Ayomide Adeyemo Celebrates History Through Design

BY Maizura June 20, 2025

Ayomide Adeyemo | French Fashion Awards

Ayomide Adeyemo

Ayomide Adeyemo is the Creative Director of 54Folks. HerGraduating Collection: Gateway to Freedomdraws inspiration from the story of Benkos Bioho, an enslaved hero from the late 1500s, and celebrates the rich history of the Cornrow hairstyle rooted in West African culture.

Thank you. My name is Ayomide Adeyemo, and I am the Creative Director of 54Folks. This design was my graduating collection for my Master’s degree in Fashion Design from the University for the Creative Arts.

I believe that every piece in my portfolio tells a unique story inspired by the core concept and creative idea behind it.

I have always been a fashion enthusiast, initially transitioning into fashion styling, then learning fashion design, and eventually pursuing my Master’s degree.

A bit of both, as each workday brings new challenges and opportunities, making every day different and rewarding in its own way.

African history, sustainability and modern fashion!

It was during the photoshoots and styling that I realised exactly when I wanted to submit my designs.

The trend of unethical fashion is something I genuinely hope fades away—it has no place in a thoughtful, responsible world.

I will study the demands of my target audience and incorporate them into my creative and artistic process, ensuring the final design meets their needs while also fulfilling our objectives.

Inane Ayissi has built a renowned brand with an aim that aligns with mine.

Success in fashion, to me, means making a meaningful impact on the community while upholding and preserving heritage, culture, and history.

Fashion evolves every minute, especially in this digital age, and I see myself growing alongside this evolution.

An African traditional hut structure.

To stay true to their story.

Be the custodian of your culture.

Winning Entry

Graduating Collection- GATEWAY TO FREEDOM

Graduating collection: GATEWAY TO FREEDOM- For this collection, inspiration was gotten from the history of...

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Explore the journey of Bonan Li, the Platinum Winner of the 2025 French Fashion Awards. An independent designer, she merges philosophy, sustainability, and art in experimental works like Poem Space, exploring women’s identity, body, and environment.