Fashion designer Walé Adeyemi talks taste

My personal style signifiers are tracksuits, button-down shirts, bomber jackets, hoodies, peacoats and sneakers. I describe my style as somewhere between the kerb and the boutique – a traditional look with a streetwear approach.

The last thing I bought and loved was a secondhand Crombie coat from Atika London. I was on a styling job for [musician] Victor Ray when I saw it. It’s a double-breasted, made-in-England, wool coat, and the construction is beautiful. When you flip the collar up, you can see all the hand-stitching underneath. I’ve worn it to death. 

The place that means a lot to me is the Angama Mara Safari Lodge in Kenya. I stayed there about five years ago with the local Maasais and it was incredible. The lodge is 1,000 feet up and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. They describe it as being between heaven and earth because it’s so far up. It’s a very special place.

And the best souvenir I’ve brought home is a Coca-Cola dispenser from Chor Bazaar in Mumbai. We don’t use it that much, but it looks nice in the pantry.

The works of art that changed everything for me were my Graffiti denim jacket and hat, which came out in 1999. Those two pieces took me on a completely new trajectory as a designer. Until that point I’d had no recognition within fashion; I was more part of the underground scene. That was my hit record.

The best book I’ve read in the past year is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, an account of a neurosurgeon who finds out he has terminal cancer. It sounds depressing but it’s not. His diagnosis makes him start living his life more meaningfully and focus on what’s important. I found it quite enlightening. 

I wouldn’t say I have one style icon because a lot of the time I’m inspired by people I see in the street – people who might not come from a fashion background but still have impeccable style, put together in their own way. Those are the kind of people I admire.

I have been collecting sneakers since I was a kid. I’m fascinated by how they’re put together: the fabrics, the colours, the packaging. When you put on fresh sneakers, it’s like walking on air. I have a pair of the first red and black Jordan 1s, which I bought in a charity shop on Brick Lane in the late ’90s for £7. The interesting thing about them is, because they’re the first ones, the technology isn’t as good, so the soles have gone yellow and the leather’s cracked a bit. I haven’t even worn them – they’re a size too big. But they’re my favourite pair.

The last podcast I listened to was LVMH, an episode from the Acquired podcast series. It goes through the history of the company, from how it began to where it is now. It’s incredible to hear about Bernard Arnault taking over the business when certain brands were struggling, and how his foresight got them where they are.

The best gift I’ve given recently was The New Black Vanguard photography book, which I bought for my partner at the Saatchi Gallery exhibition [of the same name] last year. It’s all by Black artists and there are some beautiful shots in there by Stephen Tayo. It’s a present for me too.

The best gift I’ve received is life. Every day is a blessing.

My dream is my career. I remember talking about [designing clothes] with friends, but I didn’t think that it would manifest. My involvement with fashion has been like a love affair. It’s something I’ll never grow out of – I almost don’t see it as a career, it’s become a second part of myself. Most of the people I’ve met and places I’ve visited have been through my career – fashion has taken me on an interesting journey.

The last album I downloaded was the soundtrack to The Book of Clarence, a film directed by a friend of mine, Jeymes Samuel. There’s a track on there with D’Angelo and Jay-Z called “I Want You Forever” and it’s an incredible piece of music – all the instruments and the way it’s put together, it’s quite moving.

In my fridge you’ll always find loads of fruit: limes, strawberries, mangoes and ginger shots. I make a lot of smoothies because I’m always on the go. Also, iceberg lettuce for my sons, Oscar and Rocco, because they love salad. 

I’ve recently rediscovered rollerskating. I went to Flipper’s in Shepherd’s Bush with my partner and some friends, and I wasn’t sure whether I’d still be able to skate, but it was brilliant. I used to do it a lot when I was younger. Skateboarding, BMXing and rollerskating were my three things. It took me right back. I’m going to try and go more often.

The things I couldn’t do without are Dr Hauschka hand cream and Sharpie fluorescent pens. I’m always writing down ideas and then circling them with a fluorescent pen. Pink means it’s done; green means it’s a work in progress. Dr Hauschka Hydrating Hand Cream, £14 for 50ml. Sharpies, £6 for set of four

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was a puffer jacket from The North Face x Undercover collab. It’s light and warm, with built-in gloves and a cocoon-shaped hood. It almost feels like you’re in a duvet.

An indulgence I would never forgo is travel. It makes you evolve as a person. I went to Rwanda two years ago for the first time and didn’t know what to expect as there was so much going on in the press, but it was the most beautiful place. I met a couple of skateboarders who took me to meet local fashion designers and music producers. Every place I’ve been to has inspired my work in some way, whether it’s a colour I’ve seen or some fabrics. If you’ve got a creative block, just get on a plane and go somewhere.

An object I would never part with is a Coach wallet that a good friend of mine bought me about five years ago. It’s all different shades of brown, from tan to chocolate, and it attaches on my belt loops, so I’ve always got it on. It’s just a cool wallet.  

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is probably Takashi Murakami. I love the colours, playfulness and innocence of what he does. It’s childlike and happy.

The grooming staple I’m never without is black soap, which I normally get a family member to bring back from Nigeria. It’s made from palm kernel oil, camwood, shea butter and aloe vera and is great for deep cleansing. I also really like a brand called Liha – its gold shea butter and cleansing mud feel nice and light and are great for sensitive skin. Liha Raw Shea Butter: Gold, £25 for 120ml, and Oju Omi Cleansing Mud, £34 

My favourite room in my house is the living room, because that’s where everyone congregates. It’s where we eat, where we dance and where the music is. We play lots of vinyl – that beautiful crackling sound when you put the needle on, it’s unmatched.

My favourite building is the Prada Aoyama building in Tokyo by Herzog & de Meuron. It’s all glass panels and it’s breathtaking. I’ve never been so blown away by a building.

My wellbeing guru is Adrienne Everett (@hippiewhohustles), who does yoga sessions at 180 House. She has a really good energy. I also get a facial at Studio Phase in Hoxton when I can. Whenever I come out, everyone’s like, “Where have you been, your skin is glowing.”

My favourite website is The Modern House because I love the aesthetics. I also just love looking at houses and seeing what people have done with their place. Also Wonderwall, a Japanese interior design studio that does a lot of stores and hotels – it’s really clean. I always find it a good source of inspiration.

In another life, I would have been a music producer. I love music so much – it’s a big part of my life. I’m in awe of musicians and producers. Music is something that takes on so many emotions – and whether you’re into country or rap, everyone likes something. To be able to make music, to make people feel a certain way, is such a beautiful gift.

The best bit of advice I ever received was to enjoy the process. I think that sometimes, especially as creatives, we’re very focused on the destination. But it’s important to enjoy the journey. For me, that’s the most beautiful thing.