Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized haute couture with iconic designs like the tuxedo suit for women. Issey Miyake is renowned for avant-garde fashion, his signature pleated garments marry form and function, offering both style and practicality. Italian fashion visionary, Walter Albini bridged haute couture with ready-to-wear fashion, pioneering designer boutiques. What do all three have in common? They are the pivotal inspirations of Chikodinaka Chima.
With an inspiring success story which emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion and investing in proper education, particularly by seeking the right places for grooming and training. The world of fashion is not simply about sewing; it requires a comprehensive understanding of both the business and creative aspects.
Chikodinaka’s journey was not an overnight success story. Instead, it was a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to developing the appropriate skills and knowledge. By investing in herself and seeking out the right training and mentorship, Chikodinaka was able to thrive in the world of fashion, just like those before her.
WHO IS CHIKODINAKA CHIMA:
Born in Lagos Nigeria, Chikodinaka is a fashion designer that has earned accolades locally and is seeking to earn international recognition in fashion. She got her start as a fashion designer in 2018 after she officially launched a Lagos-based brand, Hn Clothings. After obtaining a BSc in Mathematics, she migrated to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master’s degree in Education where she got an opportunity to interact and engage with various cultures
internationally. This experience bled into her work as someone passionate about fashion. She began infusing African prints with Western designs, finding the beauty in various cultures and having global influences.
Chikodinaka whose primary inspiration is drawn mostly from the beauty of fabrics she works with has earned great recognition for her craft in Nigeria through her social media presence. However, her innovativeness and creativity push her to be among the top fashion designers making an impact.
Chikodinaka’s insatiable passion for fashion continues to draw her into fashion design even outside the shores of her birth country. Her curiosity for cultures steered her love and interest to focus on unique fashion designs that appeal to women of various tastes and preferences.
Chikodinaka’s goal is to empower women through her fashion designs. Her inspiration comes from the diverse lives and perspectives of women, both past and present. She believes that fashion should make women feel confident and empowered, without requiring too much effort. To achieve this, she draws inspiration from a diverse range of fashion designers worldwide, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, and Walter Albini, who have successfully incorporated various cultural elements and styles into their work.
Chikodinaka’s designs celebrate diversity and cultural heritage, making them a perfect fit for women who want to feel confident and empowered while expressing their unique personalities and tastes.
HN CLOTHINGS:
Intending to change the narrative of fashion in Africa, Chikodinaka Chima created Hn Clothings. Hn Clothings has been making waves in the fashion industry for over five years, influencing how people perceive and embody various designs. Chikodinaka takes pride in being part of the movement that showcases Africa’s rich cultural heritage and stories through clothing.
She is committed to being a part of the next generation of African designers who are shaping the fashion industry as it evolves. Chikodinaka has engaged in classes and been taught to understand worldwide demands and trends. She sees fashion as a powerful way of expression and storytelling. Her ultimate dream is for her designs to be worn and celebrated by women all over the world. She hopes to continue making strides in the industry, while also staying true to her African roots and heritage.
HN CLOTHINGS SHAPING THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY:
Through Hn Clothings, she has promoted the Nigerian culture and her works are continuously taking giant steps to make her mark on international fashion trends in the industry. Her brand’s popularity stems from its use of colourful African prints such as Adire and Ankara fabrics to create amazing designs. She has an array of stockists and clientele including local and international clients and stores in Australia, Canada, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Real fashion is about having a unique style and the confidence to showcase it. I admire people who wear clothes that represent their personality. Chikodinaka, a fashion designer, is known for experimenting with various prints and textures, which have become the signature of her work. She aims to create a production atelier for her designs in London to cater easily to her international clients. Additionally, she plans to open a store in London where clients can view a bigger collection of her designs. By planning specific styles for each season, she intends to attract more clients to the store. This will also provide job opportunities for a team of seamstresses, tailors, pattern makers, and beaders to join her team and impact the job market positively.
Hn Clothings is a fashion brand that strives to receive continued support from talented designers in the fashion industry. The brand aims to deliver an aesthetic appeal that is appreciated by these designers while maintaining a certain level of professionalism and beauty. Being influenced by global trends, the brand recognizes the importance of sustainability and ethical fashion. In today’s world, where everyone is concerned about the planet and the environment, businesses must address these issues. Therefore, Hn Clothings takes sustainability and ethics seriously to contribute towards a better future
