EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FASHION: INSIDE THE CREATIVE WORLD OF TAVIERA CLOTHINGS
This month, our brand spotlight shines on Taviera Clothings, a dynamic fashion brand known for creating unique dresses, two-piece, and three-piece outfits that celebrate every woman’s individuality. Taviera Clothings, under the creative direction of Atinuke Okunlate, prides itself on designing pieces that not only complement a woman’s figure but also boost her confidence. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Atinuke, the Chief Designer, Garment Constructor, and Pattern Maker of the brand, about her journey in fashion, the balance between work and life, and what’s next for Taviera.
An Exciting Experience at the Lagos Fashion week
Atinuke recently showcased some of Taviera’s designs at the prestigious Lagos fashion week event, a major platform in the fashion and entertainment industry. Describing the experience, Atinuke said, “It was exciting being able to showcase at one of the biggest runway event in the fashion industry. The Lagos fashion week is an incredibly great platform for fashion and entertainment stakeholders to show their stuff, and I am quite glad that Taviera was able to share its products with everyone present.”
She emphasized the learning opportunities the event provided, adding, “It was quite stressful but equally educating as I got to meet other professionals in the industry. As someone who learns from almost anything and everything, I was soaking up new inspirations, lessons, and so much more.” For Atinuke, the event was more than a fashion showcase—it was a holistic learning experience that fueled her creativity.
Inspiration Rooted in Diversity
Atinuke’s design inspiration is drawn from the everyday world around her, but she reveals that women, in particular, are her greatest influence. “Women specifically inspire me,” she shares. “Women are built in different ways, and therefore they need to dress in ways that enhance their shape. Some women can wear anything and look good in it—it’s a rare gift many appreciate. That’s why some of our clothes are geared toward creating pieces that anyone can wear without feeling self-conscious about their shape or size.”
Her designs are clearly a celebration of the diversity and beauty of women, aiming to offer something for every body type while ensuring that every woman feels confident in what she wears.
A Memorable Project
When asked about a particularly demanding project, Atinuke fondly recalls creating a custom dress for a client’s teenage daughter’s 16th birthday. “It was a ‘sweet 16’ moment,” she explains. “For girls at that age, it’s a significant milestone, and they often want a style that matches the celebration.”
Despite challenges sourcing the right materials and bringing the client’s vision to life, the hard work paid off when the final fitting brought smiles to both the young girl and her mother. “The smile on our client’s face was worth all the hard work we put in,” Atinuke says. The project not only resulted in a stunning dress but also led to several referrals, proving the success of the effort.
Work-Life Balance: A Lesson Learned Early
Managing the demands of a growing fashion brand like Taviera and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is no small feat, but Atinuke has a system that works for her. “I learned something a long time ago that has really helped me,” she says. “The lesson is that if one does not learn to prioritize the important things or seek a balance, one would lose those important things while life forces you to live with regrets.”
To maintain that balance, she ensures that her team takes breaks, particularly during holiday periods, when bookings are reduced, and major projects are completed ahead of time. “A well-rested mind, body, and soul is one that will be better creatively and productively,” she notes, highlighting the importance of rest in sustaining creativity.
What’s Next for Taviera Clothings?
Looking ahead, Taviera Clothings has several projects in the pipeline. “We are currently working on several collections that are in various stages of research, fabric sourcing, or production,” Atinuke shares. Although details remain under wraps, she hints that a new collection will be released soon.
Taviera is also focused on collaborating with other designers, models, and entertainers to expand its influence in the fashion world. Atinuke concludes, “We look forward to attending more fashion events and collaborations, all while continuing to make beautiful pieces that boost confidence and promote self-love.”
