About

Hi, my name is Olamide Olayinka, which hints at how the name of my business OlaOla was established. From a young age I knew I wanted to work in the Design Industry, and was hugely inspired by my Mother, who was a tailor. I was pretty much immersed, at a young age, around the most fabulous materials and embellishments. Which is probably why I ended up being a Textile Designer.

I eventually went on to study Textile Design at Central Saint Martin after realising how much more I prefer to draw and create patterns. Patterns which could eventually be used for anything, rather than following my original pursuit of being a fashion designer. After studying I went to Paris and worked in a Textiles Archive, where I got the perfect insight into the Textiles that have been and the ones yet to come.

On my site you will find projects and original patterns by myself. All patterns are started off by hand usually with my favourite mediums pen and ink. I am influenced by the use of pattern and colour from my Nigerian heritage and fuse it with my British upbringing. I have created a line of lifestyle products ranging from notebooks to tote bags so you can easily liven up your style with cool patterns.

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Check out my interview on EMBELLISHED TALK, where I speak about my journey into textiles and fabric, touching on what I did whilst in Paris. Don't forget my Artist Dialogue with LOOKING GLASS COLLECTIVE, where I speak about how my identity influences my designs.