Those who are very conversant
with the happenings in the fashion industry in Nigeria, especially in Lagos,
the name Asiwaju Couture will
definitely not be new to them. The brand has overtime become a viable one to be
reckoned with in the fashion business.
In this interview with First Weekly, the delectable woman of
substance revealed how she has been able to stay unique and why the highly
patronised Asiwaju Couture is a leading
fashion house. She also talked about some stocks she brought from her recent
trip to America.
You recently returned from a
trip to America, was it for business
Travelling is an integral part of my job because I need to keep
abreast with fashion trends abroad. Basically, my recent trip was just to
garner more knowledge of the job and to see new fashion trends.
So, what trends did you come
back with
We have a collection of new fashion styles and new patterns for the
new season coming. When you say new season you mean Christmas, what should the clients
of Asiwaju Couture look forward to? One thing about us is that we don’t
just design for people. What we do is to read the material you want to design
and give you the best that it can produce. It goes far beyond just designing.
If a client comes to my couture and ask for a design if I know that it won’t
fit that person, I won’t do it. If a male client brings a material
in I know what will seat well on the person and I give it to him.
Why did you relocate from
Ikeja to Omole Phase 2
We were in Ikeja, Lagos for about three or four years, but we were not
getting the kind of responses we needed. At times, it is not always about money,
but the personal touch.
What are the challenges you
have faced since relocating to Omole Phase 2
The truth of the matter is that where we are presently is littered
with designers, but the truth is that if there are one million couture and you
know your onion you will excel. I know my designs speak for me and I really
don’t go out to look for customers. What I design for people goes a long way to
say what I am capable of and through that we get more clientele.
What makes your couture
unique
Basically, we are all about making people look good and standout. For
instance, if you have a special event and you don’t want anybody to wear the
same design as you that is where we come in, we are very good at that.
What is your client base like
I design for a lot of people. I design for members of the National
Assembly, and high society players.
How affordable is Asiwaju
Couture
We are not expensive. We are affordable, but you will definitely get
better value for your money with us.
Can you take us into memory
lane of how the business began
The business began 25 years ago. That is how long I have been doing
this job and you know they say experience is important. I started in Nigeria,
then relocated to America, where I continued working before relocating back to
the country five years ago.
Who influence you in the
industry
My mum does, she is also a designer. Most
of what I know today came from her.
What inspires your designs
When you are born to do something, the inspiration comes naturally. I
get inspired by different things because even an English dress inspires me.
Often times, I look at a dress and I tell myself I can turn this around into
something more creative and before you know it, it’s done. I can pick designs
from ten dresses and combine them to make mine without over crowding the clothes.
When I see a material, the first thing that comes to my mind is what design I
will bring out from it. One very important thing with the job is creativity.
One of the major challenges
that your trade face is the ability to maintain your tailors, does this affect
you too
It is a general problem, but what I do is to put my tailors first. I
also don’t let them lack. I give them what they need at the appropriate time.
That is the only way you can keep them loyal to you. That is my secret.
What are Asiwaju Couture’s
plans for 2014
We should expect something good because when God is in control,
everything else is in control, but I know the year is kicking in and we are
ready to kick too.