I am Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade and I run the street-luxe bohemian fashion label Yemzi.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a Fashion designer?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Age 14 after exploring my interest in fashion by taking Saturday classes at my local arts institute.

Why did you choose this career?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Followed my talents – drawing and designing.

Tell us about your line. What was your inspiration for this collection?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Yemzi Gold Label is about being a bad and bougie British-Nigerian woman #slayinginthesilks lol

Walk me through the process step by step?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Ideas, concepts, research, print design, silhouette design and pattern cutting, cut and sew, photoshoot  – wahla!

How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I’m only just getting started but the internet, influencers and sustainability increasingly have a more important role

What do you think is the most beautiful dress you’ve ever designed?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I have only produced a few dresses in my collection but the Orange Split Dress which Chioma wore in her bae Davido’s Assurance video is beautiful because of the message around it,

Which supermodel do you have the closest relationship with, your favorite one?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Naomi is the catwalk legend, nobody has anything on her walk and she must of been to so many sick parties too.

Which competitor do you have the most respect for?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Maki Oh is dope.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Visibility, the opportunity to story tell, build a community and sell

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What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I didn’t have any fears, I just wanted to share my creativity.

What challenges did you face as fashion designer from Africa?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Introducing a new melinated narrative

What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer from Nigeria?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I have a deep history and culture to draw inspiration from. Being raised in England by an English family studying a Masters in African Studies at SOAS helped me to navigate this.

Who do you consider the important face of the fashion industry in Nigeria?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Reni Folawiyo is an important face of the Nigerian fashion industry for me because of her concept store Alara. I visited in 2015 and had done a lot of research on it before hand. I love it from outside to in, David Adjaye’s thoughtful architecture and the mix of local and international designers.

What do you think about Nigerian fashion Industry, Do Nigerian designer’s support each other?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: You can’t generalise, it’s varied, some do and some don’t.

What’s your take about Kenya fashion industry and who would you like to work with in Kenya?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Kenya is doing its thing, they are definitely top 5 when I think of African countries paving the way in the fashion industry.

Where do you see yourself in 5 Year?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Yemzi stocked globally in the world’s premium boutiques. By which point we would of expanded into several categories.

What were your achievements?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Successful collections and collaborations. Recognition through acclaimed awards would be great.

Where can we find your designs?www.yemzi.com and my stockists are listed there

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How would you describe your personal style?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Tapered, cropped, light, comfortable and colourful

If you were given opportunity to work with local or international fashion designer who will you love to work with?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I think I’d love to work with Stella McCartney because I enjoy many of her designs and I align with her ethical practises.

The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designsElizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Life inspires my work – the good and bad experiences, my culture, popular culture…

Your name and your status became bigger than life at a certain point. Was it ever difficult being considered as an icon? Like people would only see the fashion genius Yemzi Fashion House and not the person?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: I know that I inspire many but I’m not sure if I’m considered an icon lol. I love genuine admiration and appreciation for my work, apart from a way to express myself that is what it’s all about – to create things people love or at least have a positive emotional response to.

There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season.Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: It’s the same with anyone who is serious in their field from athletes to musicians

What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?Elizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Starting your own label is a hundred times harder than it looks but with studying the industry, focusing on your offer, target customers and network you can carve out a space for your work.

your closing remarks and advice to young fashion designerElizabeth-Yemi Akingbade: Live with love and follow your dreams

Content Courtesy Of Yemzi & Nairobi Fashion Hub