For Forward Thinking Women: Autumn Adeigbo

APiF: Please introduce your business and your designs.
Autumn Adeigbo: My name is Autumn Adeigbo. I create feminine attire for the fashionable, sophisticated and forward thinking woman who likes to be admired. In honor of my Nigerian heritage, I design from an African/Ethnic aesthetic.

APiF: If your label would be a person, what kind of person would it be?
Autumn: She is kind, generous, colorful, intelligent, sophisticated, regal, strong and must be studied to be understood.

APiF: How does your heritage inspire you?
Autumn: I always include an aspect of my Nigerian/African background into my designs- via prints, silhouette, color, beading. The people of Africa inspire me with their  heart, determination and style. Africa is probably my favorite place to visit. There is no feeling in the world like stepping foot on that continent.

APiF: Who is your favorite designer?
Autumn: Its hard to say just one because I admire many different brands/ designers: Alber Elbaz at Lanvin, Consuelo Castiglioni at Marni, Azzedine Alaia, Dries Van Noten, Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga, Oscar de La Renta, Tory Burch’s brand building and business savvy.

But if I had to choose one person to aspire to be like, it would be Gabrielle Coco Chanel. She was so ground breaking. Beyond her death her name lives on with an incredible legacy, as a true lifestyle brand with all of her original luxury, style and sophistication. And she created all of this as an orphan. She is proof that exterior circumstance can’t stop a person with a will and determination to succeed.

APiF: How do you market your designs and how do you make them accessible to a global audience?
Autumn: I maintain relationships with amazing and talented people who are in positions to put my designs in front of an audience. I just try to create original and beautiful designs, keep a positive outlook, and let nature take care of the rest. I make custom pieces via my website – www.autumnadeigbo.com and send them anywhere in the world. We are slowly entering the retail market, which is very exciting.

APiF: Any tips for new designers/start-ups in the fashion industry?
Autumn: Cultivate relationships with others and don’t feel discouraged when you hear “no” – you may hear 100 “no’s” for every 1 “yes”. Keep pushing. Understand the industry you are entering – fashion is not the easiest. It’s not for the faint of heart. Surround yourself with people whose strengths compliment your strengths – but more importantly, also compliment your weaknesses. 

APiF: It is Fall – what is your favorite trend?
Autumn: I love all the embellishments I see on basic pieces, making them statement pieces. We did a lot of embellishments for our Spring 13 season. For fall you can’t go wrong with leather accents, a printed oxford button up, and a leather skirt, tights and a chunky pair of heels. I also love a well tailored tweed suit, Mongolian fur coat for a night out, and capes for the daytime. All my solid colored pieces for Fall 12 are lined in a silk African comb print for an added touch of personalized luxury.

Note from APiF: The Spring 2013 collection from Autumn Adeigbo is being featured in the new music video from Solange Knowles, which was shot in South Africa. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy9W_mrY_Vk

Find out more:
w: http://www.autumnadeigbo.com
f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumn-Adeigbo