High fashion and sustainability a conversation with Onyedika Tate
Welcome to a new episode of Maker Stories.
In this conversation, we step into the world of high fashion accessories and zoom in on one of the most complex materials in the industry: leather. Onyedika shares what it really means to work as a dedicated accessories designer across different markets and cities, and how designing for menswear versus womenswear often shifts the balance between function, form, and the expectations we’re taught to accept as “normal.”
What I find especially interesting is how Onyedika frames inclusive design and unisex product: not as a trend to add more, but as a chance to simplify, reduce, and design with longer life in mind. We also unpack Onyedika’s design process from the first question (“for whom, and for which moment?”) into research, experimentation, development, and the often-underrated design decisions that happen during production.
Finally, we move into the ethical tension of loving a material while questioning its impact. Onyedika reflects honestly on how sustainability wasn’t part of formal fashion education, and how many designers have to “relearn” the industry once they’re inside it—especially when it comes to transparency, responsibility, and consumption.
If you’re curious about designing with intention inside a system that’s still catching up, this episode will give you a grounded, human perspective. Let’s get started.
About the designer:
Onyedika Tate is a seasoned designer currently serving as the Lead Bags and Accessories Designer at Rains in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. With a strong focus on the fashion industry, specifically in accessories and leather goods design, Onyedika brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Interview With Rains Bag Designer, Onyedika Tate
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CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
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CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
Maker Stories
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