio and on the road to achieving an A* but I ended up leaving my folder on the bus and had to start all over again but my new project was better than I expected”. A lesson to learn, sometimes starting over, produces greater results because of what you have already learnt from the route you first took.
Despite her passion, a degree in medical science was her final option for university and draws on the skills she gained to help when researching and designing a collection. Whilst at university, she purchased a sewing machine but did not actually use it till after graduating. It was at this point, she explained ‘I had achieved my academic goals and wanted to now do what I enjoyed and was born to do’.
Mary emphasises the need for education, she didn’t just want to make clothes so took short courses to learn and understand the technical side of the fashion industry. This helps her execute some of the design components in her pieces.
The actualisation of Asoamoke started with the name, inspired by her Yoruba roots and the name of her mother, a talented seamstress who carries a wealth of knowledge on lace and Ankara. The name broken down translates as;
Aso the Yoruba word for clothes
Amoke a Yoruba name meaning ‘to be cherished and treasured’
Arẹwà collection Available here.
The brand name, has a double meaning - the clothes and the wearers of the clothes are to be cherished and treasured. It initially started with bonnets and facemasks which were sold on Ebay then Etsy and evolved into their own website after a post on Instagram of Désíre (a square neck top with long straps that can be worn a multiple of ways) led to followers messaging her to purchase.
As a brand inspired by her home, Mary describes African fashion as ‘the people behind the scenes make it what it is, the artisans and their skills. The potential of what it could be is great, it needs to be nurtured’. As part of a new generation of storytellers, she hopes to hone in on her history and create new stories through the clothes that she makes.
Her intentions for Asoamoke, are to grow it into a brand that creates a connection between those in the diaspora and their heritage, whilst incorporating the importance of culture and community through each garment. One day she hopes to take her manufacturing to Nigeria and build her community by drawing on the artisan skills of the local craftsmen and use of traditional techniques.
Multi-Way crop top from ARẸWÀ collection
As a young designer still in the early process of her journey, she expresses the many lessons she has learnt so far and continues to learn. ‘I have learnt so many lessons on this journey, from knowing that I can’t do everything myself to constantly being open to learning new things and ways of doing them. I have found sampling is key especially if you are making the pieces yourself, make the effort to learn how to make patterns because this is what will help to bring your designs to life.’
The advice she would give to future designers comes in 3 words;
‘Stop PROCRASTINATING – Do that thing you’ve been wanting/need to do
FOCUS – Make sure your vision is very clear
STRATEGY – Plan in small steps how to achieve your vision and celebrate the small wins'
As June 21st looms, prepare you outfits by visiting the Asoamoke website and keep a look out for the new and exclusive pieces via their Instagram!
FASHIONING IN WEST AFRICA Review
The documentary explores conversations with creatives from the African continent specifically in West Africa. Mujay-Bärg sat down with designers and creatives who have fought against many obstacles to establish themselves authentically and purposefully.
‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are’ - Loza Maleombho
Part 1 of a 4-part documentary series shown via Fashion Scout (@fashionscout) as part of their digital showcase for London Fashion week. African fashion nomad, Arieta Mujay Bärg (@arietawho) and editor in chief of Debonair Afrik Ekuban Emmanuel (@nuelbans) make the ultimate power team as producer and director.
The documentary explores conversations with creatives from the African continent specifically in West Africa. Mujay-Bärg sat down with designers and creatives who have fought against many obstacles to establish themselves authentically and purposefully. From their designs to the use of artisan skills and innovation in creativity to create pieces that are proudly Made in Africa yet can be enjoyed and worn the world over.
Each designer tells their story and how they do what they do the way they choose to do it in a place that is not always stable. They highlight sustainability, manufacturing, production and sourcing giving us not just insight but the reality. I highly recommend for designers or individuals who are considering manufacturing, producing or sourcing in Africa to know what it takes because it is feasible and these designers are evidence of the possibilities.
We are taken on a journey that re-defines fashion in Africa and gives us a glimpse into the greatness, talent and skills that Africa carries alongside the trials they face and how they overcome them. From Nigeria to Ghana and Ivory Coast, the various perspectives cause us, viewers, to think about the repositioning of Africa in the global fashion industry and how we can use the lessons learnt to come together and be a force to be reckoned with.
The documentary is not just important but necessary as Africa has yet again become the topic of conversation. It encourages us to be storytellers of our history and cultures. In a world that is slowly changing, a new generation has risen that refuses to stand still. Creativity is the new currency and human resource the drive for economic growth, Mujay-Bärg and Emmanuel are story makers showcasing the new African narrative that does not conform and bridges the gap between two worlds created by post-colonial ideologies.
As an African fashion enthusiast, the documentary really opened my eyes to the triumphs, struggles and need for collaboration and community. The Fashion industry in Africa needs to be built to not only last a lifetime but evolve and make room for what is to come.
Look out for the following parts by following Arieta and Ekuban on their social media as theycontinue to show what fashion is and means to Africans.
Watch Fashioning West Africa below:
Stylists - The real masterminds behind all our trends. Catching up with upcoming black stylist: Korede Alabi.
Up and coming fashion stylist Korede Alabi is navigating her way through the fashion industry and is simply killing it! With an impressive portfolio under her sleeve, she is one to look out for!
“Up and coming fashion stylist Korede Alabi is navigating her way through the fashion industry and is simply killing it! With an impressive portfolio under her sleeve, she is one to look out for!” - Vimbai M.
Korede assisted @Jen Eleto onset of the latest PAUSE PRESS PLAY artist edition.
Your favourite singers, rappers, models in magazines, even characters in movies and shows, all those looks you see from them/there would not be successful without the vision of the stylists who work behind the scenes! Stylists are natural fashion experts! From having a deep understanding of how clothes are supposed to fit on different body shapes to which pieces best suit certain themes, they have top-notch knowledge on what makes a product successful and in essence are the trendsetters of our society.
There sometimes seems to be a certain disregard for Fashion stylists with the notion that they ‘just pick clothes’, this notion is simply wrong. This significant role facilitates relationships between individuals within the industry such as photographers and models and the success of many campaigns would not exist without their input. It’s more than just selecting clothes, it’s advising the creative world we live in.
Tells us about your styling venture?
I’m an aspiring fashion stylist. I’ve spent the last 6 months assisting experienced stylists from London and LA, learning about the craft and what it takes to be a real successful stylist/image consultant.
Describe your aesthetic?
My personal aesthetic or style is feminine and elegant but still quite edgy and creative. I love a neutral colour palette and to experiment with different textures. This tends to translate into my work.
You can check out Korede’s Instagram page (@lifeofkors) where her own personal style effortlessly generates a page of desirable must-have fashion fits! Her “matrix but make it fashion” post was it for us. The head to toe black ensemble featuring Zara wrinkled effect fringing skirt, NA-KD cut out top matched with some boots and a pair of shades to finish the look was… a look!
What makes you stand out?
I think my degree background does. It’s not industry aligned in the slightest, but I think having a degree in something completely unrelated provides a fresh perspective on the work I do. It has made me into an abstract thinker, disciplined and thorough in the work I do - I think that makes me stand out.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d love to build a bank of high-end clientele. I want to be someone my clients can depend on and I’d love to book shoots on a consistent basis, so I can style full-time.
Abolishing the Status Quo and improving Fashion Habbits with Wuzzy
Eco-conscious brand Wuzzy is all about generating stylish fashion pieces that ensure less damage is done to the environment in the process. This black-owned brand creates amazing new pieces out of vintage denim and each design is simply fly AF!
“What is really important to me is shifting the culture in fashion, by that, I mean changing the mind sets of how we shop”
Model wearing BY.WUZZY (@by.wuzzy) • Instagram photos and videos
Eco-conscious brand Wuzzy is all about generating stylish fashion pieces that ensure less damage is done to the environment in the process. This black-owned brand creates amazing new pieces out of vintage denim and each design is simply fly AF!
Despite the unexpected hardships we all experienced during the pandemic, Wuzzy launched during the summer of 2020 and the handmade collection resonated with strong 90’s vibes with detail to technical features. Each item is a must-have and the fact that they’re handmade demonstrates the craftsmanship of Wuzzy as a designer.
What inspired you to start Wuzzy?
I have been wanting to start my own brand for a long time, but everything happens for a reason. The pandemic hit and it was time to slow down, sit down and think. I felt like if I didn't start now, when would I?
How would you describe the aesthetics of your work as well as its ethos and in what way do you want that to have an impact on your audience?
What is really important to me is shifting the culture in fashion, by that, I mean changing the mindsets of how we shop, so being more conscious and mindful of what you buy and what you are buying into.
In this day and age now we’re seeing the rise of firms such as Klarana and Clearpay giving the option to consumers to spend on credit with the “buy now pay later” mentality. When asked if Wuzzy gave this option to purchase, she stated “the reason why I don’t have the buy now pay later option is that I’m not 100% sure I want to promote possible consumer debt. As a young adult myself, I know how easy it can be to be irresponsible with money. Also as a brand, I do promote consciousness and the BNPL models have directly affected millennials”. This statement is a vital one to consider as many young people during the pandemic have easily fallen into debts of up to a whooping £2.7 billion. Practising better shopping habits generate healthier financial lifestyles.
What has been the biggest challenge during the pandemic and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been realising there is only so much you can do online- building a brand is also about having great content and to do that means that you have to have photoshoots and connect with people and that is really hard when lockdown rules in London especially are so unpredictable, you can barely plan for a week but with that being said I have managed to make it work.
What has been the highlight of your career?
The biggest highlight has honestly been growing an honest and true following during such trying times and actually getting orders.
