Designer Spotlight + Yemzi
Interview held by Tiff
Meet Elizabeth Akingbade, Owner and Designer of Yemzi. Along with being a part-time student, Elizabeth uses her time to create beautiful prints and produce chill and stylish designs. She designs for the women with vintage souls (i.e me.. and others like me, obviously). Her most recent collection shot by Cara-May Joseph is what caught our eye, and prompted us to ask her a few questions about herself and her brand:
Name: Elizabeth Akingbade
Age: 24
Location: East London, United Kingdom
Creative Occupation: Print & Fashion Designer
What inspires a young creative like yourself to wake up in the morning and do what you do?
A deep passion and love for what I do and a strong vision for the future.
Are there any current designers that are influencing your style?
I'm currently studying a Masters part-time at The School of Oriental and African Studies which is exposing me to anthropological writing that inspires collection narratives. I've also learned a lot about the history of vintage studio photography too and I will incorporate these into upcoming collections. As for contemporary designers influencing my style I can't say there is any directly but I love Kenzo prints, Mara Hoffman's earthy beach vibe and Nasir Mazhar's London street cool. I'm feeling Stella McCartney a lot the past few seasons from her wedges to wild cats print and I hold in high regard her successful sustainable business structure.
I see a lot of bold and unique prints in your designs, what's your process for putting together new product and looks?
I personally design all the prints by sketching or painting then digitizing the artwork into repeat prints using Photoshop CS6. My prints are versatile and they will eventually transcend clothes, to accessories, interiors and beyond. Becoming a Zandra Rhodes wallpaper design finalist in 2013 gave me a huge boost of confidence to become a print designer. This October, with the help of a group of young girls in East London, I designed a bespoke digital print for the US Ambassador to the UK.
Who would you say your clothes are for?
The girl I have in mind when I'm designing is natural, soulful, free, experimental, brave and confident.
What's the best part about being an entrepreneur?
Freedom and control.
What goals do you set for your clothing line, and ultimately yourself for 2016?
It's rewarding when people recognize my work and I'm definitely looking to be more visible in 2016 as I think there are a lot of individuals out there who would resonate with Yemzi but they haven't seen us yet. I'd aim to do more collaborations with like minded brands, creatives and platforms. I'd love to visit New York and Los Angeles and of cause be stocked there.