Adebayo Okelawal
Meet Adebayo Okelawal @orangecultureng, “I own an androgynous brand called Orange culture based in Lagos Nigeria and I run a mentorship program called Orange mentorship for aspiring designers.”
IRK: Tell us your “Why”?
I have always loved fashion, ever since I was a kid! I loved watching the joy in people’s eyes when they wore a shirt they loved or when they purchased a piece of clothing that accentuated who they were. I noticed the power and importance of fashion at a very young age and I wanted to be a part of it. The mentorship I started because when I was younger I didn’t have access to information about starting a brand and we don’t have certified fashion schools here, so I created this platform to assist aspiring designers in gaining access to experienced practitioners so they do not make the same mistakes I’ve made.
IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
I believe in community and working to build the community. Orange culture is where we are today because of the beautiful hands that have stitched each piece, the stories that have inspired and the people who make us a part of their story. So I believe in working to build the community – whether its creating platforms that support development, local production techniques, slow fashion and finding ways to be circular- for us its about working with the environment and not against it. Love.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
We work to reduce waste within our production unit, we use leftover fabrics to create linings, masks and all sorts rather than waste. We create pieces out of second-hand items, we practice slow fashion.I love second-hand items and I like to donate or give or even exchange with fellow designers – I don’t remember the last time I dumped anything – it is not a practice I was ever taught even growing up. I volunteer and have been doing that for a long time – for knowledge transfer, mentorship, charity work and more. Recycling, reducing shopping, vegan food.
IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet?
That it will still be habitable for the next generation and so we need to keep working to ensure she is here and she Is improving and not deteriorating.
What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
Goal 4: Quality and accessible education for all – education will help alleviate a lot of our issues.
