ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN TFW TIMES MAGAZINE | JAN 2025 V2 SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE
Article Published on: 17TH FEB 2025 | www.thailandfashionweek.org
Juliet Olanipekun Redefining Fashion with LFJ
Juliet Olanipekun, the founder and creative force behind LFJ, has carved a niche for herself in the fashion world, combining cultural richness, artistic expression, and bold ambition. With her brand’s recent debut at Thailand Fashion Week, Olanipekun has made history as the first Black-owned fashion brand to showcase at the prestigious event. This milestone is not just a personal triumph but a powerful statement about the growing diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Founded in 2020, LFJ is a brand that represents more than just fashion; it’s a celebration of heritage, culture, and the fearless pursuit of dreams. The collection showcased at Thailand Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2025 season was a testament to Olanipekun’s vision—vibrant, playful silhouettes that tell a story of empowerment and joy. With a focus on African culture and artistic expression, LFJ’s pieces are more than garments; they are a statement of pride, boldness, and the beauty of embracing one's roots.
Juliet Jumokem's collection brought Nigerian fashion to life with a stunning blend of boldness and elegance. Showcasing vibrant colors and bold patterns, her designs celebrated Nigerian culture and heritage while exuding confidence and empowerment on the runway.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF JULIET JUMOKEM WITH TFW TIMES
Q: Congratulations on showcasing your collection at Thailand Fashion Week SS25! How would you describe the overall experience, and what did it mean to you as a representative of Nigerian fashion?
A. The experience was transformative and deeply fulfilling. Being the first Black-owned brand to debut at Thailand Fashion Week felt like breaking barriers, not just for LFJ but for Nigerian fashion as a whole. It was a proud moment to share the vibrancy, craftsmanship, and storytelling of Nigerian design with a global audience, affirming that our creativity belongs on every international stage.
Q: Your collection beautifully blended boldness and elegance. What was the inspiration behind this unique combination, and how did it reflect Nigerian culture and heritage?
A. The collection was inspired by the essence of duality in Nigerian culture—our ability to merge tradition with modernity. Boldness came from the daring silhouettes and patterns that represent our resilience and self-expression, while elegance reflected the rich heritage of our textiles and craftsmanship. Together, they tell a story of a culture that is unapologetically vibrant yet deeply rooted.
Q: Vibrant colors and bold patterns were central to your designs. How do these elements connect to the storytelling of your collection?
A. In Nigerian culture, colors and patterns are more than aesthetics—they’re a language. Each color symbolized a piece of the story, from the warmth of community to the richness of our natural landscapes. The bold patterns reflected movement and growth, signifying a journey of self-discovery and global influence. These elements made the collection not just wearable art but a narrative that celebrated identity.
Q: What were the most memorable moments for you during Thailand Fashion Week—both on and off the runway?
A. On the runway, seeing the models bring life to our vision and hearing the audience’s reactions was unforgettable. Off the runway, the connections made with other designers and industry leaders were invaluable. A standout moment was witnessing the mutual appreciation between cultures—it was a beautiful exchange of ideas and inspiration.
Q: How was the response to your collection from the international audience at the event? Did you feel that your designs resonated with them?
A. The response was overwhelming and humbling. People from different backgrounds connected with the energy and emotion in the designs. The collection’s storytelling and craftsmanship resonated deeply, sparking meaningful conversations about identity and culture. It felt like a bridge between worlds, and seeing that appreciation was incredibly rewarding.
Q: If given the opportunity, would you like to return to Thailand Fashion Week in the future? If so, how would you like to evolve your designs for your next showcase?
A. Absolutely. Returning would be an honor. For the next showcase, I’d love to explore collaborations that merge Nigerian textiles with local Thai craftsmanship, creating a cross-cultural dialogue. Additionally, I’d push boundaries with more experimental silhouettes and integrate sustainable practices to reflect the evolving global fashion landscape.
Q: Representing Nigerian fashion on a global stage is a powerful statement. What do you think sets Nigerian fashion apart, and how do you want it to be perceived internationally?
A. Nigerian fashion is fearless—it’s a fusion of our rich history and our boundless creativity. What sets it apart is its authenticity, storytelling, and bold use of texture and color. I want it to be seen as a leader in innovation and culture, a voice that challenges norms while celebrating heritage.
Q: What aspects of Thailand Fashion Week stood out to you the most, and did you draw any inspiration from the event for your future collections?
A. The event’s seamless integration of tradition and modernity was inspiring. From the use of traditional Thai fabrics to the emphasis on sustainability, it was a masterclass in honoring heritage while staying forward-thinking. It reminded me of the importance of collaboration and finding new ways to innovate without losing our roots.
Q: What feedback or lessons did you take away from showcasing your work at such a prestigious fashion week? How might these shape your upcoming projects?
A. The feedback emphasized the universal appeal of authentic storytelling. I learned that cultural specificity can resonate globally when presented with confidence and clarity. Moving forward, I’ll focus on deeper narratives and experimenting with materials that further amplify our brand’s identity while addressing global trends like sustainability.
Q: What message do you hope your collection left with audiences, and how do you envision carrying forward the legacy of Nigerian fashion on global platforms?
A. I hope the collection conveyed that Nigerian fashion is not just clothing but a celebration of identity, resilience, and artistry. My vision is to continue pushing boundaries and creating a space where Nigerian fashion is not just present but influential in shaping global trends. This legacy is about paving the way for future generations to proudly tell their stories.