Meet GFF Talent, Deborah Odubanjo, a fashion design graduate from University for the Creative Arts. Deborah’s final year collection is inspired by her family moving to the UK from Nigeria in the 1980s, mixing traditional and modern prints together. “I’m inspired by strong bold silhouettes from traditional Nigerian garments and British tailoring that are interpreted through the way fabric is held and pulled in African culture,” says Deborah. “The collection stems from the journey of my dad being born in England, moving back to Nigeria and then coming back in the 1980’s.” Read more about Deborah’s work and her plans for the future below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
The most important skill I learnt to have during the degree, was persistency, this is such an important skill that needs to be acquired, I feel that there are times during the degree where things turn out not how you expected, or were more difficult than you thought and you just have to stay motivated and keep aiming to get to where you want to be. Throughout the years its becomes easier because the skills I attained and the support from the university helped me to get to where I desired to be.
On observation the degree showed me how much work goes into designing, manufacturing, and selling a collection. This really enabled me to push myself as a designer and helped me understand the kind of designer I am. University gave me a chance to explore different research methods as well different ways to generate design ideas which is something I'm constantly doing now that i've graduated.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
My graduate collection particularly was the starting point of me really pushing myself as a designer, The collection represented the rich culture and lifestyle of Nigeria and Great Britian in the 80’s clashing with the rebellious acid house era. It was the starting point of me as a designer. I'm currently working part time, and focusing particularly at the more considered side of fashion, looking in depth at recycled fashion. Old levi denim pieces have been a favourite of mine, but is something i've never thought to work with before, therefore i decided now was the time to be experimental and explore my personal aesthetic even further. Since i've graduated i have also been collaborating with stylists loaning out my collection pieces to be used for music videos, photoshoots ect.
What form does your work take?
As well as my collection, i have began creating some recycled pieces from the old Levi jeans, and pushing my creativity and skills and focusing in a lot more depth regarding sustainable fashion and what it means to me as a designer.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying / working?
I feel that both my confidence and creativity as a designer has evolved, during my time at university and now being a graduate. Having confidence in your skills and your creative ability is extremely important because if you don't believe in yourself why should any other person. I began to slowly not be as afraid to try something new and come out of my comfort zone. Constantly exploring myself as a fashion designer and pushing my boundaries in terms of creativity.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
The collection is the bringing together of two rich cultures clashed with the rebellious lifestyle in acid house culture and the life of legendary musician Fela Kuti . The concept focuses on the ‘ careless clashes’ of garments and prints that are often misplaced together by Nigerians in the 80’s when they first arrive. Clashing crazy floral prints with acid like scribble prints that are carelessly placed with traditional tailoring fabrics. Inspired by strong bold silhouettes from traditional Nigerian garments and British tailoring that are interpreted through the way fabric is held and pulled in African culture. The collection stems from the journey of my dad being born in England, moving back to Nigeria and then coming back in the 1980’s.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I feel that diversity within the industry is improving and continuing to evolve, however its something that we cant turn a blind eye to. I feel as a young black creative it feels very close to home and a topic i'm very passionate about as i feel all races in the industry should have equal opportunity and equal representation in the industry. I definitely feel there's definitely improvement, for example Edward Enninful being Editor in Chief of British Vogue, Virgil Abloh for Off- White and even a bigger representation of ethnic minority models on the runway. However, we cant just stop here there needs to be more impact.
What is your plan for the future?
My plan for the future is to continue developing my designing and software skills to build up my portfolio. Eventually I would like to be working in the fashion industry, exploring all the industry has to offer, enabling me to develop even more as a creative and evolve not only as a designer but as a person.I plan to continue to push myself further especially during the unprecedented times that we are in now.