We're launching a monthly series featuring some of the most interesting people we know, diving into their lives, travels, and work—and how Main Squeeze fits into their journey. First up, we have Jade Adeyemi, a London-based Production Designer and Art Director. She creates immersive spaces for fashion, ads, and music videos, working with brands like Meta, Vogue, and Adidas.
Hi, Jade! Thank you for agreeing to be our first ever Main Squeeze of The Month! To begin with, could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for work?
Hi, my name is Jade Adeyemi. I’m a British Nigerian creator of all things visual and wonderful. My work spans across art direction, creative direction & production design. Apart from that, I’m a 27 year old born and bred Londoner (but dreaming Lagos intermittently 🤭)
So cool. So, who or what inspires you?
My emotions definitely inspire me- they shape how I respond when making quick decisions on set. Naturally, my mother also inspires me - she was always encouraging us to express ourselves, whilst she was doing the same.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I’m up at 7:00 and in the prop house by 8:00. My time is spent sourcing, building, and dressing sets. When I’m sourcing, I go between multiple floors, grabbing bits we need. Then on set it’s a case of building up the vision. I might be painting, putting up wallpaper, installations or even windows and doors. It’s very physical, and I have to make quick turnaround decisions on what works best. At the end of the day, we have to restore the space to how we found it, so it’s a case of flatpacking and recycling our materials. Finally, before going home, I might hit the gym or grab dinner.
What’s your secret for balancing work and rest?
To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve worked out how to balance the two yet. I’m very go go go. What I will say is that on my rest days, I like to indulge - I’ll take extra time to enjoy dinner or go for an extra long walk.
Longest amount of time you've stood on set?
Probably about 14 hours. These days can be quite intense as we sometimes run over the predicted schedule times. There might be times where I have to work through lunch breaks.
Wildest set you’ve ever built?
I think the day is yet to come when I build my wildest set…it would be something Tim Walker leaning. But the hardest and most intricate was this anamorphic structure we designed and build for Mercesdes Benz. A staircase made from Swarovski crystals all hanging individually from wire upto the ceiling. It took over a week to install each individual crystal by hand.
How do compression socks fit into your routine?
For work, my Main Squeeze socks keep me feeling snatched and energised whilst I’m on my feet for long periods. When I’m travelling (which I do relatively often), they help my body adjust to long periods of sitting, like on a plane or train.
Most unexpected place you’ve worn our socks?
I think the most unexpected place I’ve worn my Main Squeeze socks was to the beach in Brazil! As you can see in the pictures, they worked with the outfit and I really enjoyed walking with them in the sand- it was almost like a wet suit.
Most unexpected location you've worked in?
The Mercedes Benz headquarters! They had a record of every car they had ever made. I was in awe.
Travel destination that feels like a perfect set?
Jamaica. I like a rustic, everyday feel. I imagine the water, the forest and the houses all looking really fab.
Describe your style in one sentence
Maximalist, colourful and playful. Like my work, I focus on colours, texture and shape. It can also be questionable, but I think there's nothing wrong with that - without practice, there's no perfection.
Your favourite way to style your Main Squeeze socks?
A handmade lace skirt by someone’s grandma, a shirt with an exaggerated collar, charm bracelets with bells, ASICS x Cecile Bahnsen trainers, the rings I wear everyday and bold earrings - colour and size dependent on my mood.
Lastly, if you were to design a pair of compression socks, what would they look like?
I’d go for stripey or abstract checkered print, like Mondrian’s New York Subway. The socks would have a scrunched, angled shape with a tassel, bow, or embroidery. More is more!
Thank you, Jade.
You can find Jade on Instagram under @adeyumyum or @jade.adeyemi.studio.