AphroChic Magazine: Issue No. 12

Fashion
Autumn originally began sewing at the tender age of 19.
With her mother guiding and cultivating her skills, by 2009
was designing dresses, which eventually led to the launch
of her eponymous brand. It would take her almost a decade
to present her first official collection in 2019 and, similar to
stories of many creative entrepreneurs and designers from
the Diaspora, her path to success has been an uphill battle,
particularly related to securing capital required to start the
brand.
According to a recent study by McKinsey & Company,
only 3% of Black women entrepreneurs in the fashion
industry have access to capital. That is significantly lower
than the percentage of white women entrepreneurs (12%)
and Hispanic women entrepreneurs (8%). This challenge,
though great, did not deter Autumn and, while it took her
a much longer time to accomplish her dreams, she persevered;
learning how to write an effective business plan,
creating a solid pitch deck and building a strong network
of people who believed in what she was creating and were
willing to fund her business.
What creates intrigue with Adeigbo's work is the synergistic
combination of classic styles, retro silhouettes,
and modern aesthetics executed in a way that is bold and
embodies her Nigerian roots while embracing numerous
global cultures as well. Autumn is dedicated to positively
impacting the lives of women across cultures and utilizes
production facilities in the U.S that provide artisans with
worthwhile employment and fair wages. Her collections are
eco-friendly and utilize sustainable practices by producing
made-to-order pieces, minimizing fabric waste, excessive
manufacturing, and surplus stock.
In the Spring/Summer 2023 Ready-To-Wear Collection,
Autumn's colorful, print-filled, and fashion-forward
designs illuminate; creating a type of nostalgia for the '50s,
'60s and '70s fashion eras while staying refreshingly current,
on trend, and suitable for individuals of all ethnicities
shapes, and sizes. The styles are for those who appreciate
inclusivity of community while expressing uniqueness and
their desire to stand out from a crowd.
Autumn's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration
for so many whose journeys aren't linear and far from
typical. One of her favorite quotes reads,"The bird sitting on
the tree is never afraid of the branch breaking. Her trust is
not in the branch, but in her wings." AC
Shop the collection at AutumnAdeigbo.com.
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