I use my platform to promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry —Bisoye Adeyanju

Bisoya Adeyanju, a creative stylist, fashion enthusiast and founder of SLANE, a fashion company, talks with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE about mentorship, women and leadership, her inspiration and business maintenance, among others.

What is your take on leadership and mentorship, especially in the fashion industry?

I believe leadership and mentorship are important in the Nigerian fashion industry as they provide guidance and direction to individuals and companies in the industry. A strong leader can define a clear vision and strategy for his company and inspire and motivate his team to work towards that vision. A mentor can provide valuable advice and support to emerging designers and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the industry’s challenges and develop their skills and knowledge. In addition, strong leadership and mentorship can help drive innovation and growth within the fashion industry and can also contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive industry.

What motivated you to set up SLENE?

I have always had a passion for fashion and a deep appreciation for how clothing can be used to express one’s personal style and individuality. I’ve always loved experimenting with different fabrics and designs and have always been fascinated by the way fashion can be used to tell a story or convey a message. My love for fashion grew stronger as I traveled to different parts of Nigeria and interacted with people of different cultures. I saw how much they use fashion as an expression of their culture and that inspired me to start my own fashion design company. I wanted to create designs that allow people to express themselves in a unique and authentic way, and I wanted to use my platform to promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry in Nigeria. In addition, I wanted to create a sustainable fashion company that not only helps the environment, but is also ethically responsible. Moreover, SLane has always been a dream for me. Growing up I always used needles and thread to tailor my outfits to be exactly what I liked, so when I developed the passion it all came naturally to me.

How much has the economy impacted your business given the challenges companies are facing now?

The high inflation and the general state of the economy affect entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. The fashion industry, like many others, was hit hard by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many retailers have had to close their physical stores and switch to online sales, while others have been forced to file for bankruptcy.

In addition, supply chain disruptions have led to delays in the production and delivery of new clothing lines and equipment. Overall, the sector has been hit hard and may take some time to fully recover. We also see that impact in our daily transactions. For example, I go to the market every week and there is a constant rise in the price of materials that I use in sewing. This has a significant impact on operating returns and efforts to remain profitable.

What will make a SLANE woman notice?

As a designer, I do my best to focus on making clothes that appeal to a wide variety of women, rather than identifying specific qualities that a woman wearing my clothes should possess. My designs are created with the aim of making women feel confident, stylish and comfortable in their clothes. I strive to create pieces that are versatile and can be worn in a variety of settings, and that flatter a wide range of body types and sizes. In addition, I strive to make clothing that is of high quality, made of sustainable materials and well constructed. Keeping all this in mind, a SLANE woman will be confident, stylish and will feel every ounce of feminine energy within her.

What inspires you?

As a fashion designer, my inspiration is a combination of various sources.

The natural world and its colors, patterns and textures inspire me a lot and this is easily reflected in my work. I also draw a wealth of inspiration for new silhouettes, fabrics and embellishments from historic fashion and costume designs.

Then of course there is ‘the streets’ or Street Style as professionals call it, which can give an idea of ​​what people are currently wearing and what they are looking for in their clothes. Other designers or artists, whose work can serve as a source of inspiration and a way to push the boundaries of what is possible in fashion design, also inspire me.

Living in Lagos, socio-economic and cultural changes also play a big part in the inspiration of my design and how those changes are reflected in the way people dress.

Ultimately, my greatest inspiration would be a constantly evolving mix of all these sources, as well as my own personal experiences, emotions, and creativity.

Have you been able to express your creativity by designing fashion?

As a fashion designer, my creativity often manifests itself in designing and creating clothing and accessories. I tend to use my imagination and artistic skills to create unique and visually interesting garments, often using different textures, colors and silhouettes to create a cohesive collection. I can also draw inspiration from various sources such as art, architecture, nature and cultural traditions to create a cohesive story or theme in my designs. Ultimately, my creativity is reflected in the combination of technical skill and personal vision that goes into every piece of clothing or accessory in SLane.

What do you like most about being a fashion designer?

A favorite part of being a fashion designer is the creative process of designing and bringing an idea to life. From sketching initial concepts to selecting fabrics and colours, the process of creating a new collection or piece is both challenging and satisfying. I also enjoy pushing boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. I also have the opportunity to express my personal style and vision through my work and see the designs come to life.

In addition, I have the ability to create something that is both beautiful and functional and has a meaningful impact on the fashion industry and culture.

The opportunity to work with a team of talented individuals, the ability to be part of the whole process of creating a clothing line and the constant evolution of the fashion industry makes this profession exciting and challenging for me.

I also have the opportunity to travel and interact with different cultures and trends, which can inspire my work and broaden their perspective.

Seeing my designs on the catwalk or worn by clients can be a source of pride and a great sense of accomplishment.

What skill can a fashion designer not miss?

An important skill to have as a fashion designer is the ability to create accurate and detailed technical sketches and specifications for clothing. This skill is critical to effectively conveying design ideas to other members of the design and production teams, and to ensure that the final product meets the desired specifications.

Another important skill is the ability to understand and work with different fabrics, textiles and construction techniques. This includes knowledge of draping, pattern making and sewing, as well as an understanding of how different fabrics and materials behave and can be used in different designs.

In addition to these technical skills, a fashion designer must also possess strong creative and aesthetic skills; these include an eye for colour, proportion and silhouette, as well as an ability to create cohesive and visually interesting collections.

In addition, the ability to manage time and work well under pressure is a must-have for a fashion designer as the industry moves fast and deadlines for multiple projects must be met at the same time. Strong communication and presentation skills are also important for fashion designers, as they must present their designs to clients, buyers and other industry professionals.

Finally, a fashion designer must be passionate and curious about fashion, trends and open to new ideas, in order to stay current and get inspired.

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