Funmilayo Grace Oni, an Agro-Climatology, is the force behind Gracion Deluxe which epitomises innovation and cultural celebration in the fashion industry. She is known for seamlessly integrating African fabrics into contemporary wear and setting a new standard for inclusivity and style. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on passion for fashion, blending academic knowledge with creative flair, commitment to empowering local artisans, promoting sustainability, and fostering community engagement through her brand among other issues.
How did your background in Agro-Climatology influence your approach to fashion and founding of Gracion Deluxe?
The inspiration behind founding Gracion Deluxe stems from my lifelong passion for fashion and my deep appreciation of African culture. I was a trained dressmaker even before I ventured into academia. Having studied Agro-Climatology and worked in academia for several years, I recognised the need for individuals and professionals to contribute towards environmental sustainability. In addition to this, I identified a gap in the fashion industry for authentic representations of African heritage especially outside the shores of Africa. My background in Agro-Climatology instilled in me a profound respect for nature and sustainability, which I integrate into our approach to fashion design at Gracion Deluxe where we emphasise cultural inclusivity and representation.
How do you ensure your designs celebrate African heritage while remaining accessible to a global audience?
At Gracion Deluxe, we believe in celebrating African heritage while ensuring our designs are accessible to a global audience. We achieve this by meticulously selecting authentic African fabrics and integrating them into contemporary designs that appeal to diverse tastes and preferences. Our goal is to showcase the richness and diversity of African culture while promoting inclusivity and appreciation among people from all backgrounds. We aim to reach a global audience through a robust and engaging eCommerce platform at www.graciondeluxe.com and interactive social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram. Also, sustainability is a key focus for us as we deal with many modern consumers.
How does Gracion Deluxe incorporate eco-friendly practices into production processes and minimise environmental impact?
Sustainability is at the forefront of our production processes at Gracion Deluxe. We prioritise eco-friendly practices such as sourcing organic and ethically produced fabrics, minimising waste during manufacturing, and reducing our carbon footprint through responsible sourcing and transportation methods. Additionally, we continuously explore innovative techniques and materials to further minimise our environmental impact and promote sustainability in the fashion industry. Also, empowerment is a core value of Gracion Deluxe.
How does your brand contribute to the economic development of local artisans and suppliers, particularly those from West Africa?
Empowering local artisans and suppliers, particularly those from West Africa, is central to our mission at Gracion Deluxe. We collaborate closely with these artisans, providing them with fair wages, training opportunities, and access to global markets for their products. By supporting their economic development, we aim to uplift communities and preserve traditional craftsmanship for future generations. In addition, community engagement is a significant aspect of Gracion Deluxe’s mission.
Can you shed light on the cultural workshops, language exchange programmes and other events that you organise to foster inclusivity and social cohesion?
Community engagement is integral to our approach at Gracion Deluxe. We organise and take part in cultural workshops, language exchange programmes and other events to foster inclusivity and social cohesion. These initiatives provide platforms for dialogue, learning and cultural exchange, enriching both our customers’ experiences and the communities we serve with the mindset that dressing is an important aspect of culture and at Gracion Deluxe; we aim to bridge cultures and communities through fashion.
How do you collaborate with local businesses and organisations to promote diversity and empowerment?
Through collaborations with local businesses and organisations, Gracion Deluxe actively promotes diversity and empowerment. We partner with like-minded entities to amplify our impact and reach new audiences. We have successfully collaborated with the North Wales African Society, Bangor Arts Initiative, Awen 33 Arts Studio, and Race Council Cymru to organise events. By working together, we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to create meaningful change and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
What challenges have you encountered in balancing commercial success with social impact and how do you navigate them and maintain brand values?
Balancing commercial success with social impact is indeed a big challenge, but a challenge that we embrace wholeheartedly at Gracion Deluxe. We believe that profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive, and we strive to demonstrate that ethical business practices can drive positive social change. To navigate these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our values, transparent in our operations, and responsive to feedback from our stakeholders.
What are your aspirations for the future of Gracion Deluxe?
Looking ahead, our aspirations for Gracion Deluxe are ambitious yet rooted in our core values. We aim to further cultural awareness by expanding our reach globally, collaborating with diverse artists and designers, and amplifying authentic African voices. Additionally, we will continue to prioritise sustainability efforts by adopting cutting-edge technologies and advocating for industry-wide change. Community engagement will remain a cornerstone of our approach, with plans to scale up our initiatives and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.
Do you have upcoming initiatives to continue the mission of the brand?
We have several exciting initiatives in the pipeline at Gracion Deluxe. These include launching new collections inspired by different African cultures, expanding our range of sustainable products, and partnering with local organisations on impactful projects. Updates on these projects will be on our platform, www.graciondeluxe.com, as we continue our journey of empowerment and cultural celebration.
What message do you have for the wider community on importance of supporting brands that prioritise cultural inclusivity like Gracion Deluxe?
To consumers, stakeholders, and the wider community, I would like to convey the importance of supporting brands like Gracion Deluxe that prioritise cultural inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment. By choosing to invest in ethical and socially responsible companies, we can collectively drive positive change and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Together, we can celebrate diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and empower communities to thrive
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