1302 Designs is an upcoming fashion retailer with an aim to create clothing fusing both European and African cultures that is both easy to wear yet has an individual twist. After checking out some 1302’s latest design range we were impressed and were delighted when Elizabeth Ajomale, the founder of 1302, agreed to be interviewed by Urbanity Chic. Read the full in depth interview below where Elizabeth mentions how she’s hoping to expand the brand over the coming months, what the first thing she ever designed was and what she does to relax when not working.
1302 Designs
First hand-made piece
1302 Designs
Pocket Sweatshirt
Q: What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on pushing the brand and creating more awareness. 1302 is a new Afro-Euro Brand that brings you that rare fashion with an African twist, besides being UK number one in mixing African fabric with anything we also provide the most dope fashion that can’t be found anywhere so I am constantly experimenting and working on expanding the brand.
Q: How has the last 12 months been for you?
It has been pretty busy but super exciting, from collaborations, showcasing at London fashion shows to getting featured.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means being able to stand out without hesitation.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I am really attracted to people who think outside the box and are not afraid to stand out; I can’t really say I look up to any fashion icon or designer. But I sure do acknowledge and appreciate great outstanding work.
Q: What was the first thing you ever designed?
Oh wow, you would find this hilarious; the first thing I ever designed was a little cute outfit for my doll. I was pretty young then and was really good with needles and threads and I would cut up pieces of cloth and make anything, I also treated myself to little accessories in between and customise my shorts and skirts. Lol, it was pretty amazing. But when I started 1302-Designs my first piece was a hand-made white dress ‘Picture one’, and it was well emotional but exciting for me.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everything around me; from all black everything to colours and people, animals and most importantly my Black African heritage are stated in most of my clothing.
Q: Who inspires you?
My family inspire me greatly, they are all I have got really and I am ultimately proud and inspired always by their encouragements and support.
Q: How would you define the style your work exemplifies?
The style of my work simply demonstrates three main things; African, Bold and Beautiful.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
My style is pretty contemporary, yet dated and daring.
1302 Designs
Pocket T-shirt
1302 Designs
Ankara Print Bralette
Q: Where are you based?
Kent
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
It’s pretty quiet thus helping me to have some quality time to work on my brand.
Q: How would you define your city’s fashion?
One word: Meek
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Wow, that’s hard, too many exciting moments. Some include seeing my work featured online, blogs, magazines and more.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?
What more can a brand want than to have more publicity and sales really. Nevertheless I’d like to meet more people, collaborate and get 1302 out there in the most exciting places you would never had imagined.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I love writing and this has led to me creating a blog and talking about my favourite things. And of course watching an action or thriller movie can be pretty therapeutic.
Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
I am yet to explore the two other fashion capitals; New York and Milan. I think it would be only natural to visit and experience their kind of fashion.
Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?
I am a big music lover and I tend to have a variety of everything from soul music to hip-hop.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I love cooking, singing, not sure if I did get a yes from Simon on X Factor though and of course I love to write.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I will be adding a ‘Love Vintage’ and ‘Love fashion’ one off collection from time to time to celebrate more exciting individualities. Also, my custom made items are pretty exciting, I get people telling me to re-create my prodigal and unusual pieces, and these are usually the most exciting projects for me. My website is constantly revamped from time to time so people can experience a range of excitement but most especially I make and customise all my pieces and although it gets demanding doing it all by myself, 1302 is still the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Please note: My customers are so dear to me. Don’t be a stranger on 1302 Designs Facebook and Twitter page, I always want to hear what you have to say and your awesome thoughts are highly appreciated. Also, I am constantly giving away gifts and more, this Christmas I have numerous give-aways and things to get everyone involved in so stay close. Furthermore, customers who may require sold out items from my site; hand-made and one-off pieces from fashion shows should feel free to contact me anytime.
For sponsorships, collaborations, features or interviews email me at love1302@ymail.com
1302 Designs
@ Urban Fashion Week
1302 Designs
Hand-made tribal print bowties
Q: Where can we find out more about or purchase your work?
Visit our website: http://www.1302designs.com
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
I am a naturally driven, self-motivated individual and a great fashion lover. I feel every minute is precious and I always make the best of each day, with a lot of laughter and great company I am constantly moved, moreover when I get compliments and especially criticism I am always urged to do more and better.
Remain Positive, Stay Inspired & Stand Out.
Love Elizabeth
Editor’s Note: 1302 Designs produces items that effectively combine creative African and European influences with a distinct individual commercial slant. We’re looking forward with a great deal of interest how 1302 Designs will develop over the coming months and years and are sure you will too.
If you’d like to learn more about 1302 Designs just follow the links below:
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/1302designs
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/Love1302
Web page link: http://www.1302designs.com
Personal blog link: http://www.elizabethajomale.tumblr.com
1302 blog link: http://www.1302designs.tumblr.com
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