Jemimah Iwok published in Fashion, Uncategorized

Meet Bukola Asafa, creative director for Oba Couture

 

Africa is blessed with talented creatives, and Bukola Asafa, CEO of Nigerian  brand, Oba Couture is not an exception. Her amazing shoe and bag collections all have indigenous names, and that’s one thing we love about her brand. Read on to see what else there is to know about Oba Couture.

 

Please introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Olubukola Asafa, I was born into a family of five comprising of myself, mum, dad, 2 brothers and 1 sister.
My Dad worked with the Nigerian Television Authority and my mum was an Entrepreneur. I was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, and moved to Lagos at age 3.
I attended Queen’s College ( Yaba, Lagos) for my secondary school education, then went to the University of Abuja for my tertiary education.

 

Tell us about your work. How did Oba Couture Limited start?

It started in 2011 while studying for my MBA. I wanted to be an Entrepreneur and I wanted to start to implement all that I was learning.

Prior to that, I had been praying to God for direction. I started selling readymade shoes and bags, but because I love to create and work with my hands, I knew that I had to start making them.

I also noticed that a lot of footwear and bags which were made in Nigeria always claimed to be ‘Made in Italy’. I had many questions and so I decided I would make a difference and bring ‘made in Nigeria’ back. That was my mission.

Brown Leather sandals from Oba Couture
OBA ‘Laura’ smooth leather sandal.
How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

OBA means KING in Yoruba Language, but the brand OBA is referring to GOD the King of all Kings. OBA is also my initials: OLUBUKOLA BODUNDE ASAFA.

Croc leather bag
OBA ‘Donna’ embossed croc skin bag
What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

My niche market is buyers like me who are fashionable and want something unique and of exceptional quality.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

I get inspired from everyday living, time spent with loved ones, my quiet time, and sometimes just interacting with my customers.

Can you remember one of the first products you made? What makes it memorable?

Yes. I remember a bag I made for my Pastor  (Pastor Mrs. Bemigho).

She ordered a bag to encourage me when I just started. It was an ankara bag and what makes it memorable is that it was made of carton (lol).

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

Some of the challenges are poor infrastructure, inadequate power supply, lack of adequate skill, and unfair competition with imported shoes and bags.

OBA 'Remah' snake skin bag
OBA ‘Remah’ snake skin bag
Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

I have no regrets whatsoever. I love what I do and I am very passionate about my craft.

What is your most popular product?

Hmm.  It’s difficult to say which one, but customers tend to purchase our unique line of male sandals more than the rest. So I guess those are more popular (lol).

 

Oba couture male sandal
Oba couture male sandal
OBA 'Harold' sandal
OBA ‘Harold’ sandal
To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

Our exotic leathers are gotten from the northern part of Nigeria. We also try to make our products as natural as can be. We do not use the professional processing machines used abroad, and most of our products have unique African names.

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

For my business, my Short term goals are: Engaging in more unique strategies for sales and marketing , getting the word out and making our products more accessible to our target audience.

My long term  business goals would be building a sustainable brand that will stand the test of time and build a lasting legacy.

For life in general, my short term goals would be to  read more books and exercise more. In the long term, I’m working towards eating healthier, making every second count and impacting the world positively.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a shy girl

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this Industry?

I would be a Lawyer

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Do not despise the days of humble beginnings, you don’t have to start big you can start small and then grow.

And finally, please share images of some of your work and tell us a little about each product, and their Prices

OBA ‘Tutu’ crocodile skin bag is made of original crocodile skin and is our most expensive product. It is priced at N220,000.

Oba Tutu croc bag
Oba Tutu croc bag

I also have the OBA ‘Lala’ bag which has an edgy front flap which makes it unique it is priced at N40,000.

Oba Lala Bag
Oba Lala Bag

 

 

See more beautiful bags and Footwear by Oba Couture

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Bellafricana published in Fashion, Fashion, Furnitures, Gift Items, Textiles

NEPC cannot do it alone, we are the export we seek

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) truly cannot do it alone, we are the export we seek.

I always hear of small businesses wanting to start exporting.

Interestingly, some are yet to even grow capacity enough to serve Ibadan not to talk of Lagos, then Nigeria, then Intra-trade and International trade.

I mean, I get it and in fact it’s the right thing to have the end goal in mind or have a bigger market in mind.

Yes, even here at Bellafricana our dream is that one day, every one of our verified members will be selling to consumers globally, but realistically we also say let’s start with more consumers locally and then grow a sustainable brand with global demands.

However, have you ever thought to think that you are the export you seek (wait I am getting somewhere, don’t rush off, keep reading).

When you are travelling out of the country, do you load your box with proudly Made in Nigeria attires, accessories etc asides your food gifts??

Or am I reaching too high? Ok ask yourself this: you Nigerian business owner, footwear brand owner, etc do you patronize other fashion, accessories, lifestyle… brand owners? .

When last did you consciously decide to wear Nigerian?

I am not talking about the buyers here for now, I am talking about you growing a business locally in Nigeria, producing locally etc.

You say you want to make more sales, are you supporting your fellow MSME?

You say NEPC should help you, you want to export because they have a mandate for non oil export?
Do you realise the number of people unrealistically waiting for NEPC??

I always and will always say, at Bellafricana we don’t believe in waiting for the government, we believe in creating ideas that will improve the economy

Then you will see our leaders or MDs travelling out of Nigeria for various reasons suited up, what happened to our proudly Made/sewn in Nigeria attires please?? .

That’s why I respect Mr Olusegun Awolowo a lot, he genuinely wears Nigerian made and I have seen him personally buy from SMEs even if they are willing to dash him their products. As the CEO of NEPC, no not really, he doesn’t have to wear Nigerian attires, but he chooses to.

So today, as a champion of quality creative Indigenous businesses, I challenge you to remember that WE ARE THE EXPORT WE SEEK.

Dear producer, buy from other brands as much as you want to be bought from,

Dear consumers, patronize more Indigenous brands just because you are a #Bellafricanafamily.

Here are some attires and products to buy for your next trip (click image to go to business page);

Danfo adire print by adire lounge bellafricana verified
Danfo adire print by adire lounge

 

Moroks Xpression bellafricana verified
Akanmu – Moroks Xpression

 

Circa 64 earrings bellafricana verified made in Nigeria jewellery
Circa 64 earrings

 

Ethnik sneaker bellafricana verified made in Nigeria
Ethnik sneaker

 

Mona Matthews shoes and bags made in Nigeria bellafricana verified
Mona Matthews shoes and bags
African things back pack bellafricana verified
African things backpack

 

 

Marte Egele yellow bag bellafricana verified
Marte Egele yellow bag

When travelling, not every time food gifts to take along, sometimes product gifts (click image to page)

Asologe adire fabrics bellafricana verified
Asologe adire fabrics

 

 

African black soap by Sahara sunrise
African black soap by Sahara sunrise

 

Hibiscus naturals shower gel made in Nigeria Bellafricana NEPC
Hibiscus naturals shower gel

 

 

Ddee purses customised Made in Nigeria Bellafricana NEPC
Ddee purses customised

Visit www.bellafricana.com for more creative products or check out the instagram page @bell_africana

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Bellafricana published in Articles, Events, Fashion

West Africa’s Biggest Leather Fair Is Back!!!

The third edition of the Lagos Leather Fair will hold on the 7th and 8th of September 2019, and will bring together, under one roof, the major stakeholders along the leather value chain. Over the two days, leather designers of handbags, footwear, furniture and small leather goods will congregate to showcase their products to a discerning audience.


The last two editions have succeeded in creating incredible exposure for the creators and designers of finished leather products, and has helped shed light on an industry which has been described as the ‘next gold mine’. The Fair has proven that by showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products on a continuous basis can only increase visibility and access to market, drive job creation and positively impact revenue. There is a need to provide an enabling environment that will help create dignified employment, build and increase capacities that will gradually bring about commercial-level production.

This year, the fair, themed, ‘ADVANCING THE CONVERSATION’, is all about a call to action. Steps must be taken to enhance the creative efforts of practitioners across the value chain, and aggressively upscale the skills of artisans within the industry. It has become obvious that there is a need to provide an enabling environment and invest in everything necessary to build capacities across the supply chain in order to achieve commercial-level production and well finished, higher-value exportable products, and in so doing, create dignified employment. The time has come to advance the conversation so that the Fair’s objectives of growing a skilled workforce, aspiring to global standards and achieving enhanced marketability can be met

The event will feature masterclasses and creative workshops by a host of industry experts, and delight our audience with amazing catwalk presentations. Apart from the leather designers, tannery owners, manufacturers of finished leather goods, suppliers of machinery, tools and equipment, and suppliers of accessories and components will also be present. Finally, retail experts, and branding and marketing professionals will be in attendance to share their knowledge and expertise.

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Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, Clothings, Fashion, Fashion,

SA textile union welcomes H&M deal with SA designer

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has welcomed the announcement today by Swedish global retailer H&M that it will be collaborating with South African designer, Palesa Mokubung, and her label, Mantsho.

On Tuesday, H&M announced its first African collaboration with Mokubung’s label, which was established in 2004 and has since graced numerous runways in Greece, India, the United States, Jamaica, Nigeria, Botswana and Senegal.

Until now, none of the products sold in H&M’s 23 local stores have been made in South Africa.

SACTWU said in a statement that it was a long-standing supporter of Mokubung’s work, citing how the Mantsho label was featured as far back as at its 2008 Fashion Festival held in the cutting room of the Levi Strauss SA factory in Cape Town.

Andre Kriel, SACTWU general secretary, said the union and its clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) members were looking forward to seeing South African product in H&M’s stores.

“As foreign retailers, like H&M, Zara and Cotton On, have grown their South African footprint, they have increasingly taken market share away from domestic retailers. This has caused a ripple effect in which local factories supplying those domestic retailers are losing orders, and job losses and factory closures are the result,” Kriel said.

“SACTWU congratulates H&M on moving forward with this local sourcing project. The union views this collaboration with Mokubung as the first part of a much deeper collaboration. From SACTWU’s side, to assist H&M with its designer collaboration, the union has helped to ensure that compliant producers manufacture the Mantsho products.”

Mantsho will be available in all South African stores, exclusive flagship stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and Israel, as well as all H&M online markets from August 15.

Kriel said H&M’s local sourcing project represents the power of constructive social dialogue and the promise such dialogue holds to re-shape some of the harmful components of global trade.

“We look forward to a positive outcome and growing relationship with H&M in which their local sourcing footprint is deepened substantially, where their contribution to employment creation in local CTFL factories is expanded significantly, and where their global reach can be used to showcase South African design and quality, manufactured under decent work conditions,” Kriel said.

This is great news, as this goes to prove that there is hope for more African brands in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana etc to penetrate the global market through great deals such as this.

This article was originally published on iol.co.za

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Bellafricana published in Articles, Clothings, Fashion, Fashion

EONL’s New Work Wear Collection Is Definitely A Stunner

Make way! Eyiyemi Olivia Nigeria Limited (EONL) is coming through with some banging work wear pieces for our corporate chic. And as a sharp girl that I am, I decided to give you a sneak peek at some of the amazing pieces in this HOT new collection.

EONL is a women’s wear design outfit with a strong bias for The Real African Woman who is confident in her curves and loves her African Print. EONL has a ready to wear line made for the real African woman, to supersede her expectations in terms of quality, price, comfort and aesthetic. The mission of EONL is to promote, wear and invest in Africa.

Whatever your size, shape or structure, EONL has what you need to make that body pop! EONL creates pieced for the discerning African Woman, and helps to boost their confidence.

It is definitely a breathe of fresh air that you can now rock amazing, properly fitting, timeless pieces to work, and slay like a boss all through your activities!

This new collection will be available for purchase from the 14th of April 2019. To ensure that you do not miss out on this, follow @eo_nl on Instagram, or connect with the  via email on [email protected]

For now, here’s your sneak peek. See something you like? Feel free to pre-order by sending an email to [email protected] or send a DM to eo_nl

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Bellafricana published in Articles, Fashion, Fashion, Life Style, Textiles

Why Naomi Campbell believes Africa should guard its fashion and fabrics jealously

Africa should guard its fashion and fabrics jealously to stop the western world coming in and making a fortune from them, says one of the world’s best known supermodels.

Naomi Campbell– draped in an elegant gown, in the colours of a peacock with a flamboyant head wrap crowning her towering six foot frame, took to the stage Friday at the Durban International Convention Centre, South Africa for the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit.

“Africa needs to keep its fabrics to itself,” said Campbell.

Campbell is known as one of the longest working supermodels in the world and she hopes the continent can make more out of her fashion world. She believes that African prints and designs can be but exported profitably.

Campbell was the epitome of fashion on stage and appeared to practice what she was preaching.

“It’s Marianne Fassler,” said Campbell proudly of her frock. Fassler is one of South Africa’s pre-eminent fashion designers, who has worked with Campbell before. Elevating African fashion and its designers is a passion of Campbell’s, who has spent 33 years strutting down the catwalks of the world.

“My passion and drive is to see this continent of Africa be as great as it should be,” said Campbell.

The self-styled rebel, Naomi Campbell, was in Durban, South Africa to address leading women from across the continent and the world over.

Today marks the 44th celebration of International Women’s Day. The official date, March 8th, was recognised by the United Nations in 1975 and is a public holiday in many countries across the world.

“We should have more than just one international women’s day, because we do so much,” insisted Campbell.  As well as fine jewellery, Campbell wears many hats. She has spent over a decade working on charitable causes with organisations such as UNAIDS and says that other than empowering women’s health, making sure young girls are educated and self-reliance is very important to her.

Culled from CNBC Africa

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Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Fashion, Fashion, Uncategorized

The Bellafricana Verified Tribe – Gbemmy Johnson

Hi there amazing reader! I know it has been a loooong time since we talked about the fabulous members of the Bellafricana verified family, so I decided to bring you some amazing insight on the delectable Gbemmy Johnson of Oeclat today.

Gbemmy Johnson is the brain behind O&#39Eclat Designs – a dynamic brand creating beautiful and affordable handcrafted totes, clutches, purses, wallets etc.

Oeclat is influenced by African rich culture and colours, hence the use of rich African prints, leather and plethora of other materials with a contemporary edge. Each piece represents a perfect individuality and style with key attention to details. With inspiration drawn from everywhere, every piece is a unique, classic design made for fashion lovers of all ages.

Gbemmy Johnson is making moves everyday and with each opportunity, to fulfil her vision of becoming a unique fashion and home accessories brand by providing accessories which value longevity and individuality over the disposable. Her mission is to make clients stylish with beautifully created artistic and tasteful adornments that exude an elegant edge. Creating affordable and quality handcrafted leather handbags and accessories brand inspired by the rich and beautiful African culture and tradition. Made for the modern woman who does it all without compromise.

Oeclat, birthed in 2010, is pronounced O-ey-klah and is a derivative of the designer’s name Oluwagbemisola and a French derivative English word Eclat which means distinction. Oeclat was born out of passion and an ongoing love affair with African rich prints and leather – its smell, malleability, durability, color and texture.

Gbemmy Johnson studied Biological Sciences (Microbiology) at the University of Ilorin and also has a diploma in Fashion Merchandising & Design from the Stratford Career Institute. She has also participated in various online and hands-on seminars and workshops on designing, and leather repair and restoration.

Focusing on perfecting her product and the attendant slow-burn success, the talented Gbemmy is building a brand, and importantly – a business that is here to stay. With an unrelenting mindset, despite formidable infrastructural issues plaguing the fashion industry, she soldiers on – producing an extremely well-made leather line and best selling purses season after season.

With this stable foundation, O’Eclat is poised for more ground-breaking success – she boasts more than a few fashion insiders as her brand loyalists, and word of mouth is her best press. Plus she is Bellafricana Verified.

The label’s core collection, with signatures including the Michelle Midi and Michelle Maxi handbag, her bestselling pieces are available for sale in nationwide through her online store and partner stockists.

Today, I’m throwing it all the way back to 2017, when Gbemmy Johnson was interviewed by Isoken Ogiemwonyi on Bellanaija Style. I enjoyed reading this interview a lot, and I thought to share with you. Keep reading to find our more.

NB: This interview was culled from www.bellanaijastyle.com

On choosing the brand name O’Eclat & its meaning:

O’Eclat Designs (pronounced O-eyklah) is a derivative of my name Oluwagbemisola and Eclat which means Style, confidence, distinction etc.  I wanted a name that is not entirely eponymous and would not be too much hassle to register as a business name.

O’Eclat Designs is a Nigerian ethical leather handbag and accessories design label, birthed in 2010 by Gbemi Johnson.

We produce quality and affordable handbags using premium leather and indigenous fabric handbags and accessories locally from our workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. Our range of handbags will take every modern woman from dawn to dusk, appropriate for a business meeting as they are for brunch or happy hour, giving you the freedom to go about your day with ease, empowered to better live your busy, modern lifestyles whilst also preserving the traditional techniques used in the production of our handbags, providing jobs for the skilled artisans and supporting indigenous businesses.

How did you start the brand ?

O’Eclat Designs was born out of a need to find the beautiful, perfect sized and affordable handbag and clutch that fits all our essentials and allow us keep up with our everyday lives. The need encouraged us to find skilled local artisans who are [into] handbag making within the country.

On the design process

‘A lot of thoughtfulness goes into the production of each and every O’Eclat piece. The design aesthetic[s], the quality of material used and the attention to detail. After coming up with a new design or product we normally would start to see what the pattern and the form, which is the size and the silhouette, the function, which includes the purpose and ideal use and then the materials, which includes the fabric, leather, lining and the hardware that will work perfect with your designs.’

On launching a brand in the Nigerian fashion industry:

‘It takes a lot of effort and determination. You have to do a lot of research about the industry, be persistent as the competition is a lot and you can easily loose track if you’re not committed to your journey’

What was your greatest challenge? And how did you overcome it.

My biggest challenge till date will be finding the right team who shares and understands my vision for the brand.

I was very determined and I knew giving up on my business will never happen, getting my desired business goal might be slow but I knew I’m closer to it each time I put in an effort and try again.

What do you think makes O’Eclat different from other brands?

The affordability and quality of materials used.

We also offer a 12 month warranty on all of our bags. If you are experiencing unforeseen quality issues, we offer free and easy repair options within the warranty period and charge a small fee when warranty period expires.

What’s your favourite product/design and why?

As the designer, it’s hard choosing a favourite as each and every product has a story and the purpose it serves. I love my Michelle Midi handbag as my everyday workbag due to its size and functionality; I switch to my Michelle Maxi  handbag due to its size, for days I want to go in between business meetings. Weekends and Travels are for my Michelle Mini handbag and Mila Clutch.

On a day in her life:

I start my business day with my emails, which most times determine how my day will go if I have not had anything pre-planned before,

I get to spend most of my day at the studio to supervise what we have going on, visit some of our retailers and attend to business appointments offline and online.

What have been your best sellers so far?

Michelle Midi and Mila Clutch

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start his or her own business?

Stay true to yourself and be committed to your journey. It’s not going to be an easy ride, prepare your mind to failure, pick yourself up when you do and start all over again. It’s all part of the process.

What’s next for O’Eclat?

We are working on introducing a range of small leather goods while continuing to improve on our production quality and expanding our sales channel[s].

What has given you your biggest boost as a business (fashion show, tradeshow, publication etc)

We are yet to showcase our handbags at a fashion show, so it has to be Publication and Tradeshows in that sequence. Publications have given us a lot of media awareness and exposure while tradeshows allow our customers and first time buyers experience our products first hand, they get to see, touch and feel what they are paying for.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt on your journey so far?

Staying true to myself and being persistent.

In three words O’Eclat is: 

Stylish, Affordable, Quality

You can purchase O’Eclat online at  http://oeclat.com and at her stockists listed below.

Grey Velvet Stores (Lagos and Abuja)

Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja

Circle Mall, Jakande Lekki

Centro Lekki Mall, Lekki

Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja

Glam’d Africa Abuja

40, Durban Street, Wuse II

Abuja.

For more information, contact:
WEBSITE: www.oeclatdesigns.com
EMAIL:  [email protected], [email protected]
TWITTER: @oeclat
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/oeclat

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Bellafricana published in Clothings, Fashion, Fashion

Maison Loulabelle Debuts It’s Metamorphosis Collection At The London Kids Fashion Week 2019

Maison loulabelle always has something up their sleeves to keep us wanting more!

The amazing Afrocentric kids fashion brand just launched it’s newest collection at the London Kids Fashion Week, hosted by Mini Mode. The new collection tagged METAMORPHOSIS! Was literally curated to change EVERYTHING you thought you knew about Afrocentric kid’s fashion. –

This collection is designed with no detail spared, produced with only the best material. Every detail expertly curated and assembled, Unapologetically lavish. Each design is a unique piece of history .

I have been waiting eagerly to see the pictures from the runway the moment a sneak peak of the backstage line up was uploaded on the Maison Loulabelle Instagram page. And once I could get a few pictures, I decided to put them up for you to see.

But before I show them to you I have a question to ask you. How many children’s dresses do you see that takes 70+ hours to create? With Maison Loulabelle, the beauty is in the details. Steady making your little girls look like princesses and not leaving the boys out. In the Metamorphosis collection, there is something for every kid. Scroll through to view images.

To connect with Maison Loulabelle, and possibly secure a piece from the ss19 collection before its official release in May, follow @maison_loulabelle on Instagram, or email [email protected]

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At Bellafricana our aim is to help you connect with creative, unique and quality African owned businesses.

We believe that every creative entrepreneur has a potential to grow sustainable global businesses. Bellafricana understands the challenges and is honored to be a part of the Creatives’ dream. Their dream is our dream

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