" I knew fashion was something I always wanted to do"- Fashion designer

olamide olarewaju

September 6, 2017 12:05 PM

Leading fashion designer talks about the fashion industry, how her mum inspired starting out the A.I brand...

Andrea Iyamah opens up about her passion; fashion, how she started out and the industry in a new interview with Schick Magazine.

The top African fashion designer was recently featured in Schick Magazine where she revealed how she has manage three established brands; Andrea Iyamah (A.I) the ready to wear, the swimwear line and the bridal line.

The designer who got her first start from fashion from her mum who was extremely stylish made her start the A.I brand; "I was raised by a woman that owned the most stylish power suits, killer heels and wore burgundy hair as an accessory. I say that to say, my mother and father were fashion obsessed, so that’s probably where my love for fashion started. I knew fashion was something I always wanted to do but wasn’t sure exactly when and I certainly didn’t think it will be at the age of 17" .

On how the fashion industry has changed since she started her brand.

"The industry has evolved since I started. New incredible designers are on the scene, Nigerians are more invested in discovering and buying African fashion. There’s been a lot of support from both local and international press that has assisted in the growth of interest in African fashion designers".

On her biggest highlight so far

"There have been many highlights in various parts of the brand. Showcasing Andrea Iyamah swimwear at LFDW15 was great because of the incredible crowd reaction received from the show and on social media. From expanding our number of branches with showrooms in Canada and Nigeria to relaunching our ready-to-wear line, it’s difficult to choose which one is the biggest highlight".

Advice to budding designers?

"Patience and consistency is key. Taking things slowly and learning gradually from the people you are most inspired by will help you grow yourself and your brand. Know your strengths and weaknesses and never be afraid to ask for help. In difficult times, use the No’s as fuel for more strength and the Yes’s, as an opportunity to make the best out of".

Check out SCHICK Magazine for the full interview.

olamide olarewaju