Meet the Designer Behind Yelé

Yelé Stitches is the visionary creation of Abisola Omoyele (Yelé) Oladeinde, a Nigerian-born designer based in Baltimore, MD, with a profound passion for fashion and storytelling through clothing.

Born in Lagos and raised in Akute, Ogun State, Yelé grew up in a close-knit family with her father and three siblings in the home her parents built and cherished. Her middle name, “Omoyele,” meaning “a home deserves a child,” embodies the values of family, heritage, and belonging that are woven into the fabric of her designs.

Yelé’s journey into fashion began with a personal need—she struggled to find clothes that truly reflected her unique style. This challenge inspired her to seek out local tailors to bring her ideas to life. Her passion quickly evolved into action when she began learning how to sew herself. Under the mentorship of a friend’s mother and armed with determination (and hours of YouTube tutorials), Yelé mastered the art of pattern-making, fabric pairing, and garment construction. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a flourishing business, fueled by demand from friends, family, and beyond.

Today, Yelé is at the forefront of redefining African luxury fashion. Her brand celebrates the richness of African culture through Afrofuturistic designs and exclusive hand-drawn prints, showcasing the seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Each piece tells a story, crafted to inspire confidence, pride, and individuality.

Her journey has been shaped by faith, family, and mentorship, particularly from her husband and fashion icon Ugochi Iwuaba. Yelé firmly believes in her motto, “Fortune favors the prepared,” as she expands her brand’s reach in the U.S. from her Baltimore studio.

Yelé’s work has graced notable figures such as Tony Award winner CJay Phillips and Netflix’s Rissa George and received acclaim at events like Artscape, where her collection was named Best Collection in 2024. She was also selected as a participant in Visa’s prestigious “She’s Next in Fashion” program in 2023, a testament to her influence as a rising star in the fashion industry.

Her dream is to dress inspiring icons such as Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Antonia Okafor, and Uzo Aduba for red carpet appearances, amplifying the message that African Fashion is Luxury Fashion.

Step into the world of Yelé and experience the magic of Afro-luxury designs, where every piece is more than fashion—it’s a legacy.