The Nigerian fashion label Ajida Cruz Apparel is the brainchild of designer Ilo Okeke Chukwunonyelum, a fine arts grad from the University of Nigeria at Nsukka. He basically treats clothing as wearable art, mixing cultural themes with modern tailoring. The brand's whole thing is turning fabric into a personal narrative, aiming for an experience beyond just getting dressed.
Since starting his work back in 2016, Chukwunonyelum has built a reputation for this artistic approach. The operation has done corporate commissions, like making uniforms for OK Foods Nigeria. He also ran a youth skills program in Anambra State under the former governor Willie Obiano. Now the brand is planning a solo exhibition to further blend fine art with fashion, focusing on color and texture. The idea is that putting on one of these pieces makes you part of a larger story about confidence and creativity.
Since starting his work back in 2016, Chukwunonyelum has built a reputation for this artistic approach. The operation has done corporate commissions, like making uniforms for OK Foods Nigeria. He also ran a youth skills program in Anambra State under the former governor Willie Obiano. Now the brand is planning a solo exhibition to further blend fine art with fashion, focusing on color and texture. The idea is that putting on one of these pieces makes you part of a larger story about confidence and creativity.
