Sipe Temitope Folashade: My Passion Is Making African Fashion Globally Accessible

In an exclusive interview with Sipe Temitope Folashade, founder and creative force behind Trueworth Clothings, she revealed her journey of vision and how her work with Adire and Aso-Oke fabrics is redefining global fashion. Folashade’s unique blend of these traditional textiles has elevated African ready-to-wear designs and gained international acclaim. A graduate of Banking and Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, and holder of a National Diploma in Business Studies from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Folashade combines her educational background with an entrepreneurial spirit. In this conversation with ADEKUNLE MUNIR, Folashade shares her inspiring journey, deep connection to African textiles, and aspirations for the future.

Tell us about your journey into fashion design and what inspired you to start Trueworth Clothings

Thank you! Fashion has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my mother sold fabrics, and vibrant colours and textures surrounded me from a young age. I’ve always been particular about what I wear—I used to sketch my styles for tailors, and soon, people began asking me to draw designs for them, too. That’s when I realized my passion could become a career, and I decided to pursue my passion for creativity and the fashion industry after my first degree. 2008, I officially launched Trueworth Clothings to bring my dream to life. At the point of launch, I mainly explored different fabric options, their origin, and cultural and social ties.

Your work prominently features Adire and Aso-Oke fabrics. What draws you to these materials, and how do they shape your brand?

Adire and Aso-Oke are deeply rooted in our culture and heritage. Adire, originating from Abeokuta in Ogun State, is a beautiful expression of art and tradition with its intricate dyeing process and bold colour combinations. Aso-Oke is another traditional fabric that adds richness and elegance to my designs. I blend these fabrics to create outfits like bubus, jackets, pants, office wear, and beachwear. The goal is to make African fashion accessible, versatile, and appealing globally while staying true to its roots.

Your designs have reached the Western world and won awards locally. What do you think makes your brand stand out?

It’s the authenticity and uniqueness of my designs. While I admire other designers, Trueworth Clothing is distinct because it seamlessly combines African heritage with contemporary fashion trends. My passion lies in creating a signature style that resonates globally—outfits that people from all walks of life can wear with pride. I want my brand to be a household name, representing African creativity on the world stage.

You’ve had several major exhibitions. Could you share some highlights?

Certainly! My first major exhibition was at the GTBank Fashion Week in 2019, introducing my brand to a broader audience. In 2022, I participated in the inaugural ECOBANK Adire Lagos Experience, which celebrates Adire and its cultural significance. I’ve been a regular at their yearly shows, including the 2024 edition. Recently, I exhibited at the Fashion SOUK show, which was a 2-day event that started on December 7th – 8th, 2024; I showcased my designs at the FASHION SOUK exhibition organized by Yewande Zaccheaus (CEO Eventful) in partnership with Bank of Industry, WEMA Bank and Lagos State Internal Revenue Services (LIRS) with other prominent brands. Each event has been an opportunity to showcase our culture to the world.

Beyond your designs, you’ve also trained young entrepreneurs. Can you tell us about that?

I’ve voluntarily trained over 80 young, passionate individuals in fashion design. Many of them have gone on to start their brands. Mentorship is critical because I believe in building a community of creatives who can advance African fashion.

What’s next for Trueworth Clothings? Where do you see your brand in the future?

The vision is global. I want Trueworth Clothings to become synonymous with African-inspired fashion worldwide. I dream of creating a signature that bridges African and Western styles, appealing to a diverse audience. I also want to continue promoting African culture and inspiring the world to appreciate our artistry and creativity.

What message would you like to share with aspiring fashion designers?

Follow your passion and stay authentic. Our heritage is rich with inspiration—embrace it and innovate with it. Be bold in showcasing your unique perspective, and never stop dreaming big. If I can do it, so can you!

Any final thoughts?

Thank you for having me! I’m deeply grateful for the support I’ve received over the years. It’s a privilege to represent African fashion on a global stage.

I look forward to continuing this journey and making everyone proud.

Trueworth Clothings is redefining fashion by celebrating Africa’s rich textile traditions while embracing modern trends. Sipe Temitope Folasade’s passion and vision remind us that with creativity and determination, the world truly is a runway.