In an industry that often feels oversaturated with trends and noise, Opemipo Ikuemonisan is creating a lane entirely her own. As the founder and creative director of Melira, she’s not just designing clothes—she’s shaping experiences. Her pieces are cut from ambition, stitched with intention, and made to empower the person wearing them. In this interview, Opemipo opens up about her inspirations, her personal style, and the fashion philosophies that guide her life and business.
My Name is Opemipo Ikuemonisan…
I’m a designer, entrepreneur, and unapologetic dreamer. I’m the founder and creative director of Melira, a fashion brand built on the belief that clothes should do more than just fit, they should empower. At Melira, we tailor confidence, not just clothes. Every design is created to feel like a personal victory, a wearable reminder that you’re showing up as your fullest self.
I’m incredibly passionate about the ripple effects of fashion — how it can create jobs, start conversations, and challenge stereotypes. For me, fashion is as much about expression as it is about impact. I like my ideas bold, my stitches sharp, and my mission loud.
If you could raid any celebrity’s wardrobe for a red carpet event, whose would it be and why?
Zendaya, no contest. She doesn’t just wear fashion; she collaborates with it. Every time she steps onto a red carpet, it’s a performance, a message, and a power move wrapped into one look. Her style always feels like a pleasant surprise. It’s deliberate and elevated — exactly the kind of energy I’d want to exude at any high-profile event. There’s a certain grace in how she mixes classic silhouettes with bold risks, and I deeply admire that.
What’s your dream vacation destination and what would be the first thing you’d pack for it?
Bali. The pace, the palette, the poetry of the place — it’s everything I need to reset and recharge. I picture waking up to soft sunrises over the rice fields, walking through local fabric markets, and sipping something cold while sketching by the beach. First thing in my suitcase? A dramatic, flowy two-piece set with exaggerated sleeves. Something that catches the wind just right and makes an entrance at brunch even if I’m just ordering pancakes. That kind of effortless flair is my travel love language.
You’re running late for a high-stakes meeting, what’s your go-to “I have my life together” outfit?
A structured blazer dress that means business. It’s cinched at the waist for that boss-silhouette, with just enough edge to remind everyone in the room that I’m not here to blend in. Pair it with kitten heels, because I need to move fast and still look like I own the floor and gold hoops to elevate the entire vibe without saying a word. Add slicked-back hair, dewy skin, and a bold fragrance, and I’m out the door. It’s the outfit equivalent of “don’t underestimate me.”
What’s the most unforgettable outfit you’ve ever worn and what made it so special?
The very first Swan prototype. It was the first time I saw one of my designs go from idea to fabric to reality. There were too many safety pins, and I was adjusting seams until the last minute. But that outfit held every ounce of my hope, drive, and belief that Melira could be something real.
Wearing it felt like a declaration: This is just the beginning. That moment stays with me because it represented so much more than a garment — it was the start of a dream unfolding.
What’s your fashion philosophy in one sentence?
Wear the thing that makes you feel like your higher self.
How much do you budget for fashion monthly (or bi-monthly or quarterly)?
Honestly? Fashion is part of my identity and my business, so I don’t view it in strict budget lines. It’s self-expression, but it’s also branding, storytelling, and strategy. When I shop or invest in fashion, whether it’s a custom piece, new material, or even accessories, I’m thinking about how it fits into the broader vision of Melira and how it supports the image I want to convey as a creative director. So instead of asking, “How much does this cost?” I ask, “What does this communicate?”
