Lagos: Esisi Iziegbe Teminere, founder of AWE Clothng, merges identity and storytelling in her designs. With a focus on sustainability, she draws inspiration from her Nigerian roots, honouring traditional craftsmanship while appealing to contemporary fashion sensibilities. AWE Clothng aims to empower wearers through cultural narratives.
Esisi Iziegbe Teminere, a Nigerian designer and founder of AWE Clothng, is on a mission to redefine African fashion by merging identity, heritage, and storytelling into her designs. Her journey began in Nigeria, where she grew up in a family deeply connected to craftsmanship and textiles. Inspired by her surroundings and frustrated with the prevalence of ill-fitting, mass-produced garments, Esisi sought to create a brand that not only honours tradition but also incorporates sustainable practices.
AWE Clothng celebrates African heritage through modern silhouettes, detailed craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability. Esisi’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Marketing from Delta State University, Nigeria, and further studies in fashion design at the Canberra Institute of Technology and TAFE NSW, Australia. This combination of marketing and design expertise has shaped her approach to building a brand that speaks to both cultural narratives and contemporary fashion sensibilities.
In a recent conversation, Esisi recounted her early experiences, stating, “Fashion has always been an integral part of my life… However, living in Nigeria, I often felt frustrated by ill-fitting, poorly made clothes that didn’t capture the beauty of our fabrics or my style.” Her frustrations highlighted a significant challenge within Nigerian tailoring culture, where inconsistencies in craftsmanship often left customers disappointed with their custom garments.
Esisi’s designs are rooted in stories from her Nigerian upbringing, with traditional attire playing a crucial role in daily life. “From an early age, I was immersed in a world of fabrics, colors, and the artistry involved in garment-making,” she explained. This cultural immersion has profoundly influenced her creative vision and commitment to weaving cultural narratives into modern designs.
Every collection from AWE Clothng is inspired by specific themes that resonate with African heritage. Esisi’s latest collection, titled “Arcadian: One with Nature,” draws inspiration from rural Nigerian landscapes and the intricate artistry of Igbo Ukwu bronze work. This collection aims to explore the connection between natural elements and fashion, encapsulating the beauty of the everyday materials found in African culture.
As she discussed the creative process behind her pieces, Esisi highlighted the importance of storytelling, stating, “At AWE Clothng, each design represents a dialogue between the wearer and their heritage, environment, and personal experiences.” The collection not only reflects the vibrancy of Nigerian culture but also aims to instil a sense of empowerment and individual expression for the wearer.
Sustainability remains a fundamental principle for AWE Clothng. The brand exclusively uses natural, biodegradable, and locally sourced materials, ensuring that every collection honours the environment and the artisans creating these garments. “A key element of sustainability is the preservation and appreciation of traditional craftsmanship,” Esisi shared, emphasising her commitment to fair practices and sustainable sourcing.
As African designers gain more visibility on the global stage, Esisi’s journey aligns with the notion that the rich tapestry of African culture can resonate well with international audiences. The brand’s visibility has been enhanced by features in international publications like Rebel Magazine and Scout Magazine, which have generated organic interest in AWE Clothng.
Looking to the future, Esisi is excited about the potential for expansion, including menswear offerings and collaborations with other creatives. “We are investigating new sustainable practices and partnering with artisans to produce limited-edition pieces that honour cultural heritage while reducing environmental impact,” she noted. AWE Clothng is poised to grow its digital presence and explore pop-up events and runway shows in major fashion hubs, thereby fostering deeper connections with its audience.
Esisi’s journey with AWE Clothng is reflective of a broader trend in the fashion industry, where the emphasis on culture and sustainability is increasingly resonating with consumers. As the brand continues to evolve, Esisi remains dedicated to crafting beautiful, meaningful pieces that bridge the gap between African culture and contemporary fashion. Each garment reflects her commitment to heritage, empowerment, and the enduring beauty of craftsmanship, inviting wearers to connect with their own stories as they don her creations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
