Samilia Pelshak has transformed her Nigerian heritage into a vibrant clothing line called SAMILIA, characterized by bold designs that celebrate her cultural roots. Recently, she showcased her creative vision at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art with an installation titled "Wax Print Wonderland," which draws inspiration from African wax-print textiles. The installation celebrates themes of community, strength, and the joy of gathering.
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Samilia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the Memphis College of Art and has furthered her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. She credits her formal education with providing the structure and tools needed to navigate her transition into fashion design. Memphis's rich artistic environment has also influenced her creativity, allowing her to explore various art forms and ideas.
Her journey into fashion began during her BFA studies, where she worked on a project creating a bag inspired by African fabric. Following positive feedback, she expanded her designs into an online store. As a Nigerian-American designer, Samilia blends traditional African prints with modern Western styles to create unique garments that reflect both cultures.
Among her proud achievements are her acceptance into Harlem's Fashion Row designer retreat in 2023, winning best mini collection at the 2024 Runway at the Museum fashion show, and her first solo exhibition at the Brooks Museum's Summer Art Garden this year. In her design process, she focuses on visual hierarchy to convey joy and confidence through her pieces.
The "Wax Print Wonderland" installation melds Nigerian motifs with Surrealism, echoing her message of community strength and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of working together to enhance Memphis's creative landscape.
In addition to her design work, Samilia actively engages with the community by hosting youth fashion design camps and private sewing workshops. She finds fulfillment in mentoring young creatives, hoping to inspire them to bring their ideas to life.
For aspiring artists and fashion designers in Memphis, Samilia advises embracing activities that bring joy as a source of inspiration. Building a supportive network of creative friends can also enhance the creative process and fuel artistic expression.