The designer met Diaz and Kunis at a Gwyneth Paltrow and Brit Morin retreat. Adeigbo invited the actresses on as investors after they bonded over entrepreneurship and technology.
If you told me years ago that Cameron and I would become friends, let alone business allies, I wouldn't have believed you. "I've always loved Cameron, and her radiance transcends what America fell in love with onscreen. I'm glad she's nice, funny, beautiful, and smart.
The designer said, "I've always loved Mila."
"I admire her beyond words. She's a cornerstone of culture, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, let alone Hollywood. Mila's fashion and entrepreneurial passions connect with my company, so I'm thrilled.”
Listening to Diaz, it’s clear that the feeling is mutual. Diaz said Adeigbo brightens any room, and that her creations look great on everyone. The actress and wine entrepreneur also spoke to Adeigbo’s ability to shine through her designs, making them even more desirable. “I'm pleased to be part of her path," Diaz said.
Kunis said, "Autumn and I connected instantly."
"I perceived the fire in her eyes as the tenacity I see in successful entrepreneurs who won't give up on the start-up journey. Investing in Autumn's ability and the brand's product was a no-brainer for me.”
Following her independent discovery of the brand, actress Gabrielle Union also added her name to the list of investors.
"Gabrielle has been wonderfully supportive of me and my aspirations; she's open about supporting Black women and female entrepreneurship," Adeigbo added. "Her Hollywood influence extends to her commercial savvy."
The designer, known for eye-catching dresses in bright colors and dazzling accessories, raised $1.3 million in 2020 from Stitch Fix's founder and former CEO Katrina Lake, Fuel Capital's founder Chris Howard, and TaskRabbit founder and former CEO Leah Solivan; Broadway Angels founder Sonja Perkins; and Pipeline Angels.
Adeigbo received approximately $3 million in funding the next year from Offline Ventures cofounders Dave and Brit Morin.
All of this took place during a pandemic. Adeigbo was expanding her business when the world was shut down and shops were battling with supply chain challenges. She convinced VCs and retailers to invest in her brand. The brand is offered at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Elyse Walker, Rent the Runway, Hampden Clothing, and more.
There have also been expansions, as Autumn Adeigbo just added shoes, purses, and a home collection. The fall collection will include boots, berets, gloves, and extended knitwear, Adeigbo said. Lace-up leggings, hand-embroidered appliqués, lace, and tiger stripes, florals, and polka dots are popular.
Adeigbo joined CFDA last September. Adeigbo won "Fashion Designer on the Rise" at the National Black Arts' Fine Art + Fashion Awards in April. Tory Burch, one of Adeigbo's mentors, encouraged her to appear in a tribute film to Burch at the annual Parsons Benefit, with Anna Wintour and Proenza Schouler Founders Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. (Adeigbo is a 2019 Tory Burch fellow)
Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Alba, Selma Blair, Zooey Deschanel, Kerry Washington, Lizzo, Mindy Kaling, Busy Philipps, Amanda Gorman, Kristen Bell, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Rocky Barnes, TikTok star Charli D'Amelio and more wear Adeigbo's designs.
