Keye Oduneye: Fashion is personal, not a trend

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by Lekan Olujinmi

Adekeye Oduneye, the Nigerian-born image consultant and bespoke fashion designer is the creative mind behind "INDIVISUAL by Keye". Offering the finest in luxury tailoring, they cater to clients of all shapes and sizes around the globe from their base in the heart of London. Indivisual by Keye has been running for over 5 years with a strong passion for growth.

He spoke to Lekan Olujinmi about his journey and aspirations for the future.

I must say that I am very proud of you as my young cousin, for running your own fantastic collection and company, good on you. Can you tell all your wonderful fans what you have been doing over the years of being a noted fashion designer with “Indivisual Collection”?

Thank you some much for the acknowledgment cuz. It’s been a roller-coaster journey through the years but my passion, family and clients have kept me inspired and focused.

Over the years a lot of my time has been spent on growing the brand and establishing a true identity for the fashion line; one that people can identify with.

Through all this, the brand has evolved from “Indivisual Collection” as it was initially known to “Indivisual by Keye”. 

What keeps you in the fashion industry? 

What keeps me in the industry is my determination to promote an individual identity for each client I meet. I am a firm believer in promoting personal style and class rather than swagger and vanity.

Can you see yourself crossing over to African designs and fabrics?

Yes and No.

I say this because I am doing some research in this area. However, unless I can provide a service that’s second to none and distinct from what is already out in the market, then I won’t touch it. It is rather frustrating to see the lack of creativity in the use of African prints.

Who would you most like to work with or design for i.e. Film set, Theatre costumes, Music Video etc?

Wooow! Now where do I start from? There is a very long list of people but for the purpose of this interview I would say Will Smith and Samuel L Jackson. Also, the aim is that by this year, I would dress a few people at the Oscars, Golden Globe and of course the BFATA’s.

Please can you name some of the big projects you have worked with over the years fashionwise?

I have designed pieces for grooms at a number of prestigious weddings. I have also featured in some well-known magazines.

How do you see “Indivisual by Keye” improving?

I see the brand improving by gaining a presence within the UK men’s fashion market. This will be achieved through marketing and PR initiatives. So watch this space!

Did you have the support of your family when you said you wanted to be in the fashion business?

Family have been amazing and pretty open-minded with me, because I have come from a creative background with a degree in Broadcasting Media and Popular Culture. They were not too surprised to be honest.

What do you consider is your best season collection to-date?

Because I do “Bespoke Fashion,” every piece is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. I therefore do not have “collections” as we know it. Perhaps in the future…

What do you consider are your main passions in life?

Making a difference and inspiring change.

What are your plans for the New Year?

2016 is looking very promising, the 2nd half of 2015 was amazing with 2 award acknowledgments, 8 different fashion shoots. 2016 will be turning all these into business.

Do you have goals regarding your profession and other hobbies?

Yes, my goals motivate me and keep my drive alive. For now, all I will say is there are things in the pipeline and by God’s strength and wisdom they will come to fruition this year.

What is the one thing your life experiences have taught you while working in the fashion industry that you would like to teach to the next generation?

This industry is hard and sometimes lonely. People will always want things for free and promise you the world, so be careful. People will give and expect you to follow them even though you never requested it in the first place.

To the next generation, I will say, have a clear idea of your audience/niche, understand your design/idea, and look for a mentor. This does not always have to be a real person but research someone with a similar journey/story.

As an example, my mentor for Business culture and Entrepreneurship is Sir Richard Branson; Fashion is Tom Ford; Motivation and Inspiration are President Barak Obama, Martin Luther King and for Inspiration and Wisdom nuggets, the Bible. 

What did you love most about life when you were growing up?

Family, culture and running around as a kid. Too many tales and memories but I can say I have enjoyed life thus far. Plenty of treasured moments still abound in the future I’m sure.

Describe in three words what is real love to you?

Patience, laughter and trust.

If you had the chance to do things all again in life what would you do differently?

Learn to have more faith in myself at the early stages in my life. To stop over-trusting and expecting people to mirror me.

What is the message that Keye Oduneye by the way of “Indivisual by Keye” is trying to put across to your fans worldwide?

That fashion is personal and not a trend as society presents it to be. Keep aspiring for better and as the famous saying goes “To thine own self, be true.”