By Vivian Onyebukwa
For Tosin Simbiat Adepoju, the creative diva behind the fast rising fashion brand, Zimma Vogue, the art of dressmaking is innate. According to the talented designer, ever before she was born, her mother was already making waves in the fashion industry.
Although, Zimma Vogue was established only six years ago in 2017, as a youngster Tosin Adepoju had always dreamt of becoming a fashion designer because “fashion designing talent runs in my blood.”
She further explained: “I’ve always been a person that loves art and creativity. I grew up in a family that’s very supportive of my creative mind. My mum was a fashion designer even before I was born, so sometimes I feel it has always been in the gene, even if she was not sewing at the time I started designing.
“Besides, I decided I wanted to go into fashion designing because I’ve always been a lover of fashion, putting pieces together in the most simplest but outstanding way. Then I thought, why not just design outfits? However, for creative inspiration, I basically look at everyday fashion, comfort and people in love with simple outfits. I am a big fan of Hanifa as well.”
Adepoju is convinced that as an art, fashion has a voice. “Your outfit speaks no matter how minimal or extravagant you want to look. You can see a person on the street wearing a particular outfit and say, ‘I think this person is an extra person’. It just tells a part of who you are and what you love. I love that we can express ourselves through fashion conveniently.”
Even though, Zimma Vogue started as a brand for female, it soon evolved into making outfits for men. On how the fashionpreneur manages difficult clients, Adepoju contended that in every business, one tends to meet different type of people. In her words: “As a business owner, you need to understand that not everyone is the same and everyone has different level of satisfaction. The only thing I do as a business owner is to emulate the spirit of patience and try to explain situations to my customers.”
The most pleasant experience Adepoju has had was being referred by other customers. This has impacted positively on her brand. Also, she derives so much joy each time her customers are satisfied, and when they don any Zimma’s design.
Asked to give wisdom nuggets to aspiring fashion designers, Tosin Adepoju urged them to keep designing and keep working without ceasing. “Nothing is too big for you, and don’t ever think you are not ready to showcase your designs on runways, or style a big personality. We only learn when we make mistakes. No art is nothing. As long as it is art, your customers are out there. Don’t ever stop!”