This month is a big one for our First Friday interviewee, Addie Elabor. The Philadelphia fashion designer stays busy with her emerging ready-to-wear African print fashion brand, D’IYANU.* On September 26, 2019, the designer’s newly launched Fall Collection will be shown at Philly Fashion Week. We chat with the ambitious woman about what it takes to build a conscious business, how to blend beautiful cultures together, and what’s in style for fall.
PPRG: Tell us about yourself! Did you always want to be a fashion designer?
Addie Elabor (AE): I didn’t always want to be a fashion designer, but I remember wanting to own my own business since high school. Though at the time, I had no idea what type of business it would be. I paired that drive with a love of all things international, and I got my Bachelors degree in International Business. Then, I received a Masters degree in International Marketing. In a lot of ways, becoming a fashion designer was never my intention. To be honest, I don’t really consider myself a fashion designer. Foremost, I consider myself a business woman.
PPRG: Where does the name, D’IYANU, come from? What does the brand signify and stand for?
AE: The “D’” means “of” or “from“ in French, while “IYANU” means “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian language, Yoruba. The loose translation is “of or from [something] wonderful.” It’s intended to remind everyone that they’re unique and wonderfully made — and to dress like it! The blending of the two languages also signifies the blending of the two cultures which define the brand: African and western.
PPRG: We’re so excited to see your very first Philadelphia Fashion Week show this year! Tell us what guests can expect from the newest line.
AE: I truly believe this is our best collection yet. Our vibrant Fall Collection highlights earthy tones of the season. It features shades of red, blue, orange, and turquoise. These colors empower personal expression that seamlessly transitions from the office to dinner party.
PPRG: It’s amazing how philanthropy is a part of your brand. How do you determine what causes to give back to?
AE: Before I launched D’IYANU, I had a strong desire to give back and impact my community in a meaningful way. I consider myself very blessed to be doing what I’m doing and like to spread the goodness. One of the D’IYANU’s core values is creating value within our community, whether locally or overseas.
Since launching D’IYANU, I’ve prioritized donating proceeds to organizations that help provide access to clean water to remote areas in third world countries and education for underprivileged youth. We recently launched an initiative to give $4,000 quarterly to one or two organizations making a positive impact in U.S communities. We’ve asked our audience to provide recommendations, and we’ll select from there. Ultimately, our desire is to see our community rise.
PPRG: In a dream world, who would you love to see wear your clothing and accessories?
AE: To be honest, I get excited when I travel somewhere and see everyday people wearing our designs. My dream would be to have at least 1 million people wearing our brand.
PPRG: We heard you recently got married, congrats! We have to know… did you wear D’IYANU?
AE: Since I’m Nigerian, I had 2 wedding ceremonies. One was with Nigerian traditions, and the other was a western ceremony. For the Nigerian ceremony, of course our bridal train wore D’IYANU.
PPRG: When you’re not making beautifully unique items, where can we find you in Philly?
AE: I love Penn’s Landing in the summer and the Art Museum/Fairmount neighborhood.
PPRG: What’s one question no one asks you that you wish they would?
AE: “What is something random about you that most people don’t know?” I recently started learning how to play the piano. It’s something I’ve wanted to learn for a while, and I figured why not now?
For the latest updates, visit D’IYANU‘s site and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
* D’IYANU is a client of Philly PR Girl.
