Tia Adeola & Toni Dathe’s Q-T heel Steps to Fela Kuti's Beat

December 27, 2023

From her visionary direction in captivating fashion films to the unique curation of dinner menus replacing traditional runway shows, Tia Adeola's originality in transforming vision into tangible reality knows no bounds. The Lagos-born designer's world-building prowess shines through in her tasteful curation of a hyper-feminine dreamscape, skillfully composed with precise stitching, soft fabrics, and intentional styling. Each collection she unveils captures a moment in time within her design realm — a manifestation of her artistic consciousness conveyed through visually stunning displays. These range from romantic chateau landscapes to modern renaissance-like interpretations set against the backdrop of downtown NYC.

Two years in the making, Tia's "Q-T" Heel, designed in collaboration with Berlin-based footwear designer Toni Dathe, is inspired by her love for the late Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. This leather-free sculptured shoe showcases a T-shaped heel, symbolizing the collaboration between Tia and Toni. True to Tia's signature style, the T-shaped heel seamlessly incorporates the brand through 3D design, marrying a pointy toe box with a square-shaped sole.

Words by Sarah Ignas
Photography by Steven Hawkins, courtesy of Tia

Crafted from innovative materials, including grape leather and leftover grape skins from the winemaking process, the Q-T heel is not only a sustainable choice but also a timeless fashion statement. The colorway of the heel reflects the brand's core identity, featuring a range of hues such as Vinyl, Vegan Grape Leather, Dark Silver, Chocolate Brown, White, and Black.

The Q-T heel will be available for purchase on T iaAdeola.com starting today, Wednesday, December 27th, just in time for New Year's festivities. While 2023 might have been dubbed the year of the rabbit, it seems that 2024 may just be the year of Tia Adeola.

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For years, she stood still, watching life rush past her, a quiet observer behind the glass. Now, the glass is broken, and she steps out into the unknown. She walks through the city, caught between two worlds—part of it, yet apart from it.

Her journey is quiet but bold, searching for something she’s never understood, something just out of reach. On church steps and under glowing city lights, she questions everything: the rules, the past, and where she truly belongs. Each step feels both freeing and uncertain.

A curious soul in a borrowed life, she keeps moving forward, leaving behind only whispers of her escape, like a fleeting shadow in the night.