SCALEUP INCUBATOR: ASOS MEETS WINNER DOLAPO OSOSANYA, FOUNDER OF TAIDEUX

Taideux fuller bust Alyssa satin corset top with boning in emerald green, £89

Dolapo, congrats on being one of the winners! First things first, what inspired you to create Taideux?
It came from my own challenges finding stylish, well-fitting clothes as a fuller-busted woman. It was clear to me that there was a major gap in the market. I was shocked that so few brands were catering to women like me! I set out to tackle this problem and quickly realised how many others shared the same experience.

How did you come up with the name?
Taideux is inspired by my maternal grandmother, Taiwo, who is also a twin – hence, “Tai” and “Deux” (two in French). Not only is she the reason for my full figure, but she is also one of my inspirations, thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit. The name holds even more meaning as it subtly references the playful way many women refer to their bust as “The girls” or “The twins”.

Taideux fuller bust Regina satin off shoulder boned corset top in cream, £99

You’ve always been surrounded by women – how did this shape the vision for the brand?
Growing up with four sisters has made me a true "girl's girl". It’s given me a strong appreciation for female connections and support, which is at the heart of Taideux — I knew I wanted to build something dedicated to making women feel confident and valued. Taideux champions inclusivity and caters to many body types.

What skills did you carry over from your full-time job to your business?
My professional background in IT, law and project management has been invaluable, giving me the tools to leverage technology, stay organised, and bring efficiency to every part of running the business.

Taideux fuller bust Camille stretch cotton mini dress in black, £140
Taideux fuller bust Camille stretch cotton mini dress in red, £140

The fashion industry can be notoriously challenging for emerging designers. What obstacles did you face when starting Taideux, and how did you overcome them?
Starting Taideux as a self-funded brand came with significant challenges, especially managing cash flow and balancing full-time work with my business. Without a fashion background, I also struggled with imposter syndrome. I overcame these by asking for support from family and friends, staying organised and dedicating time to learning everything I could about the industry.

You’re an inspiration to us already. But who or what are *your* biggest inspirations and how do they inform your collections?
The women I design for! They’re always on my mind while creating each piece. I think about where they're headed, the special moments they’ll celebrate and the styles they’d feel best in. I’m also inspired by Victorian-era corsetry, which I modernise with fuller-bust-friendly designs that prioritise comfort.

Taideux fuller bust Louisa high neck corset top with lace up back detail in black, £89

How do you hope Taideux makes women feel?
Seen, celebrated, and confident in their own bodies. With so many women turning to breast reduction surgeries – sometimes for health, but sometimes due to limited clothing options and frustrating shopping experiences – I want to change this. I want Taideux to provide beautiful, supportive choices that allow women to embrace their bodies with pride and ease.

What has been the most defining moment for Taideux?
Securing our first retail partnership with ASOS! It was a major step towards our goal of making fuller-bust fashion more accessible on a global scale. Seeing a brand that champions inclusivity embrace our mission validated all the hard work, from endless product testing to perfecting fits that empower women. It feels like everything I've set out to do is truly resonating, and it has given me a massive boost to keep pushing for even greater impact.

Taideux fuller bust Alyssa satin corset top with boning in aubergine, £89

You’re Nigerian – how has your heritage influenced Taideux's aesthetic and approach to design?
My country inspires Taideux’s confident, body-celebrating designs. Nigerians are known for their bold style, and the corsetry in Nigerian wedding attire (called "aso ebi") has influenced my structured, supportive pieces. I want every woman in Taideux to feel both beautiful and empowered.

We love that. What changes would you like to see in the fashion industry?
I’d like to see the fashion industry embrace a wider range of body shapes and sizes and move beyond traditional norms. Taideux is committed to this shift by offering styles that cater to fuller busts, specifically F-K cups. By prioritising inclusivity and comfort, we challenge industry standards and show that *all* women deserve fashionable, well-fitting clothing. We aim to pave the way for a more diverse fashion landscape.