Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
By day, Oyinkansola Dada, 28, is a lawyer known for her classic sartorial taste. But in her spare time, she channels her passion into Dada, her art gallery and magazine. Originally from Nigeria and now based in London, Oyinkansola has an eye for colorful designs and statement-making pieces. Currently, she’s particularly drawn to the Nigerian brand Kadiju which was founded by a friend of hers. Dada also says she recently purchased a pair of boots by Miista. As a gallerist, Dada follows designers like Christopher John Rogers and Chopova Lowena closely. Especially, the former since she loves supporting Black and African designers. Notably, she says that she feels her style is strong due to her fixation on items that she would describe as sculptural and somewhat experimental.
Dada has had an affinity for clothes since her youth. Despite wearing uniforms for all of her adolescent years, she still found a way to express herself through her style. She excitedly explains that when she was in school years ago she’d carefully plan out what she’d be wearing for specific events like parties. “I always wanted to make a splash for people to remember what I wore,” she said. Dada adds that she was often trying to build a reputation as someone who had an excellent sense of style. And this stayed with her–she says that she still is the same way even as an adult.
She also credits her family’s parties as a source of inspiration throughout her life. At these events, she says her mother would adorn herself in eloquent and vibrant pieces that celebrated their Nigerian heritage. Her grandmother also owned a fabric shop which she grew up going to regularly. Each of these sources is dear to Oyinkansola–they serve as throughlines that point to her ability to mesh materials together fearlessly.
“I am very drawn to statement pieces,” Dada said, allowing this philosophy to serve as a compass. What sits with me most about this sentiment is that it can lead to eccentric garments and items that can stand out in a crowd. For instance, the Miista boots she recently purchased have a curved heel–and a Kadiju dress she recently wore features a puffy spiral detail. Both of these items are examples of the lack of limitations that encompass the gallerist’s style. She expresses that her work in the art world enhances her ability to pick up on other aesthetically pleasing pieces including clothing. I completely agree. And this makes me ponder if I’ve ever come across a non-stylish gallerist or art connoisseur.
Dada exemplifies a nearly effortless style steeped in classic appeal. “I’ve never been scared of putting colors together and just creating some remix of everything. And I think just being able to boldly wear things,” she said. Rich tones including yellow and magenta find their way in her wardrobe–and so does the color black–a go-to color of hers. For Dada, this hue allows her to be boundless with how she presents herself to the world.
