APiF: Please introduce your business and your designs.
Adebayo Oke-Lawal: My label is called Orange Culture, a unisex label that celebrates people with colorful dispositions.
APiF: How does your heritage inspire/influence your designs?
Adebayo: My designs are inspired by experiences of mine and the environment that surrounds me, its sourced from who I am as a person – which without a doubt is connected to my African heritage. I’m not the most outright African person, but a love for my heritage is definitely shown in my designs. It is shown in the Ankara print, which I absolutely adore, but it is mixed with more adventurous and not so Afrocentric cuts and shapes.
APiF: How do u feel about the current trend regarding all things “African”?
Adebayo: The African influence has always been and will always be present in the creative industry. As Africa is so rich in culture and rich in possible influences, it excites me that its diversity isn’t only recognized locally. But international brands such as Burberry and Prada have also taken it up.
APiF: Fashion Finds: What is your favorite piece in your closet or of your collection and why?
Adebayo: My favorite piece in my collection are the green chiffon and ankara pants. It is very eclectic, very suited for the Nigerian weather (it is as light as air) and very Orange Culture.
APiF: How do you market your designs and how do you make them accessible to a global audience?
Adebayo: I wear Orange Culture literally everywhere, lol, and it is on as many sites and in as many magazines as possible. We also have a website www.orange-culture.com and are working on stocking in stores online and otherwise, that have a global clientele.
APiF: Any tips for new designers/start-ups in the fashion industry?
Adebayo: Just be sure it is your passion, because that’s what will push you through the many difficult times. Be original, Be you.
Find out more:
w: http://www.orange-culture.com/
f: Orange Culture on facebook
t: https://twitter.com/#!/theorangenerd
