Portrait of Yelé
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Yelé

Craft, Design / Digital, Fiber, Visual / Media

About the Artist

Abisola Yelé Oladeinde is an award-winning fashion designer with a passion for creating Afrofuturistic fashion pieces. She explores themes of identity, culture, and the human experience through her work. Born and raised in Nigeria, Abisola's art is deeply influenced by her African heritage and her personal experiences as a Black woman. Her unique designs incorporate one-of-a-kind tie and dyed Adire fabrics that feature symbols tied to her African heritage. Abisola's interest in fashion and the arts led her to pursue her passion, despite having a BS in Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria. With her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, Abisola has received recognition for her work in esteemed publications such as Essence Magazine, Baltimore Style Magazine, and BmoreArt Magazine Issue 15 and was recognized by VISA US in their "she's next in fashion" program. In addition to her artistic practice, Abisola is also passionate about community engagement and education. She has worked as a mentor, and is in partnership with institutions like Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and Baltimore City Community College(BCCC), mentoring upcoming fashion entrepreneurs and design students.  She has launched five collections in the United States and intends to expand into runway men’s wear in her next fall winter 2023 collection. She is a lover of slow fashion and creates custom pieces from sustainable and great quality fabrics and materials. She hopes to carry anyone willing on a journey with her to buttress the narrative that African Fashion is Luxury Fashion.

Featured Work

Photos

This one-of-a-kind art piece, titled "Independence", is a true celebration of my Nigerian heritage. Crafted from authentic Adire fabric, the piece features a unique combination of the Crown, Rod and Staff, and Throne symbols, all of which reflect royalty, power, and authority. The use of green, white, and gold colors found on the Nigerian flag, add to the piece's sense of national pride. But the most exciting aspect of this art piece is the use of vinyl plastic as a statement towards sustainability and recycling. The name, "Independence," captures the essence of freedom and the desire for self-expression as a black woman.
Introducing Queen Ramonda, a dress that embodies the strength, power, and diplomacy of Black women. Inspired by the Marvel character, this piece pays homage to the leadership and motherly roles of Black women. The print of the dress was adapted from a painting called "Waves" by Baltimore-based artist Alphonso Smith, creating a magical piece that showcases the beauty of art and fashion. With this dress, we aim to empower women to embrace their strength and beauty and to feel like the queens they truly are.
The Irawo Dress, which means "star" or "shine" in Yoruba, is a stunning example of the fusion of traditional African fabrics with iridescent futuristic materials. This piece is part of my Femme Futuris collection, which celebrates the power of women in shaping the future. The Adire fabric used in this dress carries deep symbolism, representing the beauty and strength of women as pillars of their communities. The intricate designs, featuring Yoruba symbols such as flowers, cowries, pillars, and hair combs, highlight the enduring beauty and resilience of women, who continue to shine bright even when their contributions are overlooked. The Irawo Dress is a testament to the power and beauty of women and a celebration of their important role in shaping our world.