Meet Aderonke the textile designer who tell Nigeria cultural stories through her designs……

By Kemi Mobuse - Wednesday, June 13, 2018

For those of you that may not know Mimiremi textiles brand based here in Nigeria then here’s introducing to you the Designer/Creative Director behind the self-named brand. Mimiremi is known for the production of Made in Nigeria Afrocentric fabrics and prints for the fashion and interior design industry... Aderonke is committed to preserving the African culture through her vibrant prints and to also revive the textile print industry in Nigeria so as to create employment opportunities especially for women, increase the vibrancy of the fashion industry through her prints. 

Aderonke who has a vast experience in the industry is a Mandela Washington Fellow. She is currently setting up a state of the art textile printing and design factory in Lagos with the capacity to print on all fabrics. Aderonke is also passionate about empowering women and girls through teaching them self-sustaining skills by collaborating with schools and organizing free training for unemployed and underemployed women.

KMB brings you textile designer Aderonke, the queen of colour, elegant fabrics and Afrocentric style!
KMB: Can you kindly introduce yourself?

Mimiremi Textiles: I’m Aderonke Jaiyeola by name, an award winning textile designer who spent 7years working as a fashion designer before venturing fully into textile design because I have what it takes to design fabrics for both fashion and interior. With my passion for color and illustration combined with my fine art talents and my love for African patterns, I transform MY illustrations into beautiful fabrics for both the fashion and interior design industry in Nigeria.

A graduate of Fine Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with a Masters in Visual Arts from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. I was also a Goldman Sachs 10,000 women scholar at Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University where I sharpened my business skills in Entrepreneurial Management. Most of my designs are inspired by art and the rich African culture I love so much.
I have worked on textile prints for top designers in Nigeria and my designs have graced international runways including the Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York. I have also won numerous awards which includes; Obafemi Awolowo University best graduating textile design student (2006), 1st prize, National Student Fashion Design Competition, Best Textile Design, 2014 Gtbank Lagos Fashion Design Week.

I am also passionate about empowering unemployed or underemployed women through teaching them textile design skills. My goal is to train at least 3 women every month and a total of 72 women every year that will be mentored and some employed with me or recommended for employment in other design companies.

 A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, I am presently working on reviving the textile print industry in Nigeria and also preserving the rich African culture through my prints.


KMB: What sparked your interest in fashion?

Mimiremi Textiles: During my undergraduate days, I always score highest in Textile design but I didn't think of making a career in it till we were advised to specialize in an area of art in 300 Level. Weighing all the options and the area I really love most out of all others (painting, ceramics, sculpture, graphics and art history). I decided to specialize in textile design.

KMB: What made you take Textile designing more seriously and make a career out of it?

Mimiremi Textiles: I have always loved colours and fabrics and as a student I've always been fascinated by how fabrics are made. My Research into the textile industry in Nigeria showed immense opportunities even though the industry is in a bad state. I believe reviving the textile industry in Nigeria will create numerous job opportunities for young people and women

KMB: What are some of your accomplishments as a Textile designer?

Mimiremi Textiles: I have worked on textile prints for top designers in Nigeria and my designs have graced international runways including the Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York. I have also won numerous awards which include; Obafemi Awolowo University best graduating textile design student (2006), 1st prize, National Student Fashion Design Competition, Best Textile Design, 2014 Gtbank Lagos Fashion Design Week and presently have my own range of fabrics specially made for both the fashion and interior design industry in Nigeria.

KMB: For how long have you been designing?

Mimiremi Textiles: I have been designing for 12 years now

KMB: Where do you get your inspiration?

Mimiremi Textiles: I am inspired by Arts, the rich African culture and my environment.

KMB: What are your goals for the Nigerian fashion world?

Mimiremi Textiles: I look forward to seeing the Nigerian Fashion industry more versatile in the use of fabrics. The choice of fabrics is one of the most important decisions a designer makes when putting together a collection. Most times designers tend to use almost the same type of fabric which reduces the beauty that is in diversity.

My goal is to work with Nigerian designers to make each designer’s collection unique and different from the others.


KMB: What are some of the influences your work has experienced?

Mimiremi Textiles: My fine art background has really influenced my designs. I enjoy drawing and playing with colours.

KMB: What are your favourite patterns/prints to work with and why?

Mimiremi Textiles: I love working with African patterns and prints. They are not just interesting but they also tell a story. I enjoy researching into the reason why a pattern exists and why it is used for a particular purpose. It will surprise you that almost all African patterns and prints represent something unique.

KMB: Who are some of your favourite designers?

Mimiremi Textiles: Mai Atafo, Zuhair Murad, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, AirvyAtelier (young and passionate designers that pay attention to details).
I also love Duro Olowu, his use of print is divine.

KMB: How would you describe your personal style?     

Mimiremi Textiles: Simple and Classy.


KMB: What advice would you give someone just starting out in textile designs?

Mimiremi Textiles: There are many aspects of textile design, for someone just starting out I will advise them to explore all options and settle for the area they are most great at. The secret to becoming great at Designing is to keep practicing and sharpening your skill till you become a master. Never stop learning; there is no end to learning.

KMB: How can you be contacted for your designs?

Mimiremi Textiles: We have a website www.mimiremitextiles.com where you can check out our latest designs,
Via our Instagram page: @mimiremitextiles
Call: +2348034898474
also through www.kemimobuse.com.
We are working on getting resellers and other stockists so as to make our fabric easily accessible to customers.

CHECK OUT MORE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF HER PRODUCTS BELOW:











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