From Tailoring to TV: David Olaniyi on Dress The Nation

Send us Fan Mail

David Olaniyi joins The Sewing Social Podcast to share the story behind his journey from dance to fashion and tailoring, and how his creative background has shaped the way he designs today.

David talks openly about his experience on Dress the Nation with Marks & Spencer, the challenges of putting his tailoring skills to the test, and what it takes to build a career in the fashion industry.

Known for blending streetwear with traditional tailoring, David also takes us behind the scenes of his creative process - from developing ideas and finding his signature style to navigating the realities of working as a tailor and designer.

In this episode, we explore tailoring, menswear, and fashion design, as David shares what he’s learned so far and where he wants to take his craft next.

Key Topics: 

• David's transition from dance to tailoring
• His experience on Dress the Nation and winning the competition
• The concept of structured streetwear blending tailoring and street style
• The process of designing and creating a collection for Marks and Spencer's
• Inspiration from Japanese fashion and travel influences
• The importance of technical skills like tailoring in streetwear design
• Future plans including moving to Japan for 3 months and learning new techniques
• The role of confidence and spontaneity in creative success

Follow me: 

Website: http://www.thedalythreadstudio - website will soon be live! 

I will be teaching anyone who wants to learn how to sew in the Nottingham area and beyond! 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

                     @thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details:

Website: https://www.davidolaniyi.co.uk

Instagram: @bydavidolaniyi

Tiktok: @bydavidolaniyi

Bespoke Tailoring Course - Newham College:

https://newham.ac.uk/course/bespoke-tailoring-level-1-adult/bespoke-tailoring-level-1-adult/

Kapital - Pillow Bomber Jacket: 

https://www.kapital.jp/

Instagram: @kapitalglobal

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and David’s background in dance and fashion

01:01 How David’s dance career led to an interest in tailoring

02:27 Learning to sew and construct garments from wardrobe staff

04:06 Transition from dance to professional tailoring and fashion

05:34 Winning Dress the Nation and the application process

10:37 The intense process of TV casting and experience on the show

11:46 Lessons learned from winning the competition

13:50 Favorite pieces from the show and designing for the final collection

16:51 Post-show career, working at Marks and Spencer’s, and design philosophy

28:43 Inspiration sources including travel and Japanese fashion

30:01 Deconstructing a Japanese jacket and future plans

32:23 Game of this or that: style preferences and techniques

34:26 Where to find David online and upcoming projects