Aug. 21, 2022 at 8:47 am

…”I refer to myself as an accidental milliner”…..Shola Adeyanju of Christine’s Atelier

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Christine’s Atelier- A top notch millinery in Lagos , run by Olushola Christine Adeyanju, is a brand that breeds Royalty and Sophistication -that’s whats defines their couture designs. Handcrafted pieces from scratch ,manipulating numerous materials such as silk, straws, sinamay, wool felt, lace, satin, chiffon and our very own indigenous Nigerian fabrics – Damask, Aso – oke, infusing them with materials such as like plastic, iron, ceramic, etc. These are carefully crafted with attention to detail, using client’s specification, as well as maintaining sustainable couture standards, tailor made to suit the desired need.

These ensemble of stunning handmade statement pieces, adorned with exquisite embellishments and accessories (silk flowers, feathers, crystals/Rhinestones, etc.) take its inspiration from nature, everyday life and the environment incorporating beautiful floral arrangements, forest, architectural and abstract designs, bringing both client and creator’s imaginations to life in work of art.

Predicted as 15 Nigerian Fast Rising Fashion Brands to Know and 15 Nigerian Designers To Look Out For In 2022 – Shola, in this exclusive interview, takes on her journey to the top where she presently owns her own space .

How would you see describe what you do?

CA– Aesthetically pleasing craftsmanship/work of wearable art.Craftsmanship at its finest. Durable, functional and sustainable wearable art

Why millinery? What was the attraction?

CA – Craftsmanship is an innate quality in my lineage. I believe that whatever I put my heart and hands into, I will master overtime. Millinery on the other hand is a craft I’ve grown to love and revere as it evolves. I’m still learning an discovering the intriguing and intricate techniques surrounding the craft.

I refer to myself as an accidental milliner. It wasn’t planned, if I had known I’d be in this line of business, I would chosen a different course of study but all things work together. I stumbled upon it as a need on a bad hair day. Thankfully, my sister was the first milliner in our family, she left some of her tools after relocating

What will you say inspires your designs? *

CA –

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things”

This song from “The sound of music” is how I would love to describe my inspiration as such. I also draw inspiration mostly from

* Architectural/Structural designs

* Whimsical designs

* Fairytales, Forest and floral arrangements

* Fasion design/Apparel

* Sculptures

* Automobile

In summary, I will say everything inspires me. Staring at any object for a while, I start seeing how it can be translated into a headwear.

My most precious inspiration comes from God. Those peculiar designs conceived at midnight and in my dreams

How do you manage to stay consistent?*

CA – Keeping myself and the team updated on times and trends. Reinventing ourselves. Making it a point of duty to ensure that our pieces are unique and stand the test of time. Self development is very key. Learning something new everyday.

The world is ever revolving and so is knowledge is ever evolving. There’s a yearning to do and be better than we were yesterday.

What are your certifications and qualifications In millinery ?*

CA – Certifications @self taught college, lol but I was self taught for the longest time before enrolling in numerous online millinery courses. In 2017, I got a certificate in millinery from Katherine Elizabeth Millinery, United Kingdom.

* In 2019, a certificate in Design and stage props from Anna Holod School, Russia.

* Online courses by renowned milliners (Louise Macdonald, millinery Jill,

* Design school in view

What precisely were you doing before hats & How long have you been in millinery ?*

CA – In order of how it started

* Teaching

* Consulting Assistant

* Telco Service Center Supervisor (Production care and management. Customer Relations/Client Relationship management)

* Business Development Strategist

* Executive Attaché /

Admin management

*Current JD*

* Creative Director, Christine’s Atelier

From the years It started out as a hobby till date, it’s been 20 years. I stuck to it through my 9 to 5. It’s been 5 years since being a full time milliner.