Addie Ajai grew her idea to launch D’IYANU after discovering that there are few clothing brands out there who are creating and selling stylish African-inspired clothing available in the mass market in the U.S. Although Ajai has no experience in fashion designing, her passion to make a lasting influence by reflecting African culture in the fashion world has helped her to establish D’IYANU in 2014 with six women’s styles in motion within her studio apartment in King of Prussia, PA. Then in 2016, Ajai anointed her brother Dara Ajai as President of the brand. Together, the siblings have branched out their mass-production in Africa, enlarging their ties to the region.
Furthermore, regarding the meaning of D’IYANU, “D” stems from the French language meaning “of,” whereas “IYANU” means wonderful in Yoruba, the Nigerian language. D’IYANU is a Black-owned fashion brand merging African and European cultures and expressing both throughout their broad and affordable clothing line which appreciates bold, colorful prints whilst promoting self-expression. The brand as a whole offers a friendly welcome to all men, women, and kids, whether they are of African heritage or just embrace the culture including the unique, vibrant clothing style that it sustains.
D’IYANU has various design collections that are casual and formal which are ideal for any occasion. For this month of February, the brand pays recognition to the Black community with their Black History Month Collections featuring embroidered traditional shirts available in several brilliant shades and patterns.
Such as the Afram Men’s African Embroidered Traditional Top for $72. This maroon shade shirt contains a charming gold embroidery design on the front chest which adds a touch of elegance, and has 2 button closures on the cuff. This can be paired with the Davu Men’s Traditional Pants, also in maroon for $65, to complete this easy dress up look. All men’s sizes are available from Small - 3 Xtra-Large.
Other marvelous pieces from the collection include the Cali Women’s African Print Dress for $89. This modern take on a traditional African Ankara dress showcases cultural pride with remarkable bold blue and gold circles enveloping the entire fit from the collar to the knees, along with graceful bell sleeves with slits on the underside, ties sewn for a large bow styling, and side pockets. Made with 100% cotton, West African-inspired dresses such as this unites Yoruba’s tribal-like themes and customs with modern fashion. Please note that all women’s sizes range from Xtra-Small - 3X.
Aside from these, the brand even contributes their African-inspired clothing to kids of all ages and sizes from 12-18 Months to Large, in fun shades and patterns for any occasion. Such clothing types include pajamas, Boy’s button-up shirts, Girl’s dresses, and Unisex sweaters.
The brand also presents accessories all adorning African prints and colors. From lovely print wrap scarfs, to canvas tote bags/ backpacks, to fanny packs, all these fabulous finds are made from 100% cotton African print and Ankara fabrics, made to boost any outfit.
Additional accessories involve jewelry pieces such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for men and women, each carrying an emblem of Africa.
For instance, check out their Wura Women’s Humility and Strength Adinkra Symbol Hoop earrings for $18. Within the product description, the cultural word, “Wura,” derives from the Yoruba language and means “gold.” Thus, this can be found in Adinkra, a writing practice encompassing symbols which translates customary messages of guidance and perception.
Also take a look at the brand’s exquisite Adinkra Africa Map Gold Necklace for $30, engraved with a Wisdom Knot symbol called, NYANSAPO, signifying the positive traits of intelligence, ingenuity, wisdom, and patience. Further, this necklace is made from gold-plated steel. Other alternatives include black-plated steel necklaces such as the Adinkra Africa Map Black Necklace with a “Supremacy of God” symbol, and the other under the same name but with a DWENNIMEN symbol meaning humility and strength. Lastly, note that both are available for $30 individually.
After taking a glance at all these culturally ravishing clothing styles and pieces, you’ll regard D’IYANU as one of many black-owned business brands introducing a solid connection between cultural identity and fashion styling. What’s more, brands like this help reflect a global fashion movement showcasing heritage art and self-expression.
Discover more African fashion inspiration from D’IYANU, through their online individual blog available on their official website: D’Iyanu.com delivering cheerful how-to-dress guides and stylizing tips on the brand’s signature pieces. So feel free to read more on how to dress for formal events for men and women, how to match your African-inspired outfit with your significant other, etc. As for updates on upcoming styles and popular fashion and press releases, @diyanu and Pinterest account via, diyanu.
