Ifeoluwa Sholola has distinguished herself as a dynamic force in the fashion industry, with nearly a decade of experience as a fashion designer and lifestyle marketer. At just 28 years old, she has already made significant strides in her career. Her passion for fashion is rooted in her heritage and upbringing, inspired by her grandmother’s and mother’s love for clothing. This early influence shaped her vision for Laraville Clothing, which she now leads with creativity and purpose.
As the founder and creative director of Laraville Clothing, Ifeoluwa has guided her brand to significant recognition, including being a two-time winner of the Best Female Fashion Brand in Ondo State and earning a spot in the Top 100 Startups in Nigeria. Her commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship is evident in every piece her brand produces, with a strong emphasis on cultural heritage and environmental consciousness.
Beyond her work in fashion design, Ifeoluwa is also the convener of Fashion on Fashion Street, a groundbreaking initiative launched in collaboration with the British School of Fashion at Glasgow Caledonian University London (GCU London). This event has become a vital platform for minority creatives in the UK fashion industry, providing emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their work, connect with peers, and make a mark in the industry.
Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing from GCU London, where she developed her expertise in fashion marketing, branding, and sustainable practices. This education has been instrumental in shaping her approach to creating a brand that meets the needs of today’s consumers while contributing positively to the environment.
Ifeoluwa has also gained valuable experience working as a sales associate with international luxury beauty and fashion brands, enriching her understanding of the global fashion market. An experience she believes complements her entrepreneurial ventures and enhances her ability to lead Laraville Clothing and other initiatives.
Ifeoluwa’s passion for women’s empowerment extends beyond the fashion industry. She is planning a fundraising event in December 2024 aimed at providing industrial sewing machines to women in Nigeria, helping them build sustainable careers in fashion. This initiative is part of her broader mission to uplift and empower women in her home country.As Ifeoluwa Sholola continues to expand Laraville Clothing in the UK and beyond, her vision remains clear: to create a world where every woman has access to high-quality, customized clothing that makes them feel beautiful, confident, and empowered. We had an interesting conversation with her where she talked about her passion, her work and more.
Ifeoluwa, You’ve achieved so much at just 28 years old and recently released your latest collection, Braids and Bows which debuted at the “Fashion on Fashion Street” event. What inspired this collection?
Thank you for having me! Braids and Bows is a celebration of femininity and youthfulness. I wanted to create a collection that brings out the playful, vibrant energy in every woman. The pieces feature bright pink hues, braids, flowers, and bows—elements that represent the girly and carefree spirit I wanted to capture. I also incorporated original Nigerian handwoven fabrics called Aṣọ-Oke into the collection. These fabrics are known for their structured texture, but I chose colors that give them a fun, modern feel. Aṣọ-Oke is also a sustainable choice because it is handwoven by local artisans, which reduces the carbon footprint and supports traditional crafts. The collection is perfect for special events like birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion where a woman wants to feel truly beautiful, feminine, and confident.
You also convened the “Fashion on Fashion Street” event, held in collaboration with GCU London. Can you tell us more about the event and why it was organized?
Yes, I had the honor of organizing the event in collaboration with GCU London. The primary aim was to create a platform for emerging designers, particularly those from minority communities, to showcase their work and connect with the broader fashion industry. We also wanted to empower students by giving them an opportunity to present their designs in a professional setting. The event was a success, with designers from various universities participating and showcasing their unique styles. Additionally, we had a pop-up section where these emerging designers could sell their merchandise, with 10% of the profits going to charity. The event was all about fostering community, encouraging creativity, and giving back. We plan to continue “Fashion on Fashion Street” as a yearly initiative, helping minority creatives pave their way in the UK fashion industry.
You’ve made significant strides in your career. How do you see your presence in the UK contributing to the cultural sector, particularly in fashion?
My presence in the UK offers a unique opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and bring diverse perspectives to the fashion industry. By continuing initiatives like Fashion on Fashion Street as an annual event, I aim to create a platform for minority creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and establish themselves in the UK market. This event, which I first convened in collaboration with GCU London, has already begun to pave the way for underrepresented voices in fashion, and I’m excited to see it grow.
Additionally, I’m planning collaborations with UK-based designers and organizations that share my commitment to sustainability. Through these partnerships, we can innovate together and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable fashion.
Let’s talk about the creative process behind your new collection. What materials and techniques did you use?
I’m a very hands-on designer, so my process usually starts with the fabric. I love working with textures and materials that speak to me. For this collection, I focused on the vibrant *Aṣọ-Oke* fabric, which is traditionally handwoven and carries a significant cultural heritage. While *Aṣọ-Oke* is typically structured, I played with its color schemes to bring out a playful, youthful energy. The fabric’s sustainability was a big factor in choosing it—supporting local artisans and reducing waste is core to my brand’s values. I didn’t rely on pre-planned sketches; instead, I let the fabric guide the design, often using freehand sewing to create unique, personalized pieces. The collection is rich in texture and detail, featuring intricate braids, floral patterns, and lots of bows that add a distinctive touch to each piece.
You mentioned earlier that this collection was also a way for you to reconnect with your creativity. Could you elaborate on that?
Absolutely. Over the past few years, I’ve been deeply involved in the business side of Laraville Clothing, and while that’s important, I felt like I was losing touch with the creative side that sparked my love for fashion in the first place. Braids and Bows was my way of proving to myself that I could still be creative and push the boundaries of my design. Designing this collection helped me feel like myself again, reconnecting with the things I love.
Let’s talk about the impact you hope this collection will have on your audience. What do you want women to feel when they wear these pieces?
I want every woman who wears a piece from this collection to feel confident, beautiful, and unapologetically feminine. These clothes are meant to enhance how you feel about yourself. They’re not just garments; they’re a way to express who you are and embrace your femininity fully. My goal has always been to create pieces that make women feel empowered, and I hope Braids and Bows does just that.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Laraville Clothing? How do you see your collections evolving in the future?
My vision for Laraville Clothing is to see every woman have at least one of our pieces in her wardrobe. I’m committed to creating timeless, high-quality garments that can be passed down through generations. Sustainability remains a core focus for us, so we’ll continue using eco-friendly materials and practices. Moving forward, I plan to expand our brand in the UK and beyond, making bespoke pieces more accessible to women everywhere. We’re also exploring flexible payment plans to help women who want to invest in quality, sustainable fashion but may not have the means upfront. Additionally, we’re planning a fundraising event in December 2024 to empower women in Nigeria by providing them with brand-new industrial sewing machines. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to using fashion as a tool for empowerment and giving back to our communities.
That sounds like a wonderful plan! For our readers interested in exploring your new collection or learning more about your brand, where can they find you?
You can shop our Braids and Bows collection and more at [www.laravilleclothing.com](http://www.laravilleclothing.com). You can also follow us on Instagram for updates: our bespoke collection is at [@officiallaraville](https://www.instagram.com/officiallaraville), our ready-to-wear line is at [@stellaalondonn](https://www.instagram.com/stellaalondonn), and you can check out our charity fashion event at [@fashiononfashionstreet](https://www.instagram.com/fashiononfashionstreet).
Thank you, Ifeoluwa, for sharing your journey and vision with us. We’re excited to see what’s next for Laraville Clothing.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to share this journey with everyone and can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
To stay connected with Ifeoluwa’s Laraville Clothing and explore their latest collections, follow them on Instagram: @officiallaraville, for bespoke pieces,
@stellaalondonn, for ready-to-wear fashion,
and @fashiononfashionstreet, for updates on their fashion events.
