L'invite
05 April 2023Toluwa Ajani, a slow fashion enthusiast
This week we’ve been chatting with Toluwa Ajani, a slow fashion enthusiast now training as a pilates instructor on how best to navigate shopping slower and her favourite pieces to style.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do
I’m Toluwa AKA @TeeAjani, I was born and bred in London, but now live in Essex with my fiance and our cat! I work in Drug Safety in Quality and compliance, and I love my job, it’s interesting, challenging and allows me to have some great work-life balance which is so important to me. I have always been a bit of a fashion girl, as someone who can be quite introverted, I found it to be a great way to express myself and it brings me so much joy.
What sparked your journey to move away from fast fashion?
I started to learn more about the people who make our clothes, it made me think twice about the brands that I supported and the more that I learned, the more I was turned off by fast fashion. I started to follow some really informative pages and found a whole community of people moving away from fast fashion and this gave me a lot of inspiration to join in and rethink the way I consume fashion!
When looking for items to style, where are your favourite places to shop/ rent?
I’m a By Rotation stan, I’m always going on about that app! I also think that Hurr is a brilliant rental platform. Between the two of them, I have so many wardrobe options! If I am buying something, I tend to shop on Vinted, eBay and Net-a-Porter.
Trying to shop slower and more sustainably can be hard and expensive, any key tips for people also trying to make the switch?
I think the most important tip is to shop less! Regardless of where you choose to shop, I think this is something we all ought to do. Secondly, I’d say look at secondhand options first, not only because they tend to be cheaper but also because it gives unwanted clothes a second life which is a huge part of slow fashion as well.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Everywhere, I love to observe people on the street and see what they put together. I take note of colour combinations I like and try to see if I can make them work in an outfit. And of course social media, there are so many stylish people on the internet and they provide endless inspiration.
Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery?
My engagement ring! The center stone is an emerald, with two diamonds either side of it and it’s set in a gold band. I don’t think I will ever get over how stunning it is.
Who are the people or brands we should know about that are making positive changes for our planet?
Aja Barber, Venetia La Manna and The Rogue Essentials. I love how informative they all are whilst sharing cool outfits, concepts and fashion/sustainability news. I’ve learned a lot from them all.
You’re new training to be a pilates instructor, was that on your 2023 bingo card?
No not at all! Lately, I have been really inspired by friends who have decided to pursue something they are passionate about. Health and fitness is a huge part of my life so I decided to go for it and see where it takes me.
What’s next for you in 2023?
I have so much planned for this year, qualify as a pilates instructor, plan my wedding, continue to share my outfits and slow fashion journey. Basically, I’ll be keeping myself very busy!
Thank you so much for chatting with us Toluwa! If you want to see more of her styles or follow her pilates journey you can find her here.