At this year's Young Designer Show 2010, I got the chance to meet the doe-eyed, soft spoken Kanyinsola Onalaja. She presented one of the most striking collections of the evening, and was actually the winner of the 2009 Designer of the Year Award from the YDS.
I invited her out for coffee to learn more about her... and get a closer look at her fantastic clothes.
(avante garde model and wearable Kanyinsola)
One of the first things I learned is ... Kanyinsola's only 17. That's right -- she's still a student and constructs clothing in her free time. (jealous face) Kayinsola says she learned the traditional Nigerian tie-dye technique she uses from her mom, a woman with both a modern sensibility and a love of her native country.
Here's the scoop: The garments she makes are hand-dyed raw silk, detailed with paint and crystal applique. I must say, these dresses are extremely well constructed. I looked at the seams, turned them inside out, held them up, examined the hems - and they're impeccably finished and fall perfectly on the body. Somehow, she's made tie dye wearable and chic. I kept thinking, "office, brunch, drinks, beach" while ticking the garments off in my head. Every piece is both appropriate and adventurous - a notoriously hard balance to strike! Here are some images from her lookbook:
Office!
Drinks!
Beach!
I asked her Kanyinsola what was next for her (besides finishing her A-levels). She said she wants to work with nudes, branch into accessories, and begin taking private orders for customised garments. (At that point, I double checked to make sure she had my number...) Though it must be obvious at this point, I think she's a fantastic, professional designer and a very sweet person with a bright future.
To get in touch with Kanyinsola, email her at: konalaja@aol.com
2 comments:
It's great that you're supporting black designers because that's the only way the ultra-racist fashion industry is going to change. Thanks :)
And the black models too!! :o)
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