Any self confessed shopper will have spent a huge portion of their disposable income in Selfridges & Co, an international award winning department store in the United Kingdom with a “open to the world” philosophy. With an “up and coming”, busy and modern technology approach to retail, it has been embracing the multicultural UK society and more importantly, it’s’ biggest financial spenders.

Home to a large African Diaspora, the UK is a popular travel destination for Nigerians visiting friends and relatives, going on holidays or conducting business. More economically, it has become a shopping Mecca. In February last year, sales to Nigerians were up 50 per cent from 2011 in London shops. Selfridges & Co reported that their spending was up by over a quarter in 2011, and that Nigerians have been among its top 10 overseas shoppers for the past five years.

“Africa is growing from strength to strength and particularly in the last 12 to 18 months we’ve seen Nigeria come through incredibly strongly,” explains Sue West, director of operations at up-market London department store Selfridges & Co.

Whilst poverty in Nigeria is declining, only a small slice of Nigeria’s population can afford consumer goods, with most purchases coming from the very low end of the price spectrum. But consumption is steadily rising. According to the EIU report, by 2030, Africa’s top 18 countries could have a combined spending power of $1.3 trillion.

An Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report entitled “Africa: Open for Business,” forecasted a nearly 4% real GDP growth for Sub-Saharan countries Angola, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa for 2012, with average growth expected to hit 5% a year from 2013 to 2016. This steady progress has given rise to a growing middle class. Approximately 310 million people in Africa are classified as middle class according to a 2011 report by the African Development Bank, driving demand for products like mobile phones, televisions and fashion.

The Ndani project was collaboration between Selfridges & Co and Style House Files, which was to help the retailer engage with its growing number of Nigerian customers.

The Lagos-based fashion company opened the installation, giving Nigerian designers a chance to widen their market and showcase their creations outside the West Africa. Ndani, backed by Guaranty Trust Bank, presented the very best Spring-Summer 2013 pieces hand-picked from the runway shows of the most outstanding designers on the Lagos Fashion and Design Week schedule.

Omoyemi Akerele, director of Style House Files, says that Nigeria is an emerging market, with Nigerians are among the five biggest spenders at the department store.

“This will give our designers a platform, an opportunity for their pieces to be in Selfridges & Co, that’s a dream come true,” says Akerele. “For Selfridges & Co, on the other hand, it would endear their Nigerian customers — and not just Nigerian customers, African in general — more to the brand.”

Is this the beginning of bilateral fashion trade, between Nigeria, or Africa and the United Kingdom? Will Selfridges & Co benefit from the Ndani collaboration with the Nigeria local industry beacons like the Style House File, who can offer local knowledge and contacts? Or will it need more installations in the flagship store before it opens its store in Abuja? It looks like there are exciting prospects ahead.

According to the Nigerian born and London-based fashion maestro, “There was something about this T-shirt that stood out for me. I just had to have it. I went back home and pestered my mum for the money to buy the T-shirt which she gave to me. The occasion came to wear this T- shirt as it was church time on Sunday. It was worn with pride and almost a sense of knowing. Almost as if one were to predict the future – for on the front of the T- shirt were the words printed boldly “I’M REALLY FAMOUS.”

Adebayo started making shirts from newspapers which were held together with tapes and glue. He would make his younger ones put them on and have mock fashion shows. Even while he was at the University, where he had his first fashion show, Adebayo said “I knew then that after my degree this had to be my world. Just like the T-shirt I had when I was twelve -I just had to have this.”

Today, Adebayo is regarded as the Godfather of African Fashion in the United Kingdom as he had built a name for himself both at home and abroad. The media and critics of the fashion industry describe him as the KING OF COUTURE – for the individuality of his piece speaks for him in the international fashion community.

He is renowned for creating his own fabrics and presenting the most lavish and luxurious collections of gowns, his new bridge couture prêt, a porter collection also reflects the style and the elegance that has defined his career over the years while his success has opened doors for others in his field.

As one of the leading African designers in Europe; Adebayo Jones is known for creating the most luxurious and luscious fabrics, ranging from silks to brocades, velvets, chiffon’s organza’s, crochets and damask while presenting a fine, clean and classic lines. The fashion genius outstanding designs in formal wear and wedding dresses are second to none. His designs are often described as glamorous, elegant, magnificent, rich and mind blowing that are fit for royalty.

His influences, he says are from his travels, art, surroundings and also from the subconscious. “I have always loved fashion. It has always been my childhood dream. It was also my mother’s profession and I grew up seeing her make outfits for clients and particularly my elder sister. I had my sketch book with me always in school and would draw fashion sketches nonstop. University was no different either. I designed my outfits even when I was in school. I saved my pocket money and bought fabrics and designed my shirts and trousers. I always wanted to stand out. In school we took part in what was then called fashion parade. I was always involved if it had to do with fashion.”

Adebayo’s famous clients include singer/actress Patti Boulaye, TV star Sally Familoe, Miss World 2001 winner Agbani Darego, TV cum stage star Faith Brown and celebrity stylist Janet Ginnings. He has also designed and styled gowns for several winning Miss Nigeria contestants and for some finalists at the Miss Universe pageants.

In the past, Adebayo has worked for different brands including a company that line up Hollywood top celebrities on their books from Tina turner, Diana Ross to Shirley Bassey. He has also worked with Britain’s Katherine Hamnett CBE, a two time British Designer of the Year.

At the home front, Adebayo formerly worked with HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu, who in the 80′s had opened her shop “Talala” on New Bond street where he once worked as an intern.

However, as he once told Yalda magazine, starting out was small. Having completed his first degree in humanities at the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1985, Adebayo proceeded to a fashion college in London (London Central School of Fashion) to acquire a formal and requisite training for his first love – fashion design.

His fashionpreneur stint has not been one without storm. According to Adebayo “Some have been incredibly wonderful and others have been heart-wrenchingly painful. I have known comfort as well as desertion. I have seen love as well as betrayal. I have known grace and the loss of loved ones. I have seen kindness.” In spite of this he said “All these varied experiences in pursuit of this dream and from every experience, the totality of a blessing has been gained. It is refreshing to know that I am never alone and can stand at all times, for if God be for me, nothing can work against me. I have become stronger and refined.”

He will be quick to say that his grace for resilience has worked for him. To him, “Failure is not in falling, it is in not getting up to fight again.”

Perhaps what has helped him so far is his resilience in what he does as he once acknowledged that for each piece he created, Passion, dedication, time, and a great deal of love and sacrifice go into it. “The need for an identity and signature to be embedded in the garment is important, so when someone sees a garment, they can tell immediately that’s an Adebayo Jones.”

Adebayo believes details will set your work apart.

The maestro recently celebrated 25 years in the fashion industry at the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) which was held at the London Spitalfields Market Halls to African and African inspired designers all over the world where he showcased his work to a 10,000 strong audience in London’s hip Shoreditch district this August, 2012.

Will he have been doing something else aside fashion, Adebayo said in an interview, “Fashion has always been a lifelong passion for me. As far back as I remember my dream has always been to explore, innovate and push the boundaries of new thought and creativity where fashion is concerned. From the conception of an idea to realizing, the end product gives one a buzz and satisfaction that cannot be quantified.”

Nevertheless, the fashion genius shares an equal passion for food and music. He sings and writes gospel songs. The fashion genius in his university days once belong to a group called the Ayoro voices. He sang at Isha and Arne Johansen’s wedding in Freetown. He also sang with a live band when he collected the Male Lifetime Achievement Award at BETTFA 2011 Awards.

As a foodie, he has a passion for exploring foods and has future plans to do something in the food industry as well.

On the reason for making London his business domain, Adebayo acknowledged that techniques, skills, availability of resources to function at one’s best is a very important catalyst to his brand’s success and there are limitations sometimes in operating back home as even the littlest of things like finding good quality zips which would not snap and embarrass your brand and your client in a situation can be tasking. He argued that basically most of those with successful brands back home do the shopping from abroad.

Adebayo, however, believes fashion can be a tool for development in Nigeria and in Africa. He said “Fashion is a huge industry. It is a multibillion-dollar industry worldwide. There are economies that boast a great percentage of their revenue from the fashion industry. Nigerians was responsible for the second highest revenue documented for fashion in the UK.

Egypt is noted for her cotton as well as manufacturing. Egyptian cotton is easily the most covetable worldwide and does not come cheap either when purchasing fashion products made from it. It is highly esteemed and valued. Tunisia, Morocco etc are major manufacturing ports in North Africa. Morocco for leather goods, which are mainly exported to Europe and boast a base of factories for shirts, jeans and other fashion separates that produced for major international brands worldwide.”

“Considering how much fashion is a huge and integral part of Nigerian life, the right support, infrastructure set up, and a conducive atmosphere for factories to be able to operate with minimal obstructions, would not only create employment for thousands, should international brand begin looking in at such manufacturing bases and to take advantage of a massive workforce. It would also attract many investors both local and foreign. If we look in and put in the right infrastructure, it would be amazing opportunity for growth and investment as revenue can be realised in this industry.”

To fashionistas, Adebayo says, “If you do go into the industry … have a balance. Fashion has its excesses as well and be strong enough to say no to things that may be injurious to your health. I would rather be un-cool at a party than end in rehab later for one form of addiction or the other. Be yourself, eventually those who considered you un-cool then will in turn respect you.”

Not all is about making money. Adebayo Jones has over the years used his skills to support various charity Organisations by hosting charity fashion shows, and travelling the Globe in support of Organisations such The British Red Cross, UNICEF Children’s fund, Pink ball Fund, Support for Africa, Imperial Breast cancer Research Fund, Kanu Nwankwo heart foundation, The heart campaign among others. He has also contributed to Education both in the UK and abroad by working with various schools, colleges and universities in educating and training students for the fashion industry. His high-profiled company has also been a haven of employment to Nigerians and Africans in Diaspora.

He’s phenomenal success has been widely acclaimed all over the world and has received various international award to boot. In 2009, he was honored with the N4LIFE AWARD first special recognition for his outstanding contribution to fashion industry in the UK and for promoting the image of Nigeria positively through fashion on a global platform.

On the 29th of November 2009 at the Nigeria fashion awards held in Abuja Nigeria, Adebayo Jones won the BEST NIGERIAN DESIGNER IN DIASPORA AWARD; while in 2010, the designer was the recipient of three Fashion awards in the UK alone.

The veteran fashion designer is also a proud recipient of The BEFFTA MALE LIFETIME ACHIEMENT AWARD (2011), NEL AWARD for outstanding contribution to Fashion (2011). He has also won The Best Designer in Diaspora from three major organisations: CITY PEOPLE AWARDS ( 2006), NIGERIA FASHION AWARDS (2008), and SIDEVIEW STYLE AWARDS (2011).

Blackberry, the official technology partner of LFDW for the second consecutive year, developed a Style House Files (SHF) application which is now live on the BlackBerry App World, delivering live feeds and pictures from the show which kickstarts today in Lagos, and will hold till the 27th.

The app also reports event schedules and venue guides, supports online discussion forums, photo sharing and more.

MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week brings together Nigerian fashion makers, industry, consumers and the media, to view new collections of innovative Nigerian designers.

Also at the show, Blackberry will be on hand to offer free device software upgrades and technical assistance.

Nigeria’s fast rising middle class has purchased over 2 million units of Blackberrys, drawing RIM to cultivate friendship with Africa’s second largest economy. In August, the smartphone maker officially opened a store in the heart of Lagos, the commercial hub of the Nigeria.

Jakote, who was the first runner-up at Miss Tanzania 2006 competition, said the Kidoti brand is a reflection of her own image and personality. The label, she said is an authentic Tanzanian lifestyle brand founded in 2011.

Jokate asserts that her creation is inspired by a unique blend of African traditional costumes and modern outfits of both sexes. The Kidoti brand carries the tagline “Define Your Beauty”.

“I am pleased by the impact of the fashion brand that now tries to penetrate the Tanzanian market,” she said.

The beauty model expressed confidence on her newly introduced brand. “I am sure I will reach my target and dominate the industry. My brand’s vision is to transform the fashion industry. The brand will carry an array of products including the synthetic hair extensions, a clothing line, fashion accessories and cosmetics,” she said.

Jokate showcased her first creations at the Red Ribbon Fashion show, which was organised by Tanzania Mitindo House in December 1, last year; to ascertain the strength of the brand.

“I was very impressed due to the fact that my design thrilled many fashion show stakeholders,” she said.

Alex Folzi is a fast growing brand owned by the uber-talented twins, Fela and Fola Fagbure. The twins showed interest in fashion even at a very young age, which led to the launch of their brand. Their hardwork and dedication put into every collection has made them the favorite of many in the fashion industry.

Alex Folzi originally started as a hobby with a low-scale menswear clothing line, but has since exploded into a world refining high end luxury goods and lifestyle brand. The brand was started in 2010 and has accomplished so much in less than 2years. It offers premium leather goods and accessories from its Vancouver, Canada home. With a passion to change the fashion industry, the brand creates beautiful and luxurious suitcases and luggage to complement every personality and style. Their mission is to “make travelling a personal and unique experience one suitcase at a time for people who have passion for fashion,”

The brand stays committed to providing originality and quality in each product and collection; this is evident in their satisfied worldwide network of customers and fans who approve and appreciate their signature products. “We believe in touting the uniqueness of individuals who seek to express themselves through fashion and we appreciate those who have placed the seal of approval on our products by utilizing the Alex Folzi Brand.”

For more, check out AlexFolzi

Malakh & Sco is an online clothing retailer for Independent African fashion designers. The brand was started by two undergraduate friends- Demi Ademuson and Tobi Tikolo, who believe that African designers should be celebrated worldwide. They both believe that African Art, fashion and culture has reached a level of maturity at which it is ready to be exported to the world.

“When we think online shopping, we think of much more than a mechanical or iterative process aimed at purchasing merchandise. We think of a largely social phenomenon aimed at interacting with friends, family and even brands. Our intent is to recreate this experience on this website. We like to see ourselves as more than just a middleman, we have genuine interest in the growth of all the brands we are involved with. The times are really exciting times for the Industry as a whole and we are honoured and blessed to be a part of it”

The company is on a mission to serve as an extension of African fashion houses as opposed to just a middleman. Their typical customers are 18-34 years old fashion lovers who lay emphasis on the quality and craftsmanship behind their clothes. With an aim to transform the thinking of online retail into an online shopping mall, the company was launched on April 1st 2012 with designers- Grey, Republic of Foreigner and House 38 and Andrea Iyamah, with plans to expand to other African designers.

His work has been featured in international publications such as L’Officiel Vogue, Milano Finanza, CNN, BBC, London Financial, Avant Garde, The Face, London Sunday Times and Luna.

His clientele includes Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Jodie Kidd, Tyra Banks, Graça Machel, Tom Cruise, Tina Turner, Nelson Mandela, Cameron Diaz and Mark Shuttleworth. His collections can be found worldwide in shops like Vila Moda and Browns, Dieci Corso Come and Colette.

Gavin’s commitment to humanitarian affairs has earned him international admiration as a speaker on development issues at high level events such as the World Economic Forum. He is an influencial advocate for the rights of South African children and women. He created an initiative called – POSITIVE for Sun International the largest Pan African collaboration of art, fashion and music; an event which aims to raise money for HIV/AIDS causes.

The United Nations appointed him a UNICEF Ambassador for his exceptional work in uplifting the lives of vulnerable communities in South Africa. With this appointment, he joins the ranks of Roger Federer, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Angelique Kidjo in working for children’s causes.

Gavin was one of the few selected to showcase during ARISE New York Fashion Week event last week where he showed his Spring/Summer Collections.

Photocredits: HauteFashionAfrica

Iman was studying political science at the University of Nairobi, when she was head-hunted one day on the streets of Nairobi by fashion photographer Peter Beard. Iman – who insists she merely looks typically Somali and has no extraordinary good-looks – moved to the USA in 1975 to launch a fashion modelling career that was to rocket her into the global spotlight. She became one of the most coveted models of the 1970s and 1980s, and was muse to various esteemed fashion designers, most notably Yves Saint-Laurent who created a whole fashion collection to the supermodel. Chronicling her success, Washington Post writer Robin Givhan claims: “She broadened the definition of beauty…She helped to transform fashion into entertainment and models into personalities.”

After two decades in the fashion industry, Iman noticed an ever-growing gap in the market: there were no cosmetic products available that catered for women of ethnic origins. She had spent her whole career assisting make-up artists in mixing cosmetics together in an attempt to match her skin-tone. In 1994, Iman launched her own cosmetics brand, Iman Cosmetics. She was deeply involved in the product development stage – helping to create 4 formulations and 14 tones of foundation liquid. Iman also personally acted as the face of the brand. She went on to secure a licensing and distribution deal with giants Procter & Gamble, shooting her products into the global market. Iman Cosmetics achieved a sales figure of $12 million in its first year alone, and after expansion in its second year sales were an impressive $30 million.

Iman also took dips into the world of film and television, starring in well-known films such as The Human Factor, Out of Africa, No Way Out and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. In 1992, Iman went on to use this cinematography experience in a return to her homeland of Somalia – which since her departure had been ravaged by war, famine and drought. In a project of her own design intended to raise awareness and attract international aid, Iman returned to Somalia with a British Broadcasting Coorporation (BBC) film crew to film a documentary program on Somalia, “Somalia Diary”. Iman stated her aim was to: “let the Somali people speak for themselves”. She went on to explain that: “People get numbed when they see picture after picture, year in and year out, of people starving. I wanted to show that they are not a nation of beggars — that culture, religion, music and hope are still there.”

Iman continues to act in support of Africa, and takes part in a number of humanitarian efforts and chartiable organisations. She is a spokeswoman for the “Keep a Child Alive” project, and is an ambassador for “Save the Children”. She has also taken a stance against the unethical mining and production of minerals and diamonds – ending her contract with the De Beers diamond giant following the company being linked to unethical practices, and going on to take a stand against conflict mineral products by joining the Enough Project.

However, Iman will always see herself first and foremost as a businesswoman. She has told interviewers that she believes herself to be “a very good businesswoman”. Speaking out further about her business management approach, she disclosed: “The natural lioness in me just came out very well. I can delegate responsibilities, but then I let people do what they’re good at and supervise.”

The first NYFW show in 2009 saw models like Grace Jones walk alongside models Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Lara Stone, Tyson Beckford and Behati Prinsloo, wearing creations by XULY Bët, Stoned Cherrie, Tiffany Amber and Momo.

The fifth ARISE collective titled “African Icons” will attract top bloggers, models, celebrities and socialites. This year five African designers are set to show their collections: Gavin Rajah, Maki Oh, Ozwald Boateng, Tiffany Amber and Tsemaye Binitie.

Ozwald Boateng (UK/Ghana)

Gavin Rajah (South Africa)

Tiffany Amber (Nigeria)

Tsemaye Binitie (UK/Nigeria)

Maki Oh (Nigeria)

Mimi stands firm to her vision of producing beautiful and long-lasting clothes with superior workmanship and construction. Her designs reflect substance and high quality rather than the image. Mimi has become the favorite of many in the fashion industry and beyond, including first lady Michelle Obama.

Since its inception, Mimi Plange has received press coverage from major magazines such as Vogue.com, The New York Times, Marie Claire, WWD, Essence, Glamour Magazine and has been worn by Michelle Obama, Vanessa Hudgens, Rihanna, Regina King and Estelle, just to mention a few. Today, her designs are sold in boutiques in North America, Belgium, Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait, with future plans to expand to Africa.

In this exclusive interview, Mimi tells us more about her background, brand, inspiration and opinion about the rising African Fashion Industry.

Tell our readers more about yourself, your background and your brand

I was born in Accra, Ghana, and grew up in Southern California. After designing in the fashion industry for 11 years, I decided to start my own brand of womenswear inspired by my culture and different cultures throughout history. I focus mainly on the Victorian age and Pre colonial dress in various parts of Africa. I’m interested in surface texture and various embroidery techniques, especially trapunto embroidery which is said to have originated in Italy.

How did you get into fashion and designing?

At a very young age I was always attracted to art, its creation, its many faces and meanings. The art led me to music, movies, screen costumes and a passion for the clothes. Then along came fashion TV at 11 years old, and the Vogue and Harpars Bazaar’s of the world, and I was hooked on the incredible but true fantasy that one could actually design beautiful clothing for a living-and that was exactly what I wanted to do. I stayed focused on that idea, and as a child, I knew it was what I was going to do, I just had to find my own path and believe. I started with Architecture at UC Berkeley, and after, attended fashion design school at San Francisco’s FIDM. After graduating from FIDM, I moved to New York and began my career as a designer. After many years working in the fashion industry, I decided to launch my own brand, Mimi Plange.

Has your educational background in architecture contributed to your collections in anyway?

My Architecture schooling has contributed to my design aesthetic in every way. I love symmetry and lines in general. Every season I do trapunto line embroidery, and I create collections that are detailed and modern with clean lines and bold structure. I believe my schooling has given me a strong foundation for proportion, perspective and overall problem solving. I just now design solutions for the body, rather than the environment.

So you’ve gone by the brand name Boudoir D’Huitres for sometime. Why the change to Mimi Plange?

Ultimately, we decided to redefine our brand in its early stages. We adopted a new message of clarity, distinction and a sort of abstract minimalism that led us down to the path of re-establishing our new identity by changing the name to Mimi Plange.

Your collections clearly show your creativity and you produce great signature and unique pieces. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am mainly inspired by historic Victorian fashion and pre colonial African fashion. I am constantly exploring the idea of fusing those two elements into American Sportswear that is modern, timeless and forward.
Throughout my design experience I constantly look to museums, books, art music and global news and events. Everything affects fashion. You have to be aware of what is going on in the world and around you.

What is unique about your brand?

Our brand has its own unique voice that is characterized by our inspiration. We fuse Victorian Europe, Pre colonial Africa and modern American Sportswear into innovative designs that are for day and evening. Our aspirational consumer is undefined by labels and monograms. She is searching for a Mimi Plange experience that is distinctively her own. We are interested in creating timeless fashion inspired by the past, present and future at the same time.

Your label has received high reputation from different media houses since its inception. What factors have led to the success of Mimi Plange?

I believe as long as you stay true to your core values as a brand, and stay loyal to your customers and their wants, needs and desires, and you do it in an innovative and inspirational way, you will be recognized. You just have to keep pushing the boundaries and focus on your message so that it is clear-you have to have a story to tell with your designs.

Having the opportunity to collaborate with a prestigious brand like Manolo Blahnik must be a dream come true for you. Tell us more about this experience.

Collaborating with Manolo Blahnik on shoes has been an amazing experience! We get a chance to push our inspiration further and to visually enhance the experience of Mimi Plange from head to toe. Working with one of the best shoe designer’s in the world is indeed a dream and an honor. The shoes are beautiful, and every experience has been Magical! We have continued to collaborate together and our coming out with our newest shoe during Fashion Week next month.

Who are your favorite designers? What core lessons are you learning from them?

I’ve always loved Yves Saint Laurent. I felt that his approach to design was so intellectual and brilliant. I loved his deep emotion and how his clothes were fantastical without being un-relatable to the customer. I think the biggest lesson with him was – be yourself, be true to yourself, and make beautiful, well thought out clothes that have a strong experiential story behind them.

What are some of the most rewarding and biggest challenges about being a business owner/fashion entrepreneur?

Well you have to love it, because it becomes your life. Having enough time in the day is the biggest challenge. Time seems to move faster and faster, especially as I have gotten older. There are several sacrifices you have to make in order to run your business, but when you see the results of growth and exposure, it makes all the work you have done so rewarding, and you soon forget about all the work it took to get there.
But all you have to do is give it about 15-20 minutes if you’re lucky, and you will soon remember that hard work again. And that yin and yang of it keeps you propelled forward for even bigger rewards as the time continues to move even faster.

Recently your brand got major news. First lady and style icon Michelle Obama wore one of your beautiful designs. How did this feel?

It’s a breathless moment of awe and joy! I am honored that the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama wore Mimi Plange. It feels amazing and humbling to have a woman with every choice in the world to choose you. Michelle Obama has been a major supporter of the design industry and young designers from the start, shedding light on many talents and boosting the economy with such strength and grace. I will never forget the day she chose our brand. It feels so great!

The African Fashion Industry is gradually expanding into international markets and has received great and promising news in recent years. What is your general opinion on the African Fashion Industry?

Africa has many amazing and talented designers. I would love for the African Fashion Industry to gain more support and momentum and find a way to unify the many different Fashion Weeks, so that key retailers and editors can focus on visiting to see new product from as many designers as possible when planning trips for Fashion weeks across the globe. It would be great to see a few major tradeshows, so that designers will have more of a platform to grow their businesses. Great fashion companies can create many jobs and opportunities to grow the economy. Supportive organizations such as AFI and Arise have been great! I’d love to see the African Fashion Industry grow with unity and a mission of expanding the business and industry of fashion in Africa with the goal of boosting Africa’s economy.

I love the fact that you still remain true to your African roots even in your designs. Do you have plans to expand your brand to Africa?

Of course! Eventually as the company grows, I would love to have my own stores and even own a factory in Ghana. I believe that there is so much opportunity for growth! Many companies are now producing luxury goods on the continent, and many factories from China and India are slowly making their way into Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa. All of us should be focused on Africa right now. It is the future.

Any advice for young aspiring designers?

Believe in yourself, and keep knocking on every door. Be patient! It will feel just as good at 25, 35, or 45 when you see all of your hard work come into fruition.

What Fashion legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to have a brand that continues to grow from season to season after I am no longer here on this planet. I would also like to make a difference in both African and American fashion. With African fashion, I’d like to help broaden our views of what is exactly African fashion. In America, I’d like to continue to help support the garment district which has been such an amazing resource for me as a young designer. We hope to continue making all of our products in New York and that the city’s garment district will flourish again as a top manufacturing source for new and fresh design.