Why Onalaja’s Inclusive XXS-XXXXL Size Range Is a Historical Milestone
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on Onalaja, a contemporary women’s wear brand that is redefining luxury fashion with its unique blend of African heritage and modern design.
In celebration of Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on Onalaja, a contemporary women's wear brand that is redefining luxury fashion with its unique blend of African heritage and modern design. Founded by the visionary Nigerian-born designer Kanyinsola Onalaja, Onalaja stands as a testament to the power of cultural fusion and female empowerment in the fashion industry.
Founder and Designer Kanyinsola Onalaja
Onalaja's commitment to size inclusivity positions the brand as a leader in addressing systemic challenges within the fashion industry. By offering an expansive size range (XXS to XXXXL), the label directly confronts historical exclusionary practices that left 62% of consumers struggling to find proper fits. The brand seamlessly weaves African artistic traditions into contemporary silhouettes, creating a harmonious blend that transcends cultural boundaries. By offering a diverse size range, Onalaja is also at the forefront of inclusive luxury, ensuring that women of all body types can experience the brand's exquisite craftsmanship. 2025 continues to usher in trends where true size inclusivity requires more than token extended sizes but demands pattern engineering for diverse body types and abandoning segregated collections.
At the heart of Onalaja's designs lies a dedication to the art of embroidery and embellishment. Each piece is a canvas where traditional techniques are transformed into three-dimensional artworks. This focus on intricate detailing not only pays homage to African artistic heritage but also elevates each garment to a wearable masterpiece. By integrating African embellishment techniques across all sizes, Onalaja avoids the common pitfall of reserving intricate detailing only for straight sizes – a practice that perpetuates the myth that "fashionable" equals "small.
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The creative force behind the brand, Kanyinsola Onalaja, brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her designs. Born in Nigeria and educated in London and Rome, her academic journey in Fashion Design at both Bachelor's and Master's levels has cultivated a unique perspective. This diverse background allows her to seamlessly fuse contemporary aesthetics with elements reminiscent of African art and traditions, resulting in designs that are both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
Continuing our celebrations of Women's History Month, Onalaja stands as a shining example of how fashion can be a powerful tool for cultural expression and female empowerment by creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also inclusive and accessible. Onalaja ushers in a new era of luxury fashion that celebrates diversity, craftsmanship, and the unique beauty of every woman by also preserving and reimagining African artistic traditions, making it a brand to watch.
