Defining Design: Stripping it Back with Daily Paper’s Fola Adeleke

"Today's society expects everything too soon. Putting in the hours on your craft is crucial to your development as a designer. This helps to evolve your process, handwriting, tone of voice, and aesthetics, which I believe will separate you from other designers."

New Wave Magazine had the privilege of interviewing Fola Adeleke, the up-and-coming Senior Designer at Daily Paper, renowned for his innovative designs and captivating storytelling. Throughout the exclusive conversation, we traced Fola's journey from a former basketball player to his current role, where he passionately dedicates himself to refining his craft. Drawing inspiration from 90's music videos and cultural influences, Fola unveiled his unique creative process. He candidly discussed the challenges faced by emerging designers in a fast-paced industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over fleeting trends. Fola's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship is evident in his deeply personal and iconic designs. Join us as we explore his illustrious career, delving into his inspirations and the artistry behind his captivating sketches and concepts in this exclusive interview with New Wave Magazine.

How did you start as a designer? Did you intern, study, or start as a designer right after?

After perusing a career in basketball in the U.S. I decided to try my hand in design. I have always been into creative things from music, and art design to even sports, and so I returned to University as a mature student, enrolling in textiles and menswear to refine my practice.

How did you fall in love with fashion?

The thing that sparked my growing interest in fashion was when I saw images of Tupac Shakur walking the runway for Gianni Versace's fall/winter 1996/1997 collection followed by Mase and Puff Daddy's shiny suit era. I had a growing obsession with 90's music videos because of the flamboyant silhouettes, colour, fabrication, and overall aesthetics.

What does your creative process look like?

I usually pull from nostalgic periods in my life. The ages when I was most impressionable. I take aesthetic ideas from thesis periods and mix this with concepts/story-telling that aligns with who I am today. This is the first step of my creative process.

How do you stay inspired at times when you don’t feel inspired?

Inspiration is everywhere. I personally get inspired by, traveling, going to new events, and conversations, but mainly my creativity sparks stem from the culture ( hip-hop, grime, afrobeat, drill, cultural events, and cultural movies).

How have your sketches changed over time?

My sketches have been an integral part of the progression of my career. I started sketching concepts for brands that I liked, with the idea of it refining my practice/ sharpening my pen, covering concepts that I believe some brands were missing the opportunity to connect with new consumers. I believe over time my sketches have become more than just cool line-ups that fit the brand's tone of voice. I think I have become more aware of layering and intricate detailing, which menswear is all about. I have introduced a wider variety of fabrication to lift the whole collection.

Daily Paper has been stirring narratives in terms of creativity, as the senior designer for this brand how do you get relevant and creative at the same time?

I believe trying to stay relevant is a dangerous game. We create what connects to us on a personal level, and to what aligns us to the diaspora and brand's core heritage.

How do you choose colour palettes?

Colour palettes come every and anywhere. I remember working on a concept a few years back and struggling with a colour palette that fits the mood of the collection. That night I happened to have watched Fight Club, and it instantly clicked. (Whoever styled Brad Pitt’s Character in that movie is a genius.) I was able to eject elements from the movie and Brad Pitt's style to create my colour palette.

As a designer, where do you get inspiration from, or let’s say how do you get inspired before creating magnificent pieces?

Inspiration is everywhere. I personally get inspired by, traveling, going to new events, and conversations, but mainly my creativity sparks from the culture (hip-hop, grime, afrobeat, drill, cultural events, and cultural movies)

Could you tell us your creative process for designing? How do you start your day-to-day and what tips are you willing to give young designers out there for a creative day?

My personal process is to look back at my yearlong image bank. From there, I create mini boards of new fabrication ideas, silhouettes, and details and make sure these align with the current concept that we are working on.

Fashion is surely a fast-paced industry, how do you manage the pressure and the criticism in the industry?

Like inspiration, pressure is everywhere. I don't subscribe or concern myself with pressure. I, however, believe that criticism is an extremely healthy process if both parties want the same outcome "to make dope shit".

As a creative person, how do you manage to stay ahead of trends and create your own style and taste?

At Daily Paper our goal is to stay away from trends and create our own trends. I personally believe trends are fleeting but concepts that connect are a way to stay ahead of what's happening in the industry.

As a fashion designer for some time now. What are the challenges you have faced in the span of your career, and how did you overcome them?

Over time I have refined my practice so that my delivery is more personal and digestible to others.

What’s the most memorable piece you have created for Daily Paper and in your career, and why?

Challenges include communicating more complex ideas. whether it be concept base or graphic-led ideas.

What does designing mean to you?

Design means more than a collection, colour palette, or fabrication. The collection is just a vehicle for story-telling. Design is my means of telling my story.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring designers out there who are just starting out in the fashion industry?

My advice to young designers is to put in the hours. Today's society expects everything too soon. Putting in the hours on your craft is crucial to your development as a designer. This helps to evolve your process, handwriting, tone of voice, and aesthetics, which I believe will separate you from other designers.

Image courtesy of Fola Adeleke

Interview and written by L.A Bendaña