Pop Up / Online Store Launch
Artisanal Meets Low-Tech
Artisanal Meets Low-Tech: Tunji Dada’s Debut Pop-Up and Online Store Launch
September 22 - 24, 2024
Shop Hours: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and by appointment
Opening Reception with the artist: Sunday, September 22, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Miguel Abreu Gallery Auxiliary Space
88 Eldridge Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Designer Tunji Dada is thrilled to announce the launch of his first-ever pop-up shop and online store, marking an exciting new chapter in his creative journey. Known for his unique approach to sustainable fashion, Dada challenges conventional fashion practices through his advocacy for a circular economy, emphasizing craftsmanship, environmental consciousness, and a bold reimagining of waste materials.
A Vision of Sustainable Fashion
At the core of Dada’s work is his commitment to blending artistry with sustainability. Every piece in his collection is meticulously crafted from repurposed materials and vintage textiles, transforming discarded fabrics into contemporary, wearable art. Tunji Dada’s designs are not only fashion statements but also thought-provoking explorations of personal identity, cultural heritage, and the impact of overconsumption in the fashion industry.
Recycled Military Tent Collection
Among the highlights of this collection are Dada’s signature pieces made from upcycled military tents. These rugged yet sophisticated garments—ranging from jeans and capes to everyday staples—combine utilitarian function with high-fashion aesthetics. The weathered textures of the military tent fabric give each piece a sense of history and resilience, while the structured designs offer a fresh, modern twist.
Using intricate washing and painting techniques, Dada transforms the vintage tent canvas to mimic the look of distressed denim, creating a clever and tactile illusion. The collection includes staples such as tees, jeans, and ranch coats, all reimagined to challenge perceptions of traditional fashion. These versatile pieces also reflect Dada’s commitment to inclusivity, featuring gender-neutral “NeoSex” designs that break away from conventional norms of fashion and style.
The Designer’s Journey
Born and raised in Nigeria, Tunji Dada’s passion for fashion was nurtured by his mother, a seamstress, and later shaped by his experiences in New York, Boston, and Tokyo. After moving to the U.S. in his twenties, Dada began to deconstruct and reconstruct garments, developing a design ethos rooted in individuality and self-expression. His embrace of Japanese wabi-sabi principles—celebrating the beauty of imperfection—deeply influenced his signature aesthetic.
Dada’s work gained significant recognition in Japan, where his philosophy of impermanence and artisanal craftsmanship resonated with a wide audience. His upcoming collaborations in Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam further underscore his growing influence in the global fashion scene.
Join the Experience
We invite you to explore Tunji Dada’s extraordinary collection in person at his debut pop-up event, hosted at the Miguel Abreu Gallery Auxiliary Space from Sunday, September 22 to Tuesday, September 24. The event kicks off with an opening reception on Sunday, September 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The collection will also be available for purchase online at tunjidada.com.
Press and Private Appointments
For more information or press inquiries, please contact Serra Sabuncuoglu at serra007@aol.com or by phone at 510.219.3891. To schedule an appointment for private fittings at Tunji Dada’s atelier, please contact tunjidada@ymail.com.
Follow us on Instagram. @tunji.dada @tunjidadalartisan