LOOK -OUT
Conversation with Adanna Adé
about conscious fashion Featuring upcoming brand NSOMBI CONSCIOUS WEAR
With abundant wastage and depletion of the world's natural resources, sustainable fashion also called eco fashion is growing. It is part of a developing design philosophy and trend to promote sustainable manufacturing during every step of production. The emphasis is on using natural fibres and dyes, reducing product packaging and promoting textile recycling.
Above
AdanaAdĂŠ and a passerby Soho, New York
It can be seen as an alternative trend against fast fashion.
CONVERSATIONS with Adanna Adé
Living conscious to me is a lifestyle and a responsiblity. You create a style of living that is inline with preserving, respecting and loving our planet. Adanna Adé
Why did you start Nsombi? To continue my mothers legacy. My queen transitioned in 2013 from breast cancer. Nsombi is her middle name, it means "Abundant Joy". So this is for my beautiful mother to continue the things she has fed me and that is to change our way of thinking and the way we are functioning in the world. This also represents so much more, not just to me but to a movement of people and this is for them to enjoy as well. When they see her name on the streets it will make them smile.
Harlem, New York
Why do you feel so passionate about sustainable living? I feel passionate because it makes sense. We are doing too much to quickly. It is overwhelming the earth. We being a part of it, absorb all the effects that are not friendly to our mind and body.
'Adorn means the power of beauty to me.' It is a power of beauty through our expression and spreading light! The purpose behind Nsombi is that people feel this energy of joy when they wear our tshirts. It is about how it makes you feel. That light you feel when rocking Nsombi!
Do you have plans to expand the brand to the Caribbean? Nsombi was born in Trinidad in 2014, so yes she will be home soon and the wider Caribbean. The goal is to spread light so we will like to touch every corner of the earth.
Tell us about the design on the back of the tshirt? Nsombi is my company and Nsombi Conscious Wear is a collaboration between myself and dear friend Luca Valerio D'Amico. Who is Luca? Luca is the man behind all Nsombi's graphics, our amazing Graphic designer. He has his brand agency in Italy called LVD Brand Design. He is also a very passionate artist who can also be found under the name Supervisioni. His beautiful work lies at the back of this design the piece is called Lumex. The meaning of Lumex is very powerful. Luca the person is so much love, we have a very special bond which makes this project wonderful. I will just like to say Luca you are love to me! Many blessings and many thanks to you my dear friend.
My tshirts are white and light black because I am a minimalist, that is my taste, it translates to what I gave birth too!
What is the benefit of having more sustainable fashion in Trinidad and Tobago? I think that we will see a different energy of style emerge. I also think it will trigger an awareness socially and creatively. You will see more designers using things sourced locally. There will be Trinidadians caring about the sustainablity of their home.
'Every Designer has a story to tell. We like connecting with them and sharing their conversations. Join us every week in the LOOKOUT. Meet Caribbean Designers from around the globe.' Tameika
Special thanks to Adanna Adé for being a beautiful host and for the inspirational conversation between SoHo and Harlem.
Designed and photographed by Tameika FletcherBirmingham