Aforlyn Unwuchola: I design from emotion first. I think about how a person feels before I think about what they wear.

⁠What inspired you to create Everytindemin and merge Nigerian heritage with contemporary fashion?

Everytindemin started from a simple frustration. I loved fashion but found most brands out of reach, too expensive, too polished, and often disconnected from real people. I wanted to create something that felt personal and wearable without losing cultural depth. Nigerian fabrics like adire, asò oke and denim already tell strong stories. I just wanted to reframe those stories for a new audience. That’s how Everytindemin began: as an effort to make heritage modern and accessible.

⁠How would you describe your design philosophy and creative approach?

I design from emotion first. I think about how a person feels before I think about what they wear. My process is rooted in balance, structured but fluid, bold but calm. I sketch, then let the fabric guide me. I like when a piece feels grounded yet free enough to move with the body.

⁠In what ways do you incorporate Nigerian cultural storytelling into your designs?

I see fabric as memory. Adire, for example, holds symbols and dye patterns that have been passed down for generations. When I design, I work to preserve that essence while giving it a modern context, different cuts, textures, and pairings that make the story current but still honest to its roots.

What was the inspiration behind your Ethereal Fluidity collection showcased at Birmingham Fashion Week 2025?

Ethereal Fluidity explored the tension between strength and gentleness. I wanted to show how they can exist in the same woman. The collection mixed denim, cotton, mesh, asò óké and adire to capture contrast, structured lines meeting soft flow. It marked my first UK runway, so it carried a lot of personal meaning too. Each piece reflected transition, both in my journey and in how African design continues to evolve on global stages.

⁠How did it feel to make your UK debut, and what did that experience mean for you as a designer?

It felt grounding. I’d worked for years building Everytindemin in Nigeria, so stepping onto a UK stage was a quiet reminder that growth happens when you stay consistent. Seeing the collection on that runway confirmed that African design belongs anywhere. It gave me perspective on how far the brand has come and what’s still ahead.

What challenges and opportunities have you faced in expanding Everytindemin from Lagos to the UK market?

The main challenge has been visibility. Entering a new market means starting fresh. But it’s also an opportunity to reintroduce the brand with a stronger identity. The UK fashion community is open to new perspectives, so I’ve focused on storytelling and collaborations instead of rushing sales. It’s a slow build, but it’s meaningful.

⁠What does “the duality of strength and softness in the modern African woman” mean to you personally?

It’s the essence of who we are. We carry weight, yet we move with grace. I see that balance in every woman around me, and I try to capture it in form and fabric. It’s not about contrast, it’s about coexistence.

How does Everytindemin integrate sustainability and traditional craftsmanship into its creative process?

We work directly with local artisans in Nigeria. Each piece goes through hands that have mastered traditional techniques like adire dyeing and hand-finishing. We keep production small to avoid waste. Sustainability, for me, is as much about people as it is about materials. It’s about continuity, making sure culture and skill are not lost in the process.

How has your background in digital strategy influenced your approach to fashion branding and storytelling?

It’s shaped how I connect with audiences. Digital strategy taught me to think beyond visuals, to tell stories that mean something. Everytindemin’s online growth came from that mindset. We don’t just post clothes; we share process, community, and purpose. I treat digital space as a conversation, not a storefront.

⁠What role does collaboration play in shaping the direction and growth of Everytindemin?

Collaboration brings new energy. I like working with people who see fashion differently, stylists, artists, photographers. It keeps the work alive. Everytindemin has always been a shared story, and collaboration is how we expand that story.

How do you see the global fashion industry evolving in terms of authentic African representation?

There’s progress. More designers are being recognised for their own voices, not through Western interpretation. The focus has shifted from “African-inspired” to “African-owned.” That shift matters. It changes how the work is valued and who controls the narrative.

⁠What’s next for you and Everytindemin, are there upcoming projects or directions you’re excited about?

I’m working on a capsule that continues where Ethereal Fluidity left off. It’s an exploration of texture and structure through African fabrics.

I’m also looking to build more partnerships in the UK, projects that merge culture, craft, and modern tailoring. It feels like the start of something steady and intentional.

Fashion Brand: Everytindenim @everytindemin

brand founder: Aforlyn Unwuchola @everytindenim