Introduce yourself
My name is Chinedu and I am fashion designer. The name of my label is Chinedesign. I was born in the UK but my family hopped around the globe a bit before settling in Toronto, Canada. Maybe that’s why I really like to mix things up in my design.
My 2006 summer collection fused African print wax fabrics with traditional Japanese Kimonos and for my latest Afrotropolis collection, I took Ndebele house painting style and superimposed it on denim and silk. My favourite piece though is from my Encore collection from a few years back. It was called the Museum dress and incorporated handloomed Nigerian Ashoke, French lace and Italian silk without looking overworked.
Before I got into fashion, I was into music producing and rapping under the name Eye Plus Eye. I’ve recently been getting back into it. I am currently working on the Bend Down Boutique project which is gonna be more on the electronica tip with a heavy dose of African percussion.
My favourite song lyric
“Pressure bust pipes, pressure can also make a diamond” – Beanie Sigel
I’m inspired by
African culture, 70s soul music and fleeting moments of euphoria
Icons past/present
The closest person I have to an icon is Fela Kuti
My Philosphy/Mantra
“Work is never done until you are living your dream”
Connect with me