We Love Iguehi BY MICHAEL DAKS
Fashion designer Iguehi James creates strikingly colorful African Ankara prints that showcase her Oakland roots and Nigerian heritage.
“Love the way you look. Love the way you feel!” Fashion Design is not what Iguehi went to school for or something she even thought about, but she was blessed to find this talent and passion later in life. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, she had always been exposed to rich West African cultures and traditions. “From our food to our fashion… everything we (Nigerians) do, is done boldly.” She watched as her parents meticulously dressed for formal engagements in traditional garments. “I watched as my mother tied bright geles (head wraps) atop her head to finish off her ensemble. This exposure to my culture and beautiful African fashions probably planted a seed”. Her father is an artist, and his African influence and love for
color were always displayed in their home through his paintings and sculptures. Along with his artistry, her upbringing birthed creativity and a sense of art, music, and fashion. Although she always loved fashion, it wasn’t something that she even considered as a career. Fast forward to 2015, and it was curiosity that led her to sew. Iguehi had no idea that she would build a brand when she started. However, with the encouragement of friends and family, she started making clothes to order. Just one year later, in August of 2016, Love Iguehi was born. “I turned my new sewing hobby into a side hustle, and eventually, my side hustle became my full- time career!” Every piece is hand-cut featuring beautiful textiles and vibrant colors. This means that with variations in print placement, each garment is unique and part of a limited edition.
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