In this Q&A, designer Oge Ajibe shares insights into her latest collection, featuring handmade crochet cardigans crafted by a skilled team in Nigeria. With each piece carefully produced in limited quantities, this collection captures the essence of artisanal design, blending warmth, style, and exclusivity in every stitch. —Noa Nichol
Q: What inspired the aesthetic and feel of your new CROCHET cozy collection, and what message do you hope it conveys?
A: The Cozy Collection is inspired by a love for warmth and relaxation combined with an appreciation for traditional Nigerian craftsmanship. I wanted each piece to feel like a hug—soft, comforting, and designed to make people feel effortlessly at home in their style. The collection embraces slow fashion and the beauty of handmade items, and I hope it encourages my customers to slow down, savor the present, and feel connected to something truly crafted with care.
Q: You’ve touched on social media about how pre-ordering is part of your sustainable production process; can you tell us more about that?
A: Absolutely. Pre-ordering is a core part of our commitment to sustainability. By only producing pieces that are already ordered, we minimize waste and avoid excess inventory, which is a significant issue in fashion. It also allows us to source materials more responsibly and make each garment to order, which means every piece has a purpose and a home. This approach not only reduces our environmental footprint but also brings a unique level of intention to each piece we create.
Q: Can you walk us through your design process—how do you balance comfort with your signature style in each piece?
A: My design process always starts with comfort in mind, as I believe clothing should feel as good as it looks. I focus on choosing high-quality, soft, and breathable materials, like sustainably sourced wool, that create a cozy feel. From there, I work to incorporate elements of our brand’s style—like rich textures, crochet details, and versatile silhouettes that layer well. This balance allows each piece to be both comfortable and stylish, whether it’s dressed up or down.
Q: The cardigans in this collection are truly special, handcrafted by artisans in Lagos with wool from Kano State. Can you tell us more about the process of working with these artisans and how their craftsmanship brings a unique touch to each piece?
A: Collaborating with artisans in Lagos has been incredibly rewarding. Each piece is crafted with meticulous skill, and it’s truly a collaborative process where we blend my vision with their expertise in crochet and textile work. Using wool sourced from Kano State adds an extra layer of authenticity and quality, celebrating the depth of Nigerian craftsmanship. Each cardigan is unique, carrying the artisan’s individual touch and heritage, which brings a sense of story and authenticity to every piece.
Q: Your collection reflects a unique blend of textiles and colors; how did you select these elements to create a cozy vibe?
A: Actually, my audience was key in helping decide which of the elements we were going to include in the collection. Through social media and emailing, they showed great enthusiasm for the options we had from our lead designer and that’s how we settles on the pieces in the Cozy Collection. We incorporated a blend of textiles and hues for a cozy, versatile feel that’s perfect for fall and winter as head into the season.
Q: What makes this collection stand out from your previous work, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of its development?
A: This collection is special because it combines traditional crochet techniques with sustainable materials, celebrating both heritage and eco-conscious fashion. It’s more local artisan-focused than some of my previous collections, which makes each piece feel deeply personal and meaningful. The most rewarding aspect is seeing these pieces come to life through the hands of skilled artisans. Their dedication and craftsmanship bring a unique soul to each garment, something that’s truly irreplaceable that I pray each customer will value every time they wear it.
Q: How do you envision people styling pieces from this collection for different occasions throughout the fall and winter seasons?
A: Being customer-centeic, this is something we also involved our audience in. We did a giveaway asking them where they would wear the items to and we got a lot of wonderful responses. The pieces in this collection are versatile enough to suit everything from a cozy day at home to a more polished, layered look for a night out. For casual days, I imagine our cardigans paired with jeans or leggings and a simple tee. For evenings or gatherings, they layer beautifully over dresses or with tailored pants for a chic yet comfortable look. These pieces are designed to be styled effortlessly, so people can express their personality while staying warm and comfortable all season long.
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