Triplet Apparels: Habiba Adebimpe on Nigerian Identity, Fashion and Building a Dream Across the Diaspora

As I rolled my trolley into the backstage area of Liverpool Fashion Week, I found myself in a space full of movement: models eating, hydrating and socialising, while designers set up rails, ironed garments and prepared their collections.

As I sat down with my camera and tripods, munching on a Kinder Bueno, I spotted a few colourful pieces in African print from afar. I grabbed my camera and walked over.

Between two rails stood a smiling woman in a blue tunic with a denim-style top built into it, carefully arranging her pieces. The soft clinking of hangers echoed one of her golden hoops shining through her braids.

I introduced myself, explained why a camera was suddenly pointed in her direction, and we bonded almost instantly, laughing and slipping into conversation about her brand and her love for fashion.

Habiba agreed to sit with me and answer a few questions while waiting for the models to be ready for fitting.

Where did your love for fashion first begin?

“My love for fashion started back home in Nigeria. My mum was a fashion designer, so I grew up around fabrics, sewing, pattern cutting and the whole creative process. She taught me everything I understand about fabric cutting and pattern making, and that’s really where my journey began.

From a young age, I was always drawn to colours, textures and the way clothing could completely change how someone feels about themselves. Over time, fashion became more than just something I enjoyed — it became a part of who I am.”

What made you realise fashion was something you wanted to build your life around?

“I realised fashion was more than just an interest from a young age. Back in secondary school, I designed and sewed my own apron for our food and nutrition practical, and it got so much attention from both my classmates and teachers. People were surprised that I had made it myself, and that moment stayed with me. It made me realise how much I loved creating and how naturally fashion came to me.”

How has your Nigerian identity shaped your work?

“Being Nigerian has influenced my work in so many ways. From the fabrics and colours to the confidence and storytelling in my designs, my background is always present in what I create. I especially love working with Ankara because it connects me to home while still allowing me to create modern pieces that people can wear anywhere in the world.”

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One of the pieces that reflects this most was recently presented at the LOSD event held at the University of Oxford. For me, moments like that matter because they show how African fabrics and stories can exist confidently in global fashion spaces while still staying true to their roots.

How many collections have you created so far, and what does each collection mean to you emotionally?

“I have created multiple collections over the years, starting from back home in Nigeria, but since moving to the UK I have created four collections so far. Each collection reflects a different stage of my journey, both personally and creatively. Some were inspired by growth, confidence and cultural identity, while others came from moments of uncertainty, transition and self-discovery. Emotionally, every collection carries a part of my story and shows how I’ve evolved as both a designer and a woman.”

Do you see each collection as marking a different chapter of your life or growth as an artist?

“Yes, I see each collection as a different chapter of my growth as an artist. As I’ve gained more experience, attended fashion showcases and met different creatives, my perspective has evolved, and so has my work. My earlier designs were more focused on experimenting and learning, while my recent collections feel more intentional and connected to my identity, storytelling and the message I want my brand to represent.”

How does your work reflect your personal identity, values and lived experience?

“My work reflects my identity and lived experience in many ways. Growing up in Nigeria and now building my journey in the UK has shaped how I see fashion, culture and self-expression. I value creativity, confidence and authenticity, and I try to reflect those values in my designs. I also love creating pieces that combine African influence with modern fashion in a way that feels both personal and relatable.”

Have there been moments where you questioned whether to continue, and if so, what kept you going?

“Yes, there have been moments where I questioned myself, especially during difficult periods and while trying to balance life, responsibilities and building my brand. But my passion for fashion and the belief that I have something meaningful to share always kept me going. Seeing people connect with my work also motivates me to continue.”

What has been the most emotionally rewarding part of building your line so far?

“One of the most rewarding parts of building my brand has been seeing my designs presented on different platforms and watching people connect with them emotionally. From showcasing at Liverpool Fashion Week to presenting at House of iKons in London and recently at the LOSD event at the University of Oxford, each experience has reminded me how far my journey has come. Seeing models confidently wear my work and receiving recognition from people in the industry has been very meaningful for me as an emerging designer.”

What do you hope people feel when they wear your designs or encounter your work for the first time?

“I hope people feel confident, seen and expressive when they wear my designs. I want my work to make people feel connected to culture, beauty and individuality at the same time. When someone encounters my designs for the first time, I hope they see more than just clothing. I hope they see storytelling, creativity and emotion woven into each piece.”

As I recorded her words, looking at her through my camera while she smiled at me, I paused and realised how deeply her brand is entangled with her soul, and how generously she shared that with me.

Stories like hers matter because they break the tired belief that people — and in this specific case Black people moving through the diaspora — have to abandon their dreams in order to pursue only “traditional” careers. In a world where many immigrant households still bind their children to the non-negotiable choice of becoming either a lawyer or a doctor, stories like Habiba’s are not just inspiring — they are necessary.

As her models started arriving and queuing in front of her, winking and posing in front of my camera, I came back to reality, thanked her, and stepped away from her stand.

What does success mean to you now, as both a creative and a woman building something meaningful?

“Success to me now means growth, impact and staying true to myself creatively. It’s not only about recognition, but also about building a brand with purpose, inspiring others and creating work that people genuinely connect with emotionally and culturally.”

What kind of legacy do you hope your brand will leave, both culturally and personally?

“I want my brand to leave a legacy of cultural pride, creativity and self-expression. I hope people see that African fashion and craftsmanship deserve to exist confidently on global platforms while still staying connected to their roots. Personally, I want my journey to inspire other young creatives, especially people from backgrounds like mine, to believe that their ideas and stories are valuable. For me, fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about identity, emotion and creating something meaningful that people can connect with.”

Months later, one of Habiba’s designs was featured in Vogue Monaco following her appearance at House of iKons during London Fashion Week in February 2026. It felt like a full-circle moment for a designer whose journey began by watching her mother sew at home.