In the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria, a trailblazer is weaving the rich tapestries of Nigerian heritage into globally celebrated ready-to-wear designs. Sipe Temitope Folasade, the visionary behind Trueworth Clothings, has masterfully blended traditional Adire and Aso-Oke fabrics to craft outfits that transcend cultural boundaries and make bold fashion statements.
Sipe’s journey into the fashion world is deeply personal. Raised in a household immersed in fabric sales, she developed an early fascination with textiles and design. “I’ve always been particular about what I wear,” Sipe shares. From sketching her outfits to designing for friends and family, her artistic flair blossomed into a full-fledged brand in 2018, fueled by a dream to bring her unique fashion vision to life.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Sipe’s creations harmoniously blend African and English influences, making them versatile for local and international audiences. At the core of her designs are Adire and Aso-Oke, two traditional Nigerian fabrics that she has reimagined in contemporary styles. “Adire, with its vibrant colours and intricate dyeing techniques, is a cultural masterpiece that tells the story of our heritage. Pairing it with Aso-Oke, a fabric that embodies elegance, allows me to create designs deeply rooted in our traditions yet speak to a global audience.”
From flowing Boubou dresses to chic office wear, trendy beach outfits, and structured jackets, her pieces celebrate the diversity of African fashion. Her passion for preserving and modernising these fabrics has caught the Western world’s attention, drawing admirers and researchers alike to Nigeria to learn about their creation.
A Global Presence
Trueworth Clothings’ rise to prominence began with exhibitions like the 2019 GTBank Fashion Week, where her designs captivated audiences. The 2022 inaugural edition of the ECOBANK Adire Lagos Experience further cemented her place in the fashion industry, showcasing her commitment to promoting Adire fabrics. She has since been a regular exhibitor at major events, including the 2024 Fashion Souk, organised by Yewande Zacheus, which spans Nigeria, the UK, and Dubai.
Her work has also graced international platforms, such as the Liverpool Afrocultural Carnival in the UK, bringing African artistry to the forefront of global fashion conversations.
Empowering Future Designers
Beyond creating exquisite outfits, Sipe is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs. Through voluntary training programs, she has mentored over 80 young designers, empowering them to establish their brands and contribute to the growth of the African fashion industry.
Awards and Recognition
Sipe’s innovative designs and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous local and international accolades. Her work is a testament to African fashion’s creativity and potential, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new appreciation for the continent’s artistic heritage.
The Dream Ahead
With an unwavering commitment to her vision, Sipe dreams of seeing Trueworth Clothings become a household name synonymous with African creativity and global appeal. “I want people worldwide to appreciate Africans for their creativity in fashion,” she says passionately.
Trueworth Clothing is more than a fashion brand—it is a cultural movement celebrating the beauty of African fabrics while carving a niche in the global fashion landscape. For Sipe Temitope Folashade, the journey has only just begun, and the world is watching with admiration.
Folashade is a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, after she completed a National Diploma in Business Studies from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, also in Nigeria.
