ANDREA IYAMAH: The Designer to Know If You Love Colour and Resort Style

Written By Emsy .

Some designers make clothes. Andrea Iyamah makes you want to book the trip. The colour, the cut-outs, the way her pieces move: it's everything I mean when I say colour over beige, and she's a name I'm excited to watch as Toronto Fashion Week approaches.

THE STORY

Dumebi Andrea Iyamah was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2011, at just 17, she started her label, named after her middle name, while she was a student in Canada at McMaster University.

She launched her first full swim collection in 2013, then grew into resort wear, ready-to-wear and bridal. The brand describes itself as based in Toronto, Lagos and New York, with a flagship in Lagos that opened in 2017. She has shown at New York Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week.

Her signature is colour: jewel tones, retro silhouettes and African-inspired design.

SIGNATURE PIECES

  • Sculptural swimwear: high-waisted cuts and structured shapes.

  • Resort dresses: flowing, colourful and made for movement.

  • Bold prints and jewel tones: never shy, always intentional.

  • Bridal: for the bride who wants to feel like herself.

FUN FACTS

  • She started her label at 17.

  • The brand is named after her middle name, Andrea.

  • She opened a flagship store in Lagos in 2017.

  • Her designs have been worn by Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Issa Rae, Kate Hudson and Ciara.

  • She studied IT, not fashion, at university.

WHO IT'S FOR

Colour Lover · Resort Romantic · Modern Bride

Andrea Iyamah is for the woman who dresses for joy and wants to feel celebrated in her body. Even if you live in black, one of her pieces on holiday will change how you see yourself in colour.

HOW I'D WEAR IT

On vacation, I'd wear her BAYO dress: a voluminous organza bubble mini with a halter neck, heavy shirring and wooden trim at the neckline. It's sculptural, playful and made to be photographed. Then I'd make the shoes the sexy part: gold lace-up stiletto sandals that wrap all the way up the calf. Add a small fuchsia raffia bag, stacked gold cuffs and white cat-eye sunglasses. Volume on top, long legs below. That balance is the whole trick to wearing a bubble dress like a grown woman.

WHERE TO SHOP

  • Her own website: andreaiyamah.com

  • Designer marketplaces that carry independent labels.

  • Check sizing charts carefully, especially for swimwear, and look for seasonal sales.

IF YOU LOVE ANDREA IYAMAH, ALSO SEE… Hilary MacMillan (Toronto colour) · Diotima · Rixo

XOXO,

Emsy💕

Sources:

Emsy .
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