Image via @lisafolawiyo
Image via @lisafolawiyo
It was a pleasure to interview Fashion Designer Lisa Folawiyo who is as much known for her ingeniously cut garments as she is her incredible personal style. She shared thoughts on her personal style as well as tips to looking great. Read on to discover her fabulous answers.
1. You are a fashion designer and arguably a style influencer. What informs your personal style and would you say that you are a style influencer ?
The things most important to me when shopping or getting dressed are my comfort, the clever detailing of any piece, the fit and quality. My personal style is really unfussy. I am quite laid back in my approach but still have fun with it, experimenting with colour and print for the most part..
2. You share outfit posts liked by masses of followers. How has this affected your personal style?
The fact that so many other people get to see my sartorial choices via social media hasn’t really affected my personal style.. I wear only what I love, that’ll never change.
3. How much of your personal style directs what you design for your collections?
Though I am designing for so many different women, I only design what I could and would wear. So from design to interpretation and then execution, I make sure every cut, the fit and detailing resonates strongly with my own personal style needs.
4. You have an enviable closet with shoes that many can only hope for. How do you pick which to buy each season?
They say a woman never has enough shoes. 🤗 I do love shoes. I believe shoes say more about you than the clothes you wear. Like I do with clothing, I am always on the look out for clever and fun details~From the choice of colour or fabrication or heel design. Heel height is also very important to me.. Comfort is key, but I am happy to let go of that every now and then. Some of the most beautiful shoes end up being the most uncomfortable 😣 What to do? Lol.
5. Your style is colorful and eclectic. Do you have any fashion donts and if so what are they?
Don’t look like you tried too hard.
6. Who are your style icons, who inspires you?
There are some really cool girls on IG whose style I’ve come to admire.. Dalia Nsouli, Tamu McPherson, Karen Koshoni, Natasha Goldenberg, Zara Odu, Nasiba Adilova, Leandra Mcohen.
7. What is currently on your to buy list fashion wise?
A signature woven black and white Bottega Veneta clutch.
8. Tell us a bit about your current collection.
You know the feeling one gets when spring breaks into summer.. Yeah, that’s what I was saying with my SS19.. Joy, laughter, nostalgia, happiness, sunshine, flowers.. All those feelings expressed in the femininity, sexiness, the wearablitity, a lightness and ease of the pieces.. The collection is a grown up interpretation of my childhood~ the prints inspired from my recollection of myself as a child growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, when I ran through green fields, picked flowers and put them in my hair.. Braided straps and detailing taken from my braided plaits, accents of neons detailing inspired by the colourful plastic bobbles and clips I wore in my plaits. And ofcourse never leaving out my signature embellishment with crystals, glass beads and sequins.
9. Who are your favourite people to follow on instagram and why?
Omg! I am currently obsessed with @steve_chuks. He is so funny! l follow and enjoy listening to messages by pastors @tonyrapu @stevenfurtick and @thesamadeyemi.. I also recently discovered @nneka (female Nigerian artiste) is on IG. She’s got a vibe and an authenticity that’s so rare these days. I also love @graftandglamour for my daily dose of fashion.
10. What are your best fashion and beauty tips?
A good fashion tip which I have come to appreciate over time is to spend more on investment pieces than on ever changing trends. Please note, a little dabbling in seasonal trends every now and then is not a terrible thing, after all fashion should be fun too. Take time to scour through the vintage racks and shops. I’ve found some wonderful pieces that way.
And a beauty tip... never underestimate the power of exfoliation. Try to exfoliate at least twice a week.
11. You have your signature braids, how central has this become to your look?
I have recently taken my braids out and am really embracing my natural hair.. If I get bored with it, or it becomes difficult to manage, I might get braids back in, because, to be honest, they are most convenient for me. However, I choose not to be defined by my choice of hair style.
12. You make fashion look fun and style innate. What would you describe style to be?
Someone once said, ‘style is a true reflection and expression of the light you carry within’ I agree.
Many kind thanks to Lisa for the interview. Follow her at @lisafolawiyo .