Autumn Adeigbo’s latest collection is full of cherry-popping reds, lemon yellows and sky blues with lots of feminine touches, like Fifties flare skirts, puffy sleeves and leopard-print headbands.
Leah Solivan, general partner of Fuel Capital, which led the round, said Adeigo’s background — and the fact that her brand did “not fit the typical venture model” — was precisely the reason why her firm took an interest in her. “Other investors tend to shy away from businesses outside of their social network and previous investing realm,” Solivan said.
Adeigbo’s story began in New York, where she was born. She grew up in Indiana after her mother, a Nigerian immigrant, relocated there to attend medical school. “I’d wear my dresses that I designed to the restaurant and I’d pitch the high-profile clientele and editors that came about my brand,” Adeigbo said. “That’s how the line got started.”
“Autumn’s designs are rich in color, texture and artful storytelling, and I knew immediately that her timeless styles would resonate with Rent the Runway’s customers,” Hyman said. “Her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices align with RTR’s focus on sustainability and supporting women, making Autumn an ideal partner and collaborator.”In 2019 Adeigbo got another big break, when she was named a Tory Burch fellow at the Tory Burch Foundation.