Olusanjo Kanyinsola

Fashion, Today's Creatives

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Kanyinsola aka Koko. I run a fashion brand, where I make fashion ‘statements’ for business & pleasure.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?

I designed a couple of dresses for fun in my early years and it is still a fun thing for me to do. Then was just designing outfits that I’d normally see myself wearing. Now, I wear my dresses all year.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR, IF SO WHO?

I don’t have any but certain people I admire their work. Kathy Anthony, Andrea Iyamah, Valdrin Sahiti. They inspire me

IN YOUR OWN WORDS DESCRIBE FASHION?

Fashion is simply style & most importantly, comfort! I tell people, it’s really not what you wear, it’s how you wear it & what you feel when you do.

BRIEFLY TELL US BRIEFLY WHAT INSPIRED YOUR LAST COLLECTION?

It was inspired by a friend who had a less formal business function to attend & wanted to look vibrant & classy at the same time. I made a collection of floral and patterned blouses that could fit an ordinary casual & business casual setting.

PERSONALLY WHICH ASPECT IS DEMANDING; STARTING OR FINISHING A PROJECT?

Starting a project; as it comes with a lot of thinking & planning ahead to meet all the changes that could come up during the project.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?

I let societal values to influence my creativity cause understanding fashion & it’s trend comes from people. They form the society which influences our lifestyle.

DO YOU FEEL THERE’S A GOOD SUPPORT ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN DESIGNER BRANDS?

I don’t think so. The industry’s saturated with constant pressure & some brands imitating your styles without giving due credit, just to prove they are topping some chart or something. I have fallen victim to this a couple of times.