Andrea Iyamah Want You To Feel Good

 

Andrea Dumebi Iyamah is a source of inspiration in the fashion world, boasting a career spanning over a decade. She leads a group of designers dedicated to creating women’s clothing that exudes powerful feminine energy and makes bold statements that go beyond mere fashion and elegance.

This philosophy is at the core of her own eponymous fashion brand, Andrea Iyamah, which she established to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage authentically.

Growing up in Nigeria, Iyamah’s passion for fashion flourished under the guidance of her mother. Despite societal pressures nudging her towards a more conventional career path, Iyamah remained resolute in her pursuit of fashion. 

“My mother encouraged me to express myself. She didn’t like you being too shy, she didn’t like you not walking confidently,” the Nigerian fashion designer said in an interview with Andrea Simmons while reflecting on her upbringing.

“In life, not just design, my mother was the person that really instilled a sense of confidence in me. She had a luxury boutique and would stock designers from Paris and used to travel a lot. My mom was extremely stylish and had a very unique style. She was really good at expressing herself, so I grew up seeing that, especially in the creative aspect — that was what was normal to me.” 

Encouraged by her mother’s support, the fashion designer spent her summer breaks apprenticing at a local tailor, where she diligently refined her tailoring and cloth-making skills.

Andrea’s journey began with long hours of hard work, starting early in the morning and often extending late into the evening. She started by sewing children’s clothes and gradually transitioned to crafting adult clothing.

In 2009, this trendsetter embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Canada to pursue a degree in Communication and Multimedia at McMaster University. Amidst the hustle and bustle of university life, she found solace and creative expression through her blog. Through this digital platform, Iyamah showcased her diverse artistic endeavors, spanning from intricate fashion sketches and captivating portrait drawings to mesmerizing photography.

As her online presence grew, the spotlight shone upon her when one of her designs was featured in a popular blog. This unexpected recognition catalyzed the birth of the Andrea Iyamah brand.

Fast forward to 2013, Andrea’s keen eye for fashion spotted a void in Canadian retail spaces—there was a conspicuous absence of brands by African designers. The creative designer saw this challenge as an opportunity to launch her eponymous brand. She envisioned an African-owned brand that would not only boast rich and bold styles but also enjoy international acclaim.

In this transformative year, Iyamah unveiled her inaugural swimwear collection under the Andrea Iyamah label, garnering widespread recognition and applause on a global scale. By seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with traditional African elements, she created clothes that resonated deeply with women across continents.

Today, Andrea Iyamah’s designs have become a celebrity and It girl’s favorite, gracing the racks of global retailers such as Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Moda Operandi, solidifying her status as a trailblazing force in the fashion industry.

Andrea Iyamah’s designs are celebrated for their innate warmth and graceful fluidity. Her foremost objective is to empower women to feel extraordinary in her clothing, long before they catch a glimpse of their reflection.

“I want you to feel good first and then see,” she emphasizes to ESSENCE. “Everything in my life is about feeling good before it looks good. It’s about being true to yourself and feeling proud of who you are.” With each creation, Iyamah aspires to instil a sense of confidence and radiance in women, embracing their uniqueness and individuality.

Beyond mere items of clothing, Iyamah views her brand as a conduit for cultural storytelling. Together with her dedicated team, she endeavors to weave narratives into every piece they craft. The overarching vision of Andrea Iyamah is to continually amplify and honor cultural stories through the medium of design.

The fashion innovator understands that creating an outfit encompasses a multitude of elements, so she approaches each creation with meticulous attention to detail. She deftly incorporates a diverse array of factors, from colors and textures to shapes and movement, to evoke the desired effect. 

“The idea behind every cut, proportion, color, and silhouette is to cater to women,” Iyamah explains to ESSENCE. “Many of our products feature draping and ruffles intentionally designed to accentuate a woman’s curves and body. We pay special attention to how we use colors, especially two-tone colors, to enhance our designs.”

Andrea Iyamah is not just a fashion designer; she’s also a dynamic entrepreneur. She has expanded her empire from swimsuits to ready-to-wear clothing, wedding dresses, and even a shoe line. Her ventures extend beyond fashion into the design and hospitality industries, shaping the Andrea Iyamah lifestyle. And there are even more expansions planned for the future.

Ultimately, the designer’s goal is to evolve her brand into an all-encompassing lifestyle entity, embracing the full spectrum of design and everyday life.

“We want to offer more than just clothes. We will eventually get into homewares, from bedding to home accessories, really tapping into that story — because it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s the lifestyle of being able to express yourself in a celebratory, energetic and expressive way. Either through fashion, the beauty products you use, or what’s on your table, it’s really about informing the lifestyle of this adventurous woman that we cater to.”

Most importantly, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah finds immense fulfillment in the sisterhood fostered through fashion, which is one of the most captivating aspects of her brand.

“I often go on vacation, and it warms my heart to see women wearing our creations,” she added. “Designing these pieces is one thing, but witnessing their acceptance by women worldwide is truly inspiring. It motivates me to keep evolving and exploring new opportunities for growth.”

In essence, the A.I brand is not just about creating stunning fashion pieces; it’s about fostering a sense of connection and empowerment among women globally. Through her designs, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah celebrates the beauty and diversity of femininity, creating a community of strong, confident women who feel empowered to express themselves authentically.