Production

Then came the pattern drafting, cutting of toile and sewing. Since i was the last designer to join the show i only had a month to put together my collection for the fashion show. I changed my designs so many times ...er...my first outing. Its not easy putting yourself out there knowing that you are going to be criticised and your designs commented upon.

I have always thought about a different way of designing using other fabrics than tafetta and raw silk and cotton. Since i love knit - jersey (stretch fabric) i came up with a couple of designs or rather innovative ways of incorporating both fabric. Infact this two designs were applauded on the catwalk. The black top bit is knit fabric and the bottom is cotton ankara. The second design is knit and the motifs is from ankara with silver embroidery. I will post the actual picture off the runway as soon as i get hold of them.

Models! Models! 2

here is Jumoke and this girl knows how to strut her stuff, she is a trooper, with all the rushing and panic, she kept her cool. Always on time...in short she is the ideal model.

The other picture is of Dorothy, also a trooper and soft spoken... i was lucky to have them assigned to me.

Models! Models!

Skinny women are the devil! Ok so now the organisers are providing the designers with models share amongst 2-3 designers on the day. Well, i met mine ...and they were...lovely girls...skinny, long...but babes! and they were sweet girls. ok my first model was sharon, very lovely girl with a great stride.

The second girl is Joy.

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.