Sketching ideas

Had to get down and busy with fashion illustration to get a clear idea of my theme. I thought about designing as if i was designing for the woman of the hour 'Mrs O' . Michelle Obama has made simplicity very fashionable, with shift dresses and colours to boot!

Fashion & Style Digest 2009 Ankara Fashion show

I took part in Fashion & Style Digest 2009 Ankara Fashion show on the 31st of June. I am going to document with pictures my preparation and end result, plus the newpaper and media publications as i get my hands on them.

Applying to the show organiser

I saw the ad in the city people magazine by chance as i reading a friends copy of city people. It happened to be the last day of application, but i was lucky enough to be accepted.

Then comes the shopping for Ankara to use. I went straight to Lagos market (Idumota) and couldnt find anything. Thought about going for Vlisco but at NGN13,500 -NGN 15,000 a pop, and i need to produce 10 outfit for the show. Finally i got a some from Oshodi market and was quite pleased.

Between UK and Nigeria

Now that i am almost settled in both countries (don't ask me how, but now i have a schedule that works for both). Business start up is hard and very tedious but since its mine, i have to go on despite the difficulties. At the moment, i am marketing my design business (i call custom clothing design) to get in more clients. my target group is working class, between the ages of 25 - 40. So far, i have also decided to create 5 garments to show the quality and finishing touches on each garment. Its very promising, because if there is one thing that is sure about Nigerian women is their confidence in their style. In short, they love to look good and they don't skimp on cost. But i will share this journey with you all and let you know how i am getting on (my trials and triumphs).

Starting this blog again at first seem pointless to me but then i was surprised that friends that i have made by reason of blogging have been wondering what i have been up to. For one thing, i migrated to another continent entirely and settled in a new home ( it has taken some time, but were almost there). So now that i am almost settled on the home front, my plans are still as active as ever. So please check my blog everyweek if you can.

Changes!

Well, this a temporary different direction for me in certain areas. I am going to be using Jersey fabrics as my clothes are getting too big since i have been on the VLCD (lipotrim) diet now. I don't think its advisable to sew using wool, and other expensive fabrics knowing that i may not be able to wear them in a couple of weeks. Think about the wasted time drafting patterns, cutting and sewing. But with Stretch, i can still wear it while i drop two dress sizes before its need adjusting...
So i am going to be making dresses, skirts and tops with stretch fabrics, and for my leisure wear i am still going to use African fabrics.

I am back!!

hi to all, i know i have been away for awhile. Well, lets see... took the time to finish and graduate. Well i have finally registered and due to start, at thesame time i am still working full time. But before that takes off, i'm currently working on my collection. I have been sketching like crazy and sourcing around for the right fabrics. The problem at the moment with fabrics for me is the fact that my speciality is with African fabrics or at least a mixture...
To get the Ankaras (African wax print) with nice and colourful its hard to find in the UK, even Nigerians in the UK are looking for the digital printed ones. So i have to contract that out to someone and before i confirm the ones that are in my colour scheme ( it takes forever!!) unless i travel down myself - but that increases my cost/expenses. Now! whatelse have i been up to - yes! being mommy. My daughter is a handful, its like having another pair of eyes at the back my head to catch up! that girl is everywhere - so i have taken time out to be mommy! but i have managed to workout the multi-tasking work, dream, family, blog... i think i'll cope.