Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo is the CEO of Anjy Luminee Couture, which is also known as House of Luminee. She is a young indigenous fashion designer who has continued to attract an array of celebrities through her skilful and unique designs.
The House of Luminee creator started her career immediately after completing the final year examinations at Lagos State University in 2013.
She started with just one sewing machine and a yard of lining. Born over thirty years ago in Ijesha-Isu in Ekiti State, Tokunbo’s passion and talent for fashion designing could be traced to her formative years.
In an interview with Start-Up Digest, she says that people never always believe that she made the clothes whenever they see it.
“It was hard to attach the brand and the personality,” she says.
“And when I started paying particular attention, I noticed how all of them resonated and had this glittering feeling. Then I just thought of my brand as an ‘illuminator’ and the word Luminee was formed. Just like light that brightens the atmosphere, my brand brightens the minds and mood of people when they wear them and that is basically what informed the name,” she explains.
Tokunbo believes in the promotion of indigenous fashion and culture, which is why she lays particular emphasis on the use of at least a touch of Ankara fabric in most of her works.
Speaking on notable people she has so far designed for, she says, “I have been fortunate to work with A-List celebrities from Mercy Aigbe, Shola Shobowale, Ini Edo, Queen Silekunola, Naomi Ogunwusi, Tayo Odueke (Sindodo), Mide Martins, Mercy Johnson, Angela Okorie, Bobrisky, Tonto Dikeh, Ope Dolapo, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Olaitan Ogungbile, Eniola Ajao, Oge Okoye, Kemi Afolabi, Omoni Oboli, (Anthony Joshua’s mom) Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Ayo Adesanya, Aduni Ade and Chidinma Ekile, among others.”
On how she has been able to attract such high-calibre clients, the indigenous fashion designer says she will describe her rise as a ‘fast rise grace’.
“It all started that I had a model who usually wore my clothes and used them on the social media. Then, Mercy Aigbe stormed on the post and contacted the lady and asked for the brain behind the collection of designs she wore. That was the breakthrough for me in my career,” she discloses.
“I met with Mercy Aigbe and she spoke of how beautiful my designs are. She then told me to make one for her to wear to an event, which I did. That dress got lots of attention from her colleagues and the public. Since then, I became her designer. This gave me a sort of breakthrough and I started getting many other customers,” she further says.
Tokunbo, who draws her inspiration from her rich heritage, explains that as a Yoruba woman, she grew up with women that prided themselves in their attires because they are party-loving people.
“It informed my personality and I draw a lot of inspiration just remembering a lot about my childhood and the richness of my culture,” she explains.
Speaking on what motivated her into fashion designing, she says, “I started my career immediately I finished writing my final year examinations at Lagos State University in 2013— then with just one sewing machine and a yard of lining. I didn’t want to be idle while I waited for my results, knowing well that it would be out after two years. And fashion and sewing have always been something I loved and had passion for since I knew anything. Hence, I just explored it and took it seriously.”
“I do not have any formal training in fashion and with the way the world works, you have to equip yourself in every sphere. I am going to resume schooling in the United States soon.”
The fashion entrepreneur, who shared some of her success stories with Start-Up Digest, says the business has opened so many doors for her. She hinted that she gets invited to places she never imagined she would go to and is treated as a VIP, adding that the most recent for her was styling Her Royal Majesty, Queen Shilekunola Moronke Naomi Ogunwusi.
Tokunbo stresses that what stands her out from other fashion designers in Nigeria is the unique glitz and glamour that naturally come with her pieces, which automatically make people look like superstars.
The fashion designer, who is also empowering aspiring fashion designers, owns an academy where she trains and mentors girls and women and helps equip them with necessary skills needed to learn and be independent.
She advises upcoming fashion entrepreneurs, who do not have the finance to set up their own outfit, to start small, be diligent and have passion in what they do because that alone will enable them take over the world.
“I started by borrowing people’s machines and working late into the night at people’s shops just to meet up with target. So, start small, and be passionate with your work. You will get all you want,” she assures.
