This week the ever-creative Adepeju Bella Adeleke stopped by for our Fashion Q&A.
A house in St Barts, a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti’s… this is one designer/stylist who has great taste and big dreams;
SPICE: Hi Bella! What are you working on at the moment?
Bella: My brand Mr. Garbe’s first women’s wear collection and an African magazine show called Gidiculturetv.
What’s inspiring your creative universe presently?
Although I live in London, I think Lagos inspires me a lot. I am very much a Yoruba child at heart and I love my heritage; it is colourful, rich in art and extensive history. The music is amazing, the language is expressive, rich and beautiful… I just can’t get enough. It is my main source of inspiration.
I also love movies and I do get a lot of inspiration from the characters and their wardrobes. For instance, I recently saw American Hustle and the fashion blew me away – like, I picked up my pencil and I started sketching. The jumpsuits, the fur and Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of her character… Amazing!
What trend would you like to stop already this year?The whole side-shaved head thing. Especially when the rest of the hair is braided or has extensions attached in… It just needs to go.
What decade best describes your style?
1970s-1980.
If you were a shoe, which would you be?
A high-heeled, gold snakeskin T bar sandal made by Giuseppe Zanotti.
What can’t you leave home without?
My mobile phone; I cannot imagine life without it.
What is your go-to travel outfit?
Converse, jeans and an oversized men’s jumper.
What’s currently on your reading list?
At the moment, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie, The Art of War by Sun Tzu and The Zahir by Paulo Coelho.
What’s on your playlist for exercise?
Any house/dance tune gets me going at the gym.
If you could raid anyone’s closet, whose would it be?This is a hard one… I would say either Victoria Beckham or Nicole Richie.
Finally, tell us one thing on your fashion wish list?
A 4-bedroom beach house in St Barts… I cant help it I am a dreamer. No shoe, bag, or diamond can beat a fabulous pad with a sandy beach and crystal blue sea as your back yard. Imagine all the amazing memories you will create with friends and family…
Image source: Bella Adeleke
