Yahaya is a semi-finalist of the Redress Design Award 2021. He is a self-taught fashion designer and founder of Bola Yahaya, a brand reinterprets rich Nigerian style heritage in vibrant zero-waste garments through innovative pattern cutting and upcycling.

“My earliest fashion memories include scavenging for fabric from the bins of local tailors to drape over my Barbie dolls. I would wonder why so much fabric was being trashed. In my country, sustainability is not a focus - it is seen as an issue for the developed nations. Through my designs, I hope to reach a vast range of people and inspire a change in attitudes.” - Yahaya Taofeeq

redress Design Award Collection

Yahaya’s Redress Design Award collection, ‘Culture in Motion’, takes influence from Nigeria’s Yoruba attire, bridging contemporary and traditional Nigerian fashion. In celebration of the differences and similarities of us all, he upcycles pre-owned items (along with some production surplus) emotive of the historic tradition of passing clothes (Aso-oke) on from one generation to another. The garments are designed to be easily disassembled at end of life for reuse and via a QR code Yahaya provides the wearer with detailed information about the production, styling tips and a connection to the brand for repair and personalisation to increase the use of the pieces.

REGION:
Nigeria

DESIGN TECHNIQUES:
Zero-waste, Upcycling, Reconstruction  

COLLECTION:
Womenswear