I Like Making Pieces That Aren’t Cliché

Toni Tijani isn’t just an average designer. She blazes excellence, creativity, top notch, poise and creates truly Nigerian pieces. Ever since her inception into the fashion world, she has proven herself worthwhile. She tells

Tosin Clegg about her first fashion show and her brand

How did the journey begin?

I’ve always been a creative child. I always had to keep my hands busy. I’ve always known how to draw and sketch but I took the bold step to learn how to sew right after High School because my mom’s tailor did not sew exactly what I pitched to her in my drawing for my cocktail dress. So in 2013, I learnt how to sew from a tailor. I would describe myself as a Fashion Designer, Tailor, Stylist and a Draper. The name of my brand is Toni Tijani, which I named after myself.

Successes and challenges so far?

In 2016, I took part in my first fashion show ‘The Genesis Fashion Show’ and I was the third best designer at the show. In 2017, I won a campus heat award for Entrepreneur of the Year. And by the Grace of God, there’ll be more wins. There have been a lot of challenges along the line in terms of the brand.

What’ s exceptional about your brand?

I like to make pieces that aren’t cliché. Not only do I think outside the box when making a piece, I create my own box. Making a piece for me isn’t just simply making a piece; I’m making an artwork, a masterpiece. I dropped a collection in October titled ‘Réchauffé’; Réchauffé is a French term which means reheating old dishes to make new dishes. The old dishes fused together in this collection included Aso Oke and Coats. The fuse of both is what made it a masterpiece.

Who are your role models?

I love Adebayo Okelawal, that’s my crush in the fashion industry, his pieces make me want to cry tears of joy because they are artworks (the Orange nerd of Orange culture) and I admire Mai Atafo, Lisa Folawiyo and Sisiano.

Where do you see yourself in a few years from now?

I see my brand making red carpet dresses, getting the recognition it truly deserves. Also being successful not only at home but also abroad.