In the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends come and go, sustainability is emerging as more than just a buzzword—it’s becoming a movement. At the forefront of this movement in Nigeria is Wumi, a dynamic fashion influencer and thrift enthusiast who has spent years curating unique looks while promoting ethical fashion practices. From her humble beginnings in fashion blogging to running one of Nigeria’s first online thrift stores, Wumi has seen it all. In this interview, she opens up about her journey, the rise of sustainable fashion in Nigeria, and why thrifting is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle.
Forkeeps: Can you tell us about your journey as a fashion influencer in Nigeria? What inspired you to enter this space?
Wumi: I started fashion blogging during my internship at a newspaper in 2012. I came across Folake Huntoon (Style Pantry) while searching for fashion images, and I was instantly hooked. I had always documented my outfits because people often asked about them, but seeing it on a blog sparked something in me, and I launched my blog. I had to pause for school, but I picked it up again in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride since then. I lost my Instagram page at one point and had to start over, but I’m thankful for the community I’ve built along the way.
Forkeeps: Sustainability has become a major topic in fashion globally. How do you perceive the role of sustainability in the Nigerian fashion industry, and what steps do you think are being taken towards sustainable practices?
Wumi: Sustainability has definitely gained traction in the fashion industry worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. With the rise of thrift stores and declutter services, Nigeria has always been on the sustainability wave in a way. We don’t like waste and are always finding ways to reuse materials. However, we need to keep the conversation going and encourage more people to adopt sustainable practices. Better waste management and more opinion leaders shifting from fast fashion would help push the movement forward, leading to a healthier environment and lifestyle for everyone.
Forkeeps: Thrifting has gained popularity recently. What do you think are the benefits of thrifting, and how can it contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem in Nigeria?
Wumi: As someone who ran one of the first online thrift stores in Nigeria for six years, I firmly believe that thrifting benefits the fashion industry, especially when done right. Giving fashion items a second life by reselling and reusing helps reduce waste. We need to continue encouraging this practice and remove the stigma around thrifting, which has improved over the years.
Forkeeps: In your opinion, how does the Nigerian fashion scene differ from global fashion trends, especially regarding sustainability and style?
Wumi: I don’t think we’re far off. Nigerians have always practiced sustainable fashion in some way. It’s part of our culture not to dispose of anything valuable—we raid our parents’ wardrobes and constantly reuse and rework items. Fashion is cyclical, and sustainability is trendy right now. If there’s one thing we know about fashionistas, it’s that “trendy” will always get them engaged. We’re on the right track in Nigeria.
Forkeeps: Can you share some of your favourite thrifting finds or experiences? What should people look for when thrifting to ensure they find unique pieces?
Wumi: I actually have an e-book on thrifting, that’s how much I love it! My favourite experience was running my thrift store and opening up opportunities for my fellow fashion lovers. When thrifting, I believe the key is to prioritise items that offer “re-rock” value—pieces you can wear in multiple ways. Also, always look for quality over trendiness. The goal is to have classic pieces in your wardrobe that will remain valuable no matter what’s in style.
Forkeeps: How do you define your personal style, and how has it evolved over time? Do you incorporate sustainable fashion choices into your personal wardrobe?
Wumi: My personal style is versatile and comfortable. I’ve learned to infuse my personality into everything I wear, so even if I’m sporting a trendy piece, you’ll always find an element of “Wumi” in my outfit. I’m a thrifting expert, and you’ll most likely find a thrifted piece in my ensemble. I declutter regularly and support local businesses, especially ethical brands. I’m very passionate about sustainability—it was one of my highlights as a fashion editor at Marie Claire Nigeria.
Forkeeps: What challenges do you think Nigerian fashion brands face when trying to adopt sustainable practices, and how can they overcome these obstacles?
Wumi: The biggest challenge is our unstable economy. Local production is tedious and expensive, affecting finished product pricing. Many people can’t afford sustainable fashion, and ethical production isn’t cheap. Government support is essential to make slow fashion more accessible. Brands need to be conscious of every step of the production process, and moving from fast fashion to slow fashion will help adjust the industry and reduce environmental harm.
Forkeeps: As a fashion influencer, how do you engage your audience on issues of sustainability and responsible fashion choices? What message do you hope to convey through your platform?
Wumi: I promote sustainable fashion through my personal choices, which I communicate to my audience via my content. I often show how to maximise your wardrobe by getting more value from your pieces. I advocate for supporting locally made brands and reducing waste, which is a big part of my message. My mantra is simple: if an item won’t bring you value for years, don’t buy it. That’s what I hope resonates with my audience.
Wumi’s journey in fashion and thrifting serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to embrace sustainable fashion. Her passion for reusing and repurposing clothing, alongside her advocacy for supporting local and ethical brands, highlights the growing importance of slow fashion in Nigeria. As Wumi says, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle that ensures fashion looks good and does well for the planet.
