Tega Akinola has always been a creator. "I grew up in a very creative family, and we were encouraged to learn our creative side," she says of growing up in the UK with her siblings, her mom, a seamstress, and dad a graphic designer. Instead of buying new clothes, her mom encouraged her to create from pieces already in her closet and her mind gravitated to create new versions of Nike's, remade by using socks and another shoe that would put her on the fashion map.
While back at home from London a couple of years ago, she found old cables while tidying up her room and the USB reminded her of a shoe buckle, which led to her creating the unique cable mules and sling backs. "It was a coincidence," she says but some of the best creations come from discovery and ingenuity. When the avant guard London-based brand, APOC reached out, and wanted to sell the shoes, her entry into the fashion industry began.
Tega's recognition grew and soon after Nike called. The athletic wear juggernaut wanted to collaborate on a clothing and accessories line which she would design. Reflecting on the process, she enjoyed being given the freedom to create with a small team from Nike. Her business acumen was developing every step of the way too.
Tega has found the balance in business as a multi-disciplinary artist is knowing what will sell and what excites her in the design process. Her method changed because of this realization and now in her artistic process, she finds a middle ground between creating something more "out there" versus a more commercial product. Conceptual projects give her more autonomy but the beauty in creating commercial products pushes her artistry in a new way, stretching her creative muscle differently and in return she expands her depth.
What's exciting about Tega that the fashion industry recognized is her innate talent for innovation and sustainability. "I stick to my own lane when it comes to sustainability; taking waste and turning it into treasure," says Akinola. Being new to the fashion world has also proven advantageous to Tega who says being on the periphery allows her to do her own thing and she's not alone. "I meet people like me regularly who aren't from the fashion world but are creating and gaining access to the industry in a different way."
From APOC to Nike, in 2025 Tega collaborated with Converse on a bespoke sneaker, created a capsule collection of hoodies with her signature cable detail, designed a 3D printed concept shoe with Autodesk, created a commissioned art piece, an iris structured from ethernet cables for i-D mag and Ray-Ban, just to name a few of her growing list of accomplishments.
In 2026, Tega's excited to work more with sports brands, producing technical materials and performance pieces as well as creating another shoe. "Other collabs are in the works as well that I can't share just yet but look out for sports and accessibility collaborations this year," she says. Tega's also exploring returning to school for her master’s degree focusing on material innovation, a subject that fascinates her.
When I asked Tega what she focuses on throughout her growth and working with some of the most influential fashion and accessory brands in the world, she says staying grounded is important. Her family continues to be a valued support and she's moving with an open mind, saying "asking questions, staying calm, setting goals, and being in the present while thinking about the future is what I've been learning as of late." Well said and we will be watching and cheering her on for continued success.
0 comments