Emmanuel Ajayi is a creative artist and founder of Ravina Fashion. He speaks with Adewale Oshodi on his love for fashion and plans to project Nigerian traditional attires on the global fashion scene.
Despite being a data and transaction expert, you still have time for your arts as the founder of Ravina Fashion; how did it all start?
Fashion has always been a part of my life; it started since I was younger, dressing up as a child to expressing my individuality through clothing and as I grew older, I realised this is where my heart lies.
Being a fashion designer allows me to turn that passion for creativity into a career, creating pieces that speak to people’s emotions and identities. Fashion is also like therapy for me. When I’m not in the best mood, I get up and dress up, then look myself in the mirror and say to myself ‘What a wonderful world,’ and I love to create that for other people so they can feel what I feel when I get dressed.
As the founder of Ravina Fashion, do you actually have a niche?
Definitely, Ravina Fashion is all about showcasing the African way of life and bringing back the traditional attires in style. It’s unique because the drive to showcase this fashion in other areas of the world is more important than anything else in the organisation. The idea that the African way of life should be celebrated is of great importance to me.
Culture is dynamic, particularly in your area of specialisation, designing follows a trend, how are you able to follow these trends? Â
You are right, fashion industry is an ever-evolving one that encompasses trends, aesthetics, influenced by culture, society and individual expressions. Style, on the other hand, is the unique way in which individuals interpret and incorporate fashion into their personal presentation, reflecting their personality, preferences and values. While fashion can be fleeting, style is timeless and deeply personal. In my own case, I follow the trend and as a result, I am able to understand what the society needs.
Do you have specific ways you get inspired?
I get inspired by just about everything, including nature, life, my emotions, among many other factors and this has helped me bring out the best. I also get inspired when I listen attentively to clients. This will make me understand their concerns and perspectives, particularly through their feedbacks or complaints.
What is your most memorable experience in the fashion world?
My most memorable experience was my first fashion show in the United Kingdom. It rekindled my passion for fashion and gave me exposure to different fashion concepts from the top fashion houses in the world.
What is your plan for the future?
I want to further explore the idea of elevating African fashion to the global stage and announce the presence of Nigerian traditional attires on the European fashion stage .
Apart from designing, what else do you do?
I’m a Data and Transaction expert at Acacium Group (UK); I am also a partner in Tongue and Bell Communications.
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