Andrea Iyamah

Ontario-based swimwear label Andrea Iyamah was the creative brain-child of Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, who brought the brand to life in 2013 at the age of seventeen, fueled by a desire to create swim pieces inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of her native country. Today, the label has a substantial following, beloved for its signature lively prints and free-spirited silhouettes.

Each season, Iyamah looks to different African nations for design cues, often fusing these influences with the cut-out, sculptural swim shapes she is known for. Classic yet decidedly modern, her creations are known for their high-waisted cuts and ultra-feminine fits, qualities that lend each piece an understated, retro quality. “The brand’s aesthetic is to always give a hint of edge while using cuts and patterns that embrace the feminine figure,” Iyamah told StyleCaster.

A firm celebrity favorite, the ready-to-wear label’s pieces have been spotted on Christina Milian and Angela Simmons as well as South Africa’s Bonang Matheba, and in 2019, Nigerian-American actress Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade chose a custom Andrea Iyamah wedding dress for her destination wedding.

Since its launch, the brand has focused on paying homage to Iyamah’s ethnicity, while crafting designs with a contemporary twist. She places importance on every piece telling its own individual story.