Digital fashion is poised to breathe life into the next leaders of fashion. Within its realms reside visionaries whose creativity transcends boundaries, ready to leave an indelible mark on the industry. Yemi Scott is one such trailblazer. With a childhood steeped in creativity and a passion for fashion ignited at an early age, Yemi's journey has been a captivating exploration of self-expression and technological evolution.
From crafting paper dolls adorned with intricate designs to pioneering the intersection of digital fashion and blockchain technology, Yemi's trajectory is a testament to the power of innovation and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. Each creation is not merely a garment but a narrative, weaving together culture, sustainability, and the transformative potential of fashion.
As we delve into this illuminating conversation with Yemi Scott, we uncover the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that have shaped her remarkable journey. It's an intimate exploration of a visionary at the forefront of fashion's digital frontier, reshaping the industry one pixel at a time.
Mismir ( M ): Designers often have varied origins to their passion: some seem to be born with an innate flame for creation, while others start with a budding interest in design that, at a pivotal moment, blossoms into a profound passion. Which resonates more with your journey, and can you recall that defining moment when you realized fashion was your true calling?
Yemi ( Y ): I do recall when I first started to dabble in fashion. I was 6 or 7 years old. I used to have a wide array of dolls, collecting one per week. Even then, my sister and I crafted paper dolls from scratch. We upgraded our paper dolls to have proper feminine figures, curves, and actual hair extensions. This slight edit to our doll inventions opened up my passion for creating fashion. It started with wide-brimmed paper hats with elaborate mesh flowers and veils. I would use fabric scraps to bring my visions to life. Before the age of 8, I had created my first capsule collection and organized my first fashion show—crouched on the floor, walking my creations down an imaginary catwalk with every toy in attendance. Epic shows those were!
M: In my view, the bedrock of every creation is inspiration. Whether it's drawn from people, places, experiences, introspective moments, or even fleeting thoughts, there's always a muse guiding the creative process. Who or what has been the most impactful muse in your journey, and why?
Y: The most impactful muse on this journey of creative inspiration has been my mom. Growing up, she had this eclectic fashion style I truly admired. She was bold with colors, unafraid to mix prints, and had a signature accessory—a large silk scarf draped over shoulder-padded blouses with a beautiful brooch holding it up. I watched her work the drape of those scarves until they fell just the way she liked them to. Watching her own her bold fashion choices left a lasting imprint on me, inspiring me to find my quirky style early on and draw inspiration from within.
M: Every journey, especially in the creative realm, is punctuated with challenges, often more so than successes. While successes are undoubtedly rewarding, I believe it's the challenges that truly catalyze growth and sometimes even inspire a fresh perspective. With this in mind, have you faced a specific challenge that significantly altered your approach to your craft? If so, would you be comfortable sharing that experience?
Y: My biggest challenge would have to be working with clients. The co-design process for bespoke can be tasking. Hence why I set out to establish a Phygital ready-to-wear fashion brand. However, the brand got sidetracked as the business started, and then Covid happened. The lockdown period forced me to reevaluate my business model and refocus more on the digital aspect of creating fashion than the physical. That was the birth of my Fashion NFT art journey. What was meant to be a challenge ended up being the justification for staying on course and finding my passion again.
M: One of my cherished practices when engaging with creators like you is to set them on a path of introspection. I'd like you to cast your mind back to the very first day you delved into design. As you journey from that moment to the present, could you share how your style or approach has evolved over time?
Y: My design journey has taken many roads and bends. I am a techie who loves color and can be elaborate, and that hasn't changed much. However, living and traveling around Southeast Asia enriched my style aesthetics with a blend of experiences and people I've met. While I still love prints as a true-born Nigerian, my design approach has evolved. I balance practicality with overall aesthetics, approaching my design process from a "what story am I trying to tell?" perspective. This shift has brought intentionality to my designs.
M: Fashion, to me, is deeply intertwined with personal expression. Whether it's a garment we design or one we choose to wear, there's an essence of ourselves that we infuse into it. With this perspective in mind, when you create, be it for yourself or others, how do you feel "Yemi" is manifested within your designs?
Y: I'm a very expressive person, so this carries through in my designs. Without being too cliché, I'd say I'm a quirky character, and this definitely manifests in my designs. There's always a 90% chance that the sleeves of any dress I design will not be identical. I like to incorporate design elements that are sure to be a "conversation starter." For the better part, the designs scream "Yemi"! Thankfully, I have been able to find a tribe who also identifies with my aesthetics—the "quirky bunch." Having them has helped validate the randomness in my design ideas.
M: I view "Quirky Couture" as a trailblazer, heralding the future of fashion—a harmonious blend of the tangible and the digital. Given that you're the visionary behind it, I'm eager for more individuals to resonate with both you and this innovative brainchild of yours. Could you share the narrative behind "Quirky Couture"? What was the spark that inspired its inception?
Y: Quirky Couture was inspired by sheer curiosity and a "what if" moment. In an era where NFTs and the Metaverse were not mainstream, I wanted to translate my real-life physical persona into a virtual world. There were no options for me to dress my avatar to represent my personality, so I started exploring digital fashion in 2016. After mastering the software and sewing, I officially launched Quirky Couture in 2018 as a digital fashion brand based in Lagos, Nigeria.
M: Recently, I've been captivated by creations deeply rooted in West African Culture. The Yoruba people, in particular, have a remarkable way of expressing their culture and identity through various art forms. It's not just the intrinsic beauty of their cultural motifs, but their unique mode of expression that has truly enchanted me. I've noticed elements of West African Culture in your "Mystic Trilogy" collection. Could you share more about your connection with this rich culture? Additionally, in an era driven by technology, how do you see tech playing a role in amplifying and spreading awareness of such cultures, especially when many might be unfamiliar with them?
Y: My connection to the rich and alluring Yoruba culture is by birth. I'm Nigerian, with both parents from the Yoruba tribe. I grew up immersed in that vibrant heritage. The Mystic Trilogy NFT capsule collection aimed to weave technology into the fabric of my culture, telling stories of the origin of fabric, indigenous communities, and craftsmanship. Technology will play a huge role in driving a circular fashion economy through phygital assets traded on the blockchain as NFTs.
M: To me, fashion transcends mere garments; it's a medium of connection and expression. While garments are tangible representations, the true essence of fashion lies in the stories and emotions they convey. Drawing from your vast experience in the fashion realm, when you strip away the surface layers, what does fashion fundamentally represent to you? And how do you foresee the evolution of its essence in the coming years?
Y: Fashion, to me, is a way of expressing self in the most authentic way. It's who you are or who you want to be. I dress to embody a mood or persona, a powerful medium of communication without saying a word. I foresee the evolution of fashion becoming more personalized, where consumers become co-creators with designers. Sustainability will no longer be a buzzword, but a conscious effort to give back to the planet. Luckily, it's a future that has already begun.
M: I'm genuinely excited about the intersection of digital fashion, AI, and the myriad of emerging technologies such as NFTs. They seem to be paving the way for a more inclusive fashion landscape, breaking down traditional barriers and amplifying diverse voices. I often say that the future peers of iconic names like Demna and Louis Vuitton might very well emerge from this digital frontier. Given this context, how do you perceive the role of digital fashion and AI in democratizing the fashion industry? And, in light of some skepticism, what steps do you believe should be taken to foster wider acceptance and enthusiasm for these innovations?
Y: The world is on the cusp of a new age driven by innovative technologies. AI, Blockchain, Digital assets, and immersive technologies will work in synergy. These technologies will create interoperability across existing, emerging, and yet-to-emerge platforms. Ai and digital fashion will democratize the fashion industry through events like Digital Fashion Week and Ai Fashion Week. Collaborations will drive mass adoption, and younger generations will hold brands accountable, creating an equitable and decentralized fashion ecosystem.
M: Every creative journey is driven by a purpose and steers towards a destination. What fuels your passion and innovation in the fashion domain? And could you share a dream or aspiration you're aiming to realize through your work?
Y: What fuels my passion is humanity, accountability, and geekiness. I've always loved interacting with computers since age 7. Fashion, intertwined with nature, offers an opportunity to create circularity in the consumer goods industry. Through my work, I aim to inspire, educate, and facilitate the change needed to protect the limited resources on the planet.
M: What book is on your nightstand right now?
Y: I haven't read a paperback in a long time. I digest information in bite-size, audio-visual modes. However, I have a recommendation: "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson. It explores topics covering quantum mechanics, human evolution, and the impact on the Earth's climate—relevant to my interests in innovation and fashion.
As we conclude our journey through the visionary world of Yemi Scott, we are left inspired by her unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Her pioneering spirit and boundless creativity serve as a beacon of hope for the future of fashion, where technology and tradition converge to create a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
Through her insights and experiences, Yemi invites us to reimagine fashion not only as a means of self-expression but also as a catalyst for positive change. As we look towards the horizon of possibility, let us embrace the transformative power of creativity and innovation, following in the footsteps of visionaries like Yemi Scott as we shape the future of fashion together.
For those eager to explore Yemi's groundbreaking creations and delve deeper into the world of digital fashion, be sure to follow her on social media ( Twitter ) and visit her world. It's an opportunity to witness firsthand the fusion of art and technology, as well as to stay updated on her latest projects and endeavors.
As we bid adieu to Yemi's captivating narrative, our journey through the realms of creativity and inspiration continues. Join us next week for another installment of our Storied Strokes series, where we'll unveil yet another mesmerizing tale from the world of art and innovation. Stay tuned to our social channels ( Twitter - Lens ) for hints and teasers about what's to come, as we celebrate the diverse voices and narratives that enrich our collective tapestry of stories.
Each artist adds depth and vibrancy to our ever-expanding narrative. These visionaries are the storytellers of our age, weaving tales that resonate with the essence of our shared humanity. Our journey is far from over; it's a continuous exploration of creativity, inspiration, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
Join us as we celebrate and traverse these captivating narratives, one story at a time.
The journey continues…
Storied Strokes – Edition 10
