INTERVIEW WITH EYOLA FASHION DESIGNER
Eyola Fashion House
Her childhood was spent between Lagos, London and the English countryside and she was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling. She decided to express her adventures through art. Dipping her toes in most genres of art (fine arts, creative writing, visual arts, performing arts etc), fashion captured her heart like no other. Years later, she completed a Master’s degree in Milan which enabled her to expand and deepen my understanding of fashion.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I have always had an interest in the arts for as long as I can remember. It just so happens that some of my most prized artistic and creative passions fall under the category of ‘Fashion’. I became fixated on a career in fashion somewhere between the age of six and nine.
What’s it like being in the Fashion industry?
I feel as though I have one foot in and one foot out of the fashion industry. My focus is entirely on nurturing my creativity and sculpting beautiful silhouettes irrespective of whether it is on par with or goes against the grain of the fashion industry.
What was your first job in the fashion industry?
Working at a PR firm in London. I worked in all four departments, one of which was Fashion and Lifestyle. It’s like fashion kept looking me straight in the eye no matter what direction I went in. It was a great experience that enabled me to get a better understanding of the business side of fashion through the ‘eyes’ of PR.
Talk about the changes in your life since you’ve your own brand.
My day to day life is now consumed by mentally cataloging everything in sight from colours, details, fabrics, textures, shapes, experiences etc. It is rather fascinating always being artistically alert in both a subconscious and conscious way. It is a blessing to lead a creative life with no limitations or rules.
Describe what do you do in your work?
I sculpt. I find different tools and materials (fabrics, trimmings, inspirations etc) and my mind has such an interesting way of putting together both conscious and subconscious elements that I have consumed (from recent and past mental and physical archives) in such a way that I myself still cannot quite comprehend.
What do you like about your work?
Being free. Expressing myself without any limitations. Sharing the positive words of wisdom and good karma I aspire to by manifesting them through art form – fashion silhouettes.
Tell us about your last collection
As part of the birthing process of the Eyola brand, I renamed the term ‘Collection’ with ‘Octette’. For me, this new terminology describes each body of work more accurately than the term ‘collections’ does. Each octette consists of eight silhouettes each one trend-averse and either one of a kind or limited to a production of eight per style. The last octette ‘Rumora Tighl Octette’ was such a special journey for me. Unscramble the words’ Rumora’ and ‘Tight’ and the words ‘Armour’ and ‘Light’ come to surface. I’m inspired by words and positive affirmations just as much as visual sightings and emotions. So there are elements, fabrics, trimmings, cuts, proportions in the octette to symbolize light (peace, truth) and armor (strength).
What was the inspiration for your last collection?
Doug Batchelor’s theory on truth and light being under constant attack from deception and darkness captivated me. Batchelor’s findings reveal that while physical wars have dominated history’s attention, the primary focus of scripture is the ongoing conflict between the forces of good and the powers of evil. Doug Batchelor notably points out that: “Although our armor and weapons are spiritual, this does not mean they are unreal or ineffective. Scripture urges us to ‘stand’ with the armor of light. If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”
Tell us the must-have handbags of this season
I believe in buying investment pieces that will last a lifetime, instead of buying season-led items. This correlates with my brand philosophy of creating fashion that doesn’t expire and isn’t trend or season-led. So I would have to say a classic bag that suits your personality and crafted from the most luxurious and durable materials to be worn on a daily basis, becoming your signature style footprint. I would say one evening bag and two-day bags – one medium/large (weekend size) and one small/medium (day to day size). I love rich details so during the day, a crocodile leather handbag and for the evening a clutch elaborately adorned with precious stones – exquisite craftsmanship is a requisite. With only three bags in your wardrobe that are investment long-term pieces, I’d go for the most luxurious picks. It’s a foolproof way to save money (in the long haul) as well as creating an iconic style.
What inspires you?
Life. Thoughts. Positive affirmations. Words of wisdom. Emotions. Love. Challenges. Curiosity. Travel. Cultures. Fauna and flora. Animals. Spirituality. Artifacts. Nineteenth-century art, interior, and tailoring.
