By Damilola Fatunmise
Jeremiah Oladimeji Oyebode, the creative egghead behind the leading fashion brand, Oladim Fashion House, is a man of many parts. He’s a writer, poet, author and fashion designer.
To him, creative writing and fashion designing, like Siamese twins, are inseparable. Little wonder, it was in the exploration of his writing talent that he discovered his passion for fashion.
“My journey into fashion design surprisingly intertwines with my passion for storytelling and creative expression. While my primary identity may be recognised as a creative writer, my fascination with fashion design emerged organically during my explorations in the creative realm,” he said.
According to Oyebode, writing and fashion design share an innate ability to convey narratives, emotions and perspectives. “The fusion of colours, textures and silhouettes in fashion ignited my imagination, similarly to how words and narratives do in writing,” he stated.
On what gingers his creative muse, Oyebode revealed: “Creative inspiration for me is a multi-faceted journey that draws from a myriad of influences and experiences. I find inspiration in the world around me, constantly seeking new sources to ignite my creativity and drive my designs.”
As a brand, Oladim specialises primarily in contemporary men’s fashion. The brand has gained recognition for its unique blend of traditional African elements with modern, stylish designs, catering predominantly to men’s clothing needs.
By creating buffer zones, Oyebode strikes a balance between being a creative writer and entrepreneur so much that neither of the two can disrupt the other.
When asked to recall his halcyon days as a fashion designer and the challenges faced as a start up, the multi-talented fashionista said: “We weathered storms to establish a unique identity, build brand awareness and stay creative and innovative.”
Clinching awards were some of the major highpoints for Oyebode as an entrepreneur, as well as seeing celebrities and influencers don his attires. And for the up and coming fashion designers who aspire to the top, he offers some nuggets of wisdom.
“A budding fashion designer should develop a unique identity, style and vision. Two, build a strong foundation for their business. They should earn practical experience before venturing out, and network like crazy. We are in the age of technology, so they should embrace tech to build and nurture their brands.”