Today, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Ify Umeniyora, the creative director and founder of the up-and-coming fashion brand Piillz n Poizn. With humble beginnings in her garage, she silently nurtured her brainchild, allowing it to grow and flourish while preserving her anonymity. Now, with her first international debut at a sideshow during Paris Fashion Week, Ify is ready to break the silence and share her remarkable tale. For her, this remarkable journey is just the beginning. In our conversation, she shares her hopes and aspirations for Piillz n Poizn, which extend far beyond its current achievements. With a keen eye on sustainability, inclusivity, and pushing creative boundaries, she envisions her brand becoming a beacon of inspiration for established and aspiring fashion enthusiasts.

What inspired you to start Piillz n Poizn, and how did you break into the fashion industry?

Piillz n Poizn was inspired by my deep passion for creativity, self-expression, and the transformative power of fashion. I have always been fascinated by the ability of clothing to convey emotions, make a statement, and shape one’s identity. This, combined with my love for art, culture, and design, was it for me. Breaking into the fashion industry was another journey on its own. Although very challenging, it was eventually quite rewarding. It required a combination of talent, perseverance, industry knowledge, and a strong network. I started by honing my skills through education in fashion design. This allowed me to develop my design aesthetic and creative expertise.

Additionally, I actively immersed myself in the fashion industry by attending industry events, fashion weeks, and trade shows to network with industry professionals and gain exposure. Building relationships with stylists, fashion editors, photographers, and influential figures in the industry also helped me create opportunities and gain recognition for my work. It’s still a work in progress, but we have come a long way.

Let’s talk about your debut sideshow during Paris Fashion Week. What was the inspiration behind the collection, and what was the reaction from the audience?

My proper debut on the international fashion scene came with Paris Fashion Week; before then, I had gone through a series of challenges, so the collection portrayed “Life”, and I showed this through my use of colours and fabric textures. The audience loved the different hues, colours, and fabrics; they were quite interesting and truly full of life! It was quite an experience.

So, tell me, why should I have a Piillz n Poizn piece in my wardrobe?

Why shouldn’t you? You have seen my collection. You will want to own every piece. Every Piillz n Poizn outfit stands out because of its unique blend of modern aesthetics and cultural infusion. Our ability to seamlessly fuse traditional Nigerian elements with contemporary designs sets us apart from other fashion brands, creating a distinctive and globally appealing style. We create garments that pay homage to our roots while offering a fresh and contemporary perspective.

How do you stay on top of fashion trends while also maintaining the integrity of your brand’s aesthetic?

As a fashion designer, staying on top of fashion trends while maintaining the integrity of my brand’s aesthetic is a delicate balance that requires a combination of awareness, creativity, and a strong brand vision.

While it’s important to be aware of trends, I filter them through the lens of my brand’s unique aesthetic and identity. I consider how a trend aligns with my brand’s values, design philosophy, and target audience. I carefully select what resonates with my brand’s vision and can be seamlessly integrated into my existing aesthetic. Instead of blindly following trends, I approach them as sources of inspiration.

And sustainability? What role does it play in your brand, and how do you ensure ethical production?

I believe in creating designs that make a style statement and positively impact the environment and society. Recognising the ecological and social challenges within the fashion industry, I have integrated sustainable practices into every aspect of my brand’s operations. I prioritise working with suppliers and manufacturers who share my values and adhere to responsible practices. I thoroughly vet potential partners to ensure they comply with ethical standards such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights.

So, what would you say to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry?

As an aspiring fashion entrepreneur, breaking into the fashion industry can be both exhilarating and challenging. But if you put your mind to it, you can do it. First of all, cultivate your unique brand identity. Take the time to define your brand’s identity, values, and aesthetic. Identify what sets you apart from other designers and develop a clear vision for your brand. Hone your skills and knowledge. I can’t say that enough.

Continuously improve your craft and expand your knowledge of the fashion industry. Enrol in fashion design courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship opportunities. Build a strong professional network: Networking is very important in the fashion industry. Sometimes it determines how far you eventually go. Attend industry events, fashion shows, and meet people. Nurture these relationships and actively seek opportunities to collaborate with or learn from experienced individuals in the field. Start small, but dream big. It’s only a matter of time.

What has been your proudest moment as a fashion designer and entrepreneur?

My proudest moments were actually seeing my designs on different runways in Angola, London, and Paris. When I started my little tailoring store in my garage, I never knew it would grow into an international fashion brand. I started this brand out of my love for fashion, but I didn’t put a face to it because I only wanted to watch it grow organically. but within a few years, it’s grown almost bigger than me.

How do you envision the future of Piillz n Poizn, and what new projects or collections can we expect to see in the coming months?

Fashion is constantly changing and evolving, so we won’t stop; we will continue to work on new collections and new shows and evolve alongside. Piillz n Poizn will soon be a well-known brand found in many stores across the globe. God help us.

So, going forward, what are your hopes as a designer and for your brand?

For me, Piillz n Poizn goes beyond just creating beautiful garments. I aspire to own a brand that positively impacts the industry and society. I want us to be celebrated for our diversity and inclusivity. I want Piillz n Poizn to be a brand that embraces people of all backgrounds, sizes, and ethnicities. Then, as a designer, I want to use my platform to promote positive change. I want to leverage my influence to support social causes, raise awareness about industry issues, and inspire others to make a difference. Whether advocating for fair trade practices, supporting marginalised communities, or using fashion as a vehicle for social impact, I want to leave a legacy of using fashion as a force for good.