By Christy Anyanwu
The vision to make women look comfortable, confident and elegant in their dresses prompted Rufai Khadijat Olajumoke, founder, Abaya Klosette to position her fashion brand as female gender only.
According to Olajumoke, who is also an environmental management specialist, she is dedicated, passionate and detailed as a fashion designer, and this has made her to create elegant and timeless pieces that celebrate the personality and style of the African woman.
“From everyday essentials to statement pieces for special occasions, I strive to design collections that inspire confidence, celebrate diversity, and stand the test of time. In addition to my design work, I’m also passionate about exploring new cultures, and photography through travel and nature. I have a strong communication skill. In my leisure time, I love to read and spend time outdoors,” she declared.
Olajumoke made her debut in the fashion industry in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the lockdown, I was drawn to the creativity and self-expression that fashion allowed. Fashion design became interesting and important based on several reasons. The most important one is that fashion has a way of boosting confidence and providing a sense of identity. Wearing clothes that make you look good, comfortable and confident can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and how the world sees you,” she stressed.
As a clothing line, Abaya Klosette is dedicated to celebrating beauty, modesty, cultural values and trends while infusing it with modern flair and elegance.
“I’m proud to lead a fashion brand that specialises in crafting exquisite abayas, exclusively catering to female clients due to market demand, creative expressions and professional opportunities,” Olajumoke emphasized, adding that women purchase more dresses and accessories than men. Moreover, she believes that the fashion industry offers limitless opportunities and recognition for designers specializing in female attires.
The fashionista draws inspiration from everyday life and living. And also by being open-minded, curious with contemporary fashion trends, nature and global cultures, she has been able to up her game.
On how she distinguishes between uniqueness and commercial appeal, the creative egghead explained: “This is a quite delicate balancing act that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. Nevertheless, I approach the challenge by establishing a clear brand identity and design that set me apart from competitors. Also, I recognise the importance of knowing who my target audience is, their needs, age and economic factor. Based on this, I’m able to meet the affordability of my audience, while maintaining their preferences and needs.”
To Olajumoke, fashion is subjective, and there’s no one-size-fits-answer to what is stylish or trendy. She’s equally convinced that fashion trends and what is considered stylish vary greatly depending on personal preferences, cultural norms and societal expectations.
As a designer, Olajumoke’s most memorable experience was when for the first time she showcased her collection at a prestigious fashion event, where her designs received positive acclaim.
On her dream for the future, the fashionpreneur envisions that in the next five to 10 years, “Abaya Klosette which is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, timeless designs, and commitment to empowering women to embrace their identity with confidence and style would be recognised as a global leader in modest fashion.”