Recently I got a chance to interview an upcoming fashion designer based in Canada, so I could get a little more knowledge behind her fashion line, inspirations, aspirations and style. It was quite fun... Enjoy xx
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| Rinsola (Founder &CEO) |
Tell me a bit about you?
I am an extremely hyperactive individual who likes to
look at the intricacy, delicacy and simplicity of various ideologies and
aspects of life. Moreover I am a 21 year old Nigerian studying an
honours in Economics, Major in IPE (int political economy) and minor in Int.
Studies. I am extremely down to earth and a foodie at heart, love singing even
if it bothers the neighbours and I’m extremely passionate about fashion.
At what age did you realise you had a passion for fashion?
I realised this when I was much younger, around my
early teenage years, plus I lived in Nigeria at the time and was always excited
when my mom gave me new fabric and got to design an outfit and give it to a
tailor. Would sketch ideas in minutes and not even doubt it.
How would you describe your style?
I am very versatile with style, love to keep it low key
with the basics (tee, loose jeans, converses and the leather jacket) extremely
in love with the classy attire, much similar to that of Audrey Hepburn.
Why did you decide to become a designer?
I figured I owed it to myself to do at least one thing
that I’m really interested in before the real world hits me. Moreover, my
mother is an artist and seeing her draw and paint all the time made me want to
do the same things as she and I wanted to be as amazing as her, then combining
that dream with my liking for fashion just made me realise that I probably had
what it takes to make it in fashion design.
How do you get inspired?
Funny enough, I get inspiration from: walking on the
street, especially when I have music playing, helps to keep the imagination and
creativity juices flowing or even sleep and dreams
What makes you different from other designers or aspiring
designers?
I honestly can’t say, but I’d think it’s because I
adore evoking the various aspects of african heritage in my designs, but most
importantly because I enjoy creating basic, simple outfits. I strongly believe
in the phrase “there’s beauty in simplicity”
Meaning behind the name aamoke?
Aamoke is a yoruba oriki (a praise) that was given to me as a
child by my paternal grandparents, it means “a child
who enjoys being spoiled”
Fashion influences?
I really don’t have many to be honest. Majority of the
influences I have come from the people, models and upcoming designers that I’ve
met and gotten to know, looking at blogs of fashion week in NYC, Paris, Milan
etc. When it comes down to popular brands and figures, it most definitely would
be, without a doubt, Audrey Hepburn. For brands, I just like the simple ones
and there are a lot out there, so I can’t necessarily give names.
Favourite Fashion Season?
Spring and Summer. I really like warm, cool and bright
colours. Not a huge fan of the dark side lol
Did you learn illustration and sewing from school?
I’m actually self taught in this field. From reading
books, watching a lot of youtube tutorials and following a lot of blogs, I
taught myself how to sew and sketch. Also from asking friends too.
How did you decide what type of designs to do and how do you
choose materials?
I’m not even kidding you on this but all this happens
through daydreaming and actual night time dreaming. Basically I just ask my
parents to send me any fabric they can whenever they are coming to visit me and
whatever the give, I make the most out of it. In making the designs like I said
this happens either in my sleep or when
I'm day dreaming, because I recall things that I’ve seen and make things up in
my head. I figure out a color scheme and figure out which patterns and fabric
go with each other and then end up sketching the design and making it
into a reality.
Is this a one person label?
For now, yes, but I am open to collaborating and
merging with other designers in the future.
How do you feel about completing your first line?
Honestly, I am nerve-wrecked about it, but at the same
time extremely ecstatic. I am happy and proud of myself. I achieved something
that I’ve always wanted to do for a really long time, but at the same time now
I am basically in a new playground and have to try and stand out from the rest
of the kids out there and basically make new friends with the right people, so
there’s a bit of pressure lol, overall though, I am super happy, excited and
thrilled.
Is this line limited edition or do we get to purchase it
anytime?
We could call it a limited edition and yes it can be
purchased lol but for now it’s more of a lookbook to give people an idea on how
to combine their everyday wear with african prints, I mean we can’t just have
tribal, floral and graffiti prints out there.
Is delivery just within Canada?
Until I find a suitable economical and reliable way to
ship out internationally, delivery is just within Canada.
What are your plans for the future?
With Aamoke, I really want to make the most of it. I do
plan on going international with the
line very soon, try and collaborate with other designers, take on a lot of
fashion shows anywhere in the world and hopefully host my own events in the
future. With me, after I graduate next year, I want to either work out here in
Canada, anywhere in the world or back home, try and integrate Economics and
Fashion together and see what opportunities come at me
Advice to aspiring designers?
Never ever give up on an idea, dream or feeling when it
comes to fashion always act on it, be daring and different, but most of all be
yourself in all that you do.
