The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

MAN ABOUT TOWN bitefashion FRESH BY DOTUN Designer Profile F resh by Dotun designer Ade- dotun Adeyeye is undoubt- edly a man of vision who revealed his insights into his company and the journey to becom- ing one of Nigeria’s sought-after de- signers. Known for his authentic and exclusive designs, Adedotun creates bespoke and ready-to-wear apparel such as shirts, polos, tees, and shoes. When asked how long he has been a fashion designer, Adedotun con- fidently told us, “I was born for this.” His inspiration derives from wanting to be a best-dressed man. “I get inspired by almost everything around me, colours, shapes, African tales, and environment. Each collec- tion draws its inspiration from dif- ferent things, but they all have one thing in common, they tell our Afri- can stories,” he explained. The designer has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Olabisi Ona- banjo University and a Master’s de- gree in Environmental Design and Architecture from the University of Lagos, both in Nigeria. “Fashion and architecture have always been tight- ly welded,” he explained. “They both have a way of satisfying my creative fancies. I loved drawing and seeing my creations come to life, so it’s no mistake that I found myself doing fashion.” Fashion is not just working for Ade- dotun; it’s a lifestyle and life. “How you dress, what you wear, and where you go with your outfit represents fashion.” He revealed one of the perks of having his fashion label is “the ability to express my creativity and imagination while getting paid for what I love to do.” It allows him to help people look their best while passionately enjoying being a de- signer daily and making a living by pursuing his calling: “something everyone often dreams of.” However, nothing makes him happi- er than bringing joy to his clients. He believes satisfied customers are the driving force, the fuel that keeps the brand at the top of the fashion in- dustry. “Customer satisfaction is key to me, and it keeps me going, boosts creativity, and makes me want to do better. You get fulfilled when you get positive customer feedback.” Afro-modernism is his design sig- nature; the designer described it as “a touch of African culture with a conventional twist”. Adedotun has dreamt of taking Nigerian fashion and culture to the world and is very proud knowing his designs are being sought-after globally. “I consider it my greatest achievement as a design- er. Fashion has allowed me to travel, meet and style great icons. Some of my fashion goals are to achieve glob- al brand recognition, open a Fresh by Dotun store on every continent and use fashion as a tool to give back to humanity.” His latest collection, ‘Man About Town’ is designed for active city men who want the best of both worlds in style and comfort. It features artistic and vibrant creativity with various uniquely sewn kaftan and agbada (ceremonial robe) designs for tru- ly stylish yet luxurious and classy men. With this in mind, we asked how the designer would define his city’s fashion. “London, Paris, New York, Milan and Lagos, each city has its unique style and personality,” he replied. “It’s the city itself that influ- ences the style. I have been to these