‘Becoming Her’: A Look Into Lydia ‘24’s Newest Collection
Model posed in the ‘Carta Flounce Skirt’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
Your clothes should make you feel like a new person, and that’s exactly what the latest collection from Lydia ‘24 seeks to do! From the names to the colors to the silhouettes, this collection is made for a woman who’s ‘Becoming Her’.
Ekinken got the chance to speak to the designer and mastermind behind ‘Lydia ‘24’, Princess Akinsulire, about this collection. We discuss what it means to her, her inspiration, and the messaging behind her collection. Let’s enter the mind of an insanely talented, young designer.
What was your main inspiration while creating ‘Becoming Her’?
“Hmmm, the collection was created to circle around the regular woman. What this means is that she can look to Lydia ‘24 if she needs to go to work, have drinks with the girls, attend a party or a wedding, go on a date, or go to church, or needs something for vacay. That was it – that the regular woman’s life could circle around Lydia ’24 pieces.”
Who is the target audience for this particular collection?
“Essentially, the average woman, say, 18 –60, who is at least a middle-income earner. The woman who sees clothes as more than a means of body coverage, but as an expression of her fashion and style.”
While describing your collection, you mention that you have a piece for every woman, no matter who she is, as long as she is ‘Becoming Her’. Can you provide more insight into this and how it reflects in your pieces for this collection?
I would say my response to the first question is the same as this. “Whatever version of herself she’s trying to become, there’s an outfit that’s best suited to that lifestyle”. If she’s leaning to focus on her career, there’s an outfit for her to feel work-ready; if she’s leaning to commit to God more, there’s an outfit to help her feel good on Sundays; if she’s leaning to rest more, there’s an outfit that would help her feel holiday or brunch date ready”. That’s about it.
A piece that caught our eye was the ‘Garki’ top. This is a very unique name for a piece, and you mentioned you wanted to reflect Garki's business in the top. What inspired you to choose this location, particularly, and what kind of woman do you envision wearing this piece?
This location was chosen to incorporate the busyness of the town of Garki into the bust and sleeve area of the top. Nothing dramatic behind the name, honestly lol. Essentially, I envision the career woman, the “hang out with my friends is a must” woman, the religious woman, “if she’s a Christian or Muslim”, the entrepreneur, literally anyone who thinks a long sleeve top would be a good idea.
Although choosing a favorite amongst your designs must be as hard as picking a favorite child, do you have any piece in this collection that’s your absolute favourite at the moment?
“Hmmm, I would be honest, favorites change as time goes lol. But for now, maybe the Carta flounce skirt? That skirt is just divine, and I find a new way to style it each time. It’s the cutest skirt I’ve ever owned.”
What do you want to convey to your audience about yourself through this collection?
“Hmmm, fashion expressiveness? I guess that’s it. I’m very expressive with my style, so I believe that showed a lot in the collection.”
What do you think your role in the African fashion industry is as a young fashion designer?
I think my role is that in the coming years, I will have a story to tell other young students who are about to start a business, a task, or something they feel is bigger than them, especially cause they’re still in school and afraid – that it’s possible.
What’s the thing about the African fashion industry that gives you hope/joy?
The creativity and colorfulness of the African mind! Oh my goodness, African fashion is where it’s at, and I just love how designs can be traced back to the roots of our ‘Africanness’. It’s beautiful to see.
Do you have any advice for beginner African fashion professionals?
Start where you are, with what you have, and build from there. It only gets better with consistency. If you plan to do it long term, try to stay true to your WHY. Write your WHY down somewhere and try to go back to it as often as possible, so you are constantly reminded. DON’T DO IT, ANYTHING AT ALL WITHOUT GOD.
End of Interview (This interview includes slight rewording and condensing for clarity)
This era-defining collection features seven designs available for purchase for those who want to enter their ‘Becoming Her’ era. (Some descriptions provided are taken straight from ‘Lydia ‘24’).
The ‘Bali’ Dress
Inspired by the destination spot - Bali.
The Bali dress is a maxi silk dress with a padded bust area, which means you don’t have to worry about a bra when you wear this low-back silk dress.
Model posed in the ‘Bali Dress’ by Lydia ‘24
Phograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
The Capri Set
Enter into your crown jewel era and walk into every room turning heads. This set is not only spectacular in it’s sleek and flattering design, but it’s also stunning in its emerald green color.
Model posed in the ‘Capri Set’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
The Doha Set
When you think of Qatar's financial hub, you think of the Doha set.
The Doha set is made to fit your “corporate casual” look. When you want to look serious, yet like the boss chick that you are, the Doha set is your best bet.
Model posed in the ‘Doha Set’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
The Carta Flounce Skirt
This skirt has all the bells and whistles attached to a simple silhouette. As you walk through the room, the skirt flows with you and draws attention without drawing too much. A showstopper!
Model posed in the ‘Carta Flounce Skirt’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
Durban Pants
Inspired by the South African Flag 🇿🇦 and named after the largest port city in South Africa, the Durban pants were made for the woman ready to be perceived as the woman in charge of the room!
Model posed in the ‘Durban Pants’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
The ‘Garki’ Top
Inspired by the busy city of Garki, Abuja, we chose to infuse the busyness of the commercial district into the sleeves and bust area to enhance detailing.
Model posed in the ‘Garki Top’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
The Mubi Top
A classic and closet must-have! You can wear this top in so many different ways, its classic silhouette allows it to be dressed up or down. Perfect for a woman in her transitioning era of ‘Becoming Her’.
Model posed in the ‘Mubi Top’ by Lydia ‘24
Photograph courtesy of Lydia ‘24
This collection is full of items that can be worn in multiple ways to multiple ocassions. A collection that can truly serve a woman while she is ‘Becoming Her’. From working on becoming her best self to actually going outside and making things happen, this collection is for those who are ready to take themselves to the next level!
