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Through fashion, Ayomide Adeyemo’s honours a history of strength and identity that continues to inspire today with Graduating Collection – GATEWAY TO FREEDOM.
Fashion is more than what meets the eye. It’s a language that wraps around us, telling stories as it moves through time. In a world that never stands still, the most compelling designs speak with purpose, carrying meaning beyond the surface. Some stories are written in ink; others are woven in thread. Through line, texture, and rhythm, fashion creates its own narrative, one where personal identity and shared culture meet, and where society is invited to see, feel, and respond in ways that go deeper than appearance.
Ayomide Adeyemo’s graduating collection Gateway to Freedom draws inspiration from the remarkable story of Benkos Bioho, a figure whose legacy is woven into the history of the cornrow hairstyle. Once enslaved and then twice an escapee, Benkos led a group of freedom seekers to establish one of the oldest free Afrikan Maroon cities in the Western Hemisphere. This collection captures that spirit of resilience and heritage, celebrating how cornrows have evolved beyond tradition to become a powerful expression embraced by women across generations and cultures.
In a series of spectacular images, her fashion art commands attention with every frame. Each piece stands as a spectacle in its own right, blending rich earth tones with vibrant bursts of color that evoke both history and hope. Her style merges bold structure with fluid movement, creating garments that feel alive and purposeful. The interplay of deep browns, fiery reds, and lush greens invites the eye to explore layers of meaning, while intricate detailing adds texture and depth.
Each design in this collection honours the heroes whose courage shaped a journey to freedom. Drawing deeply from African culture and heritage, the pieces weave traditional techniques into modern fashion. The garments also tell a visual story inspired by the Underground Railroad map, turning history into art you can wear. This collection celebrates the power of fashion to preserve memory and inspire future generations.
Ayomide Adeyemo’s work leaves a lasting mark on the fashion world, her designs speaking boldly and beautifully beyond the runway. As the winner of the 2025 French Fashion Awards in the Rising Design Stars category for Undergraduate and Graduate Collections, she continues to inspire with her fearless blend of history, culture, and innovation. Her fashion invites us to see clothing as more than fabric, transforming it into a powerful expression that challenges, celebrates, and moves us all.
Credits
Entry Title: Graduating Collection- GATEWAY TO FREEDOM
Fashion Designer: Ayomide Adeyemo
Winning Category: Rising Design Stars - Undergraduate and Graduate Collections
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