Nigerian-born and New York-based designer Teniola “Tia” Adeola made her New York Fashion Week debut on Friday (February 7, 2020) with a collection of 25 fall 2020 looks reflecting the designer’s talent for creating uniquely feminine, sexy and sporty looks.
Highlights of the namesake label included a striking sequin and feather jumpsuit with a custom fabric source from Dubai and a strapless silk top featuring Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus painting, an effort reflecting Adeola’s art history education and her wish to examine Western History through the lens of black people.
Commenting on the presentation, Adeola explained, “Black women (and men) are often missing from retellings of Western history, very much including art history. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the untold stories of the Renaissance period from the point of view of people of color and historically what women have worn to obtain and project their wealth as a means of protecting their families and their own selves. That’s really the core of the autumn/winter 2020 collection, powerful women throughout history and how that translates into what a warrior queen, or head of the family, wears today to feel powerful.”
Looks were paired with head pieces made in collaboration with Leila Jinnah, custom hand-beaded pearl gloves and tights, as well as the newly released Nike Air Max Verona sneaker.
Nike’s sponsorship of the show follows a collaborative presentation with the brand that took place in November of last year.
Launched as Slashed by Tia in 2016 while Adeola was attending New York’s The New School, Adeola transitioned to a namesake label when she graduated in 2019.
Check out images below, shot by Gregoire Avene.
