Encomium
The fashion industry is growing in leaps and bounds, designers are more creative and setting the pace for international audience. ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with fast-rising designers about the future of fashion designing in Nigeria…
What will be in vogue this year, including colours?
Orange, they said is the new thing and I believe this will be a dominant colour across seasons this year. From the deeper and burnt orange to the lighter hues. Cape dresses and crop tops are also not going anywhere soon. Men will keep getting bolder, wearing brighter colours.
What is your opinion about the fashion industry?
The fashion industry is growing exponentially with abundance of raw talents. We however need local institutions to refine these talents. We have a handful of fashion media outlets but need more. We need plants that can handle mass production for brands seeking to go into retail and of course we need the few retail outlets growing into chains to handle the distribution of all these amazing designs. We also need more structured professional umbrella organizations guiding the operations of the industry. Then we will have a more wholesome, profitable and structured industry.
What do you think is the future of fashion designing in Nigeria?
The future is quite bright but requires structure to take it where it needs to be. With the population of over 170 million, there is a real market for clothings and other fashion products. Nigerians are now wearing more Nigerian brands.
What are some of the fashion mistakes Nigerians make?
One of the big ones is holding fashion shows that do not have any real value to the designer in terms of exposure which, in my opinion is 25 percent why any designer should be in a fashion week and second, there should be opportunities to create wealth via buyers, et al. Financial rewards for brands involved in this events should constitute 75 percent of the value added.
What are your plans for 2015?
To strengthen our media brands FAB magazine, FAB Online, FAB Radio and TV to guarantee the right exposure for local talent. Second, to expand our physical retail store for African brands. The FAB Shop by creating a mega store online. Last, to stay in the pursuit of creating outlets where our culture, food, fashion and more can be experienced. Oh! Did I mention we are launching the FAB Restaurant next week on my birthday? 2015 is the year of FABness.
