Adeshola Raphael Adejare is a Nigerian-born designer who recently graduated from the prestigious London College of Fashion (UAL) with a BA in Fashion Design and Technology. Now, he's putting the technical abilities he developed during his journey into his brand, SOMEONESON.
Shola's mindset is what sets him apart from the crowd. His garments show an intricate yet minimalist design (a process he calls "Deconstructed Minimalism") aiming to overcome social barriers and connect with our deepest thoughts.
"Why are we here? Why are we so invested in existence that we cannot fully comprehend? How do clothes factor into how we treat each other?"
In his latest project "SOMETIMES, A SAD DAY IS JUST A SAD DAY" he's able to build an authentic connection with his audience by taking a step forward and speaking up about mental health issues. Perhaps, this disarmingly honesty might be his greatest strength.
ROUGH: Where does your journey in fashion start?
SHOLA: My interest in fashion began with watching my stepmom make clothes back home in Nigeria. At the time, I was always mesmerized by the way she would turn fabrics into interesting pieces. A fond memory is her making my sister a dress which she completed and then accidentally burnt with the iron while pressing the dress. I remember her stopping, pausing for a couple of minutes, and then returning to her sewing machine where she cut out the burnt piece, insert a new panel, and applique over the seams. It was two completely different designs and what she said afterward was, "every design mistake is a base for a new design". That was what sparked my curiosity and interest in fashion design. Before I moved to England, I studied basic pattern cutting and sewing in Nigeria while undergoing my tertiary education in Sociology and Anthropology. I also did some art directing so I could understand what my real strengths were.
After moving to London, I studied for an extended diploma at Kensington and Chelsea college then proceeded to study Womenswear at London College of Fashion.
ROUGH: What is it that you enjoy most about designing?
SHOLA:
Honestly, for me, it is all about the freedom to experiment. I am constantly questioning, and I am trying to challenge how we view and use clothing - the sociology of clothing. Fashion is also a form of exorcism for me, it is how I channel my frustrations and my mental health challenges and visualize them. It is quite therapeutic.
ROUGH: Tell us about the projects you're most proud of and why.
SHOLA:
My graduate collection is probably my favorite for now. I challenged myself and added so many facets of what was going on in my head, but I don't necessarily think a lot of people would see that unless I unveil the specific references which in this case were my mental health, some things that help me get through difficult times and some commentary on the evolution of how we view mental health. There are also some things I extracted from my cultural heritage; they are very subtle though.
ROUGH: What inspires you?
SHOLA:
My biggest driver is my mental health, and conversations about mental health in general. Regardless of our backgrounds and how we self-identify, we all have an idea of what happiness feels like or sadness. Or loss. These are human experiences which although individual and unique in circumstances are relatable across the globe.
I filter these through my design aesthetic which is a combination of deconstruction and minimalism and I add a commentary on DeGendering clothes because I don't subscribe to using fabric as an identifier of people.
ROUGH: What's next for your brand?
SHOLA:
At the moment, as I've only just graduated from university, I am trying to learn as much as possible and impart that knowledge and experience into furthering my brand. Industry experience is where I am focusing on while I build my brand. I am trying to educate myself more on social issues as I would like that to slowly inform how I incorporate references into my brand because I always want to come from a place of nuance, especially with socio-anthropological issues. That being said, there are some basic human rights that I and my brand are very uncompromising about.
To view the entire graduate collection of SOMEONESON F/W 2021, click on the link below.
