Fashion careers require creativity and an understanding of different types of clothing.
The type of creativity used varies depending on the specific design. A fashion designer needs to be artistically creative. Fashion design, like any other design discipline, has roots in both aesthetic and artistic considerations, as well as utilitarian ones. In all, fashion design is all about creating clothing to be worn by human beings.
Within this constraint, one can use aesthetics as a means of differentiating oneself and their brand in an increasingly crowded market or to appeal to a particular demographic. One can also use fashion to communicate with an audience. Statements can be made, propositions can be proposed, and questions can be asked of society and its relationship to appearance by the designer. This can be done consciously and subconsciously because of the designer’s background and experiences, their interests, and their pet peeves.
This has been going on for many years, and it’s a key aspect of the fashion industry’s cycle. Whether it questions about the accepted shape and functionality of the actual garments themselves, a trip down memory lane of a designer’s childhood, or clothing inspired by subcultures and their view on gender, fashion has the power to make us think and experience abstract concepts, in the same way, all good artists are supposed to.
Nigerian-born fashion designer and the founder and CEO of the fashion label Patop Empire, Patience Opeoluwa Sonariwo, caters to women through her production of ready-to-wear Ankara design lines. She is known for her take on women’s fashion and Ankara-inspired designs for women.
Established in 2017, Patop Empire is an ethical and sustainable women’s African fabric-inspired brand that produces clothes with long-lasting African wax prints. Patience Sonariwo’s pieces are versatile, timeless, and inspired by African tradition with a mix of modern fashion techniques that are designed for the modern woman. Her topmost priority is the comfort of the wearer, and the safety of the environment is the essence of her brand’s existence.
With a focus on creating a synergy between traditional and modern African textiles, Patience and her Patop Empire have been able to achieve contemporary fashion designs that appeal to both Nigerian and African women at large. According to her, “Aside from deriving inspiration from nature, culture and experiences, we also look up to iconic fashion designers who have made significant contributions to the Fashion industry while consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.”
Patience Opeoluwa Sonariwo’s unwavering dedication, ethical practices, and artistic expression have inspired the creation and release of her most recent collection, ‘The Sherikoko SS 24’. Her insightful, innovative approach to work has made this recent collection and designs exude elegance and a deep recognition and respect for traditional Nigerian craftsmanship. The release of her 2024 collection demonstrates her desire to use African print fabrics to make comfortable designs for women.
The SS 24 collection represents a harmonious blend of Ankara fabrics and contemporary designs. Patience’s profound understanding of Nigerian culture is expertly reflected in the choice of name for the collection, and her passion for empowering the working-class woman is palpable in this collection.
The Sherikoko Collection showcases Patience’s masterful use of print fabrics, highlighting the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Designer Patience Sonariwo has consistently pushed the boundaries of African fashion, and the Sherikoko SS 24 collection is no exception. Her visionary approach to the use of Ankara fabrics and designs, coupled with her impeccable taste and unwavering commitment to quality, has gained attention not only within Nigeria but also in the global fashion market. As Nigerian fashion evolves, fashion designers like Patience are taking African fashion to the world. African fashion is now a global force that is here to stay.
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