Tumisola Ladega is a British-Nigerian fashion designer and founder of the fashion label Tumiila. Since starting her label from a very young age (14), she has received various recognition awards including winning the Jimmy Choo Bursary Award for her outstanding work in Fashion and Design during her time at the International School of Creative Arts. You can read more about it here.
Earlier this year, Tumisola showcased some her work, a fine collection at AW20 fashion week.The collection explores exaggerated silhouettes with the oversized puffer coats and unusual fabric combinations of cotton and exotic leather.
Fashion week is the biggest fashion event hosted in London, Paris and New York. We had to opportunity to catch up with Tumisola, talking about the whole process of Fashion Week and her overall experience.
How was the experience showcasing your work at AW20 fashion week?
It was really amazing, it’s something I have always wanted to do and it was a lot of work leading up to it so it was a really exciting time! I have showcased at LFW in the past but it has always been off schedule so it was interesting actually know I was part of the official Fashion Week.
What went into preparation towards event?
The preparation process was a lot of designing, creating and decision making. Creating a collection from scratch by yourself is definitely a long process. So there was quite a bit of back and forth and I had to really lean on inspiration from my friend, The Holy Spirit. But we got there in the end and it was great!
How long did it take to get inspiration and to work on your pieces?
Pretty much the whole process of creating the collection was ongoing getting inspiration, up to the day for the final show. From the initial designing to the final styling, it all takes deep thought, creativity and inspo.
How does one get the opportunity to be recognized at fashion week?
Honestly, I can’t say I have the answer for that. In my case it was divine favour, in other people’s cases its ‘luck’ or ‘connections’. All I can say is you need to work hard and be confident in the work you are putting forward, and try not to focus on getting recognition or accolades, it makes what you’re doing feel more worth while.
“I am planning to finally start working on the building of my brand, so keep an eye out there is more to come, and this time I plan to take it to the next level of focusing more on making my piece available to purchase beyond just displaying them”
Pretty much the whole process of creating the collection was ongoing getting inspiration, up to the day for the final show. From the initial designing to the final styling, it all takes deep thought and creativity. Tumisola achieved her goals whilst in her final year of university which in its own is also inspiring. “A word of advice to young designers or creators in your own fields, you need to work hard and be confident in the work you are putting forward, and try not to focus on getting recognition or accolade, it makes what you’re doing feel more worth while.
Interview conducted by Hope Hangero.
