Textiles Archives - Bellafricana

Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, bellafricana, Entrepreneurship, Events, September 7, 2023

The Evolution, An Exhibition Of African Lusture

Jopee Dairo, the creative force behind THE EVOLUTION, is on a mission to bring change and shed light on the rich artistic heritage of the African people. This event is more than just an exhibition; it’s a platform that showcases the evolution of African art and culture.

Jopee Dairo is not just a visual artist but a storyteller, using various digital and mixed media forms to narrate tales from the African perspective. His inspiration is rooted in the greatness of the Black race and the untold stories that lie beneath the surface.

At THE EVOLUTION event, attendees can expect a captivating experience filled with intriguing, educational, and fascinating works of art. These pieces are not merely for purchase but also forging connections and rekindling memories of the goodness that has been lost and the promising future that lies ahead. Click here to register.

Here is an interview session with Jopee Dairo.

ABOUT JOPEE DAIRO

1. What inspired you to become a digital artist?

Ans: Firstly, My name is Gbemisola Joseph Dairo popularly known as Jopee Dairo; I am a Visual Artist with a uniqueness in telling stories from the African perspective using all forms of Digital and Mixed Media. I was inspired by the greatness of the Black race and the untold stories that lie beneath.

2. Can you describe your artistic style and how it has evolved over the years?

Ans: I am a mixed media artist who paints ideas to life with the digital use of African fabric patterns such as Kente, Adinkra, and Ankara. Over the years my Art has moved from mere creation of Artworks using black photography to telling untold stories about the greatness of motherland Africa.

3. What themes or concepts do you explore in your digital art?

Ans: Societal values, history, and change.

4. Are there any artists or influencers who have had a significant impact on your work?

Ans: Yes. These are the likes of Bisa Butler, Mayowa Lawal, and Mayowa Alabi.

5. How do you incorporate African culture and heritage into your digital art?

Ans: Africa is Art and Art is Africa. Photography has been my greatest tool as it gives me the limitless freedom I need to create compelling stories with my Art.

6. Can you share your creative process from idea to finished artwork?

Ans: From the point of conception, I do rough sketches on paper, do research, and prepare my storyboard, and then I relate with my photographer based on the concept. Once we come to terms, we get model(s) who we share the idea with and once that works, we proceed to shoot photography. The last part is when I get to do my digital edit, print, and put off for sale.

7. What challenges have you faced as a digital artist, and how did you overcome them?

Ans: One of the major challenges is finding inspiration not just to create but to continue. Other challenges are in the areas of affording gadgets, power supply, and understanding the markets.

I have found comfort in sharing my challenges with established artists or models whom I look up to in the business of Arts and Creativity. A problem shared is half solved, right? I am not there yet, but I am overcoming my challenges gradually.

8. What achievements or milestones in your career are you most proud of?

Ans: Having my work nominated for best documentary at the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2023, featuring on a project with Ghana’s renowned Glenn Samm, and partnering at the BellAfricana UK Summer Pop-up 2023. I am quite proud of being the only Nigerian in my category and being one of the very few Nigerians to be nominated for the Accra Music and Arts Award 2023.

9. Do you have a favorite piece of artwork that holds special meaning to you?

Ans: Yes I do, and that will be “Wails of a Mother”, a project I did in collaboration with Ghana’s Journalist and Model coach; Titus Dhoku.

10. How can art enthusiasts and collectors connect with you and acquire your digital art pieces?

Ans: I can connect with you on my social media platforms at iamjopeedairo.

ABOUT THE EVOLUTION

1. What inspired you to organize THE EVOLUTION, and what is its overarching mission?

Ans: Change. The mission is to showcase the rich artistic heritage of the African people and how we have evolved.

2. Can you provide an overview of what attendees can expect at the event?

Ans: Everyone should come to the Evolution expecting to see intriguing, educating, and fascinating works of art. These are Arts that they are not just compelled to buy but connect with and spur memories of goodness that have been lost and the better end that fast approaches.

3. How did you select the participating artists and their collections for the exhibition?

Ans: The participating artists are those who have been found with a like mind backed with some indigenous taste in Arts, even in the uniqueness of their styles.

4. What role do you believe events like THE EVOLUTION play in promoting African art and creativity?

Ans: Events like this are pivotal to spreading the awareness of African culture and the dignity that comes with it.

5. Can you share any highlight or unique features of THE EVOLUTION that make it a must-attend event?

Ans: This event is the first of its kind on the mainland of Lagos, Nigeria with international attention in Europe and about five (5) other African countries. The event sets a new standard for artists, photographers, and stakeholders in the creative space in Africa and the diaspora.

6. Are there specific goals or messages you aim to convey through this event?

Ans: Yes there are. Change, standard, freedom, and the endless possibilities that avail for the black race irrespective of the misconceptions of the past or the present are key ideas we aim to preach.

7. How can businesses and organizations benefit from attending THE EVOLUTION?

Ans: We have sponsorships, partnerships, and vendor opportunities for brands and businesses that we will in turn showcase to our audience.

8. Are there any notable speakers or workshops planned during the event?

Ans: No, it’s not an event for workshops, however, there will be lots to learn as exhibitors and brands engage the audience.

9. What steps have you taken to ensure a memorable and immersive experience for the attendees?

Ans: We’ve got a conducive location in the heart of Lagos, music that resonates with the theme of the event, and maximum security.

11. How do you envision the future of THE EVOLUTION and its impact on the creative community?

Ans: The Evolution is a concept that will shift paradigms and change the narratives of the Arts and creative space in Africa.

12. How can individuals interested in attending or supporting the event get involved or obtain tickets?

Ans: All information needed regarding this will be made available on our Instagram page @iamjopeedairo including attendants’ forms as it is a free-to-attend but registration-compulsive event.

Jopee Dairo’s artistic style is a blend of mixed media, where he brings ideas to life using digital techniques and incorporates African fabric patterns such as Kente, Adinkra, and Ankara. His artistic journey has evolved from creating art using black photography to delving deeper into the untold stories that celebrate the greatness of Africa, the motherland. Through his work, he aims to not only create art but also to convey the narratives and histories that often go unheard. This event promises to be very interesting and specifically to help creative brands. Click here to register.

Bellafricana published in africa, Arts & Crafts, bellafricana, Fashion, Textiles January 21, 2020

Meet The Founder Of Sisi Aladire Enterprises (SAE)

If you’re African, (Nigerian especially) then the word “Adire” is a familiar name to you. In this interview, we had a conversation with a Bellafricana Verified Member, Sisi Aladire, whose Brand has long become a Household name in the world of Adire.

Meet Ms Olubunmi Davies of Sisi Aladire Enterprises (SAE).

Read on to learn about how the amazing Sisi Aladire Enterprises was born, goals for the nearest future, and many more.

Please introduce yourself

I am S. M. Olubunmi Davies (Ms), a retired Architect and the founder/Chief Executive Officer of Sisi Aladire Enterprises(SAE). As a daughter of a diplomat, I went to school in 5 countries.

I actually wanted to be a broadcaster, but a friend of my father, told me to study Architecture. I am a member of Neca’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), an organization that has taught me a lot about being an entrepreneur.

I live and work in Lagos.

Tell us about your work. How did Sisi Aladire Enterprises start?

I started Sisi Aladire Enterprises about 30 years ago.

I really do not remember why I started but I remember talking to late Mrs Okuboyejo (Betti-O) about buying and selling Adire fabrics. I spent a weekend in her house, creating different patterns on plain fabrics. I would go to Abeokuta to buy some Adire to sell to family and friends.

When Betti-O found out the quantity of Adire I was going to buy in Abeokuta, she told me to buy at Tejuosho market because the difference in price was little. The first product made by SAE, is the Yemisi bag, a tote bag which was an improved version of an Ankara bag, given to me by Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti.

I got tailors to make outfits for me with Adire which people liked. Orders were made and SAE started making ready to wear garments.

*Picture of the Yemisi Bag, as held by Prof. Judith Byfields*

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

I liked Aladire, but there was already a business with that name, so I added “Sisi” to the “Aladire”.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

To be truthful, I did not know that there was a niche in the market. I liked the idea of selling Adire and got started.

In the 1980s, I do not believe most people did market research before starting a business.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

Initially, I made outfits or garments that I liked, but after some time, people asked for what they wanted.

At times, I adapt styles that I see on people or in magazines.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

Like I said Earlier, the first product was the tote bag named after Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti. Although it has been modified over the years, it is still a popular product of SAE.

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

I did not do any research before I started my business, because I did not know I was suppose to do so, therefore, issues like funding and structure were not considered at the beginning.

Now, I am working with some consultants on creating a structure for the business.

Tailors, especially good ones are not easy to get. Work ethics is also an issue with tailors.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

No, I do not have any regret venturing into this business. Although I wish I knew some of the things I know now when I started.

What is your most popular product?

It is difficult to say. At times, I get orders for kaftans, wrap round skirts, tops or bags. However, I believe I have sold more tote bags than any other product.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

Adire is a product of a traditional industry, but we are adapting it to suit contemporary life style.

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

My short term goal for SAE, is to make it very successful, financially, while making Adire fabric, the preferred fabric of choice.

The long term goal, is to have a massive factory with about 10 thousand workers, producing garments, bags, accessories and many other products with Adire fabrics.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are usually surprised when I tell them that I am an Architect.

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

I think I will like to be a painter.

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

Anyone who wants to start a business, any business, must be steadfast, have a positive mindset and be ready for setbacks.

Connect with Ms Buunmi Davies on Instagram @sisialadire. Otherwise, you can reach her on +2348023343453

Follow us on Instagram @bell_africana for more amazing creative indigenous brands, and to fine out more about the beauty of Africa.

Bellafricana published in Articles, Exclusive Interviews, Furnitures, Home & Living, Meet The Founders, September 24, 2019

Meet The Founder Of Ile Ila #Exclusive Interview

Hey there!

It’s been a minute. I just checked the date of my last published article and I myself was wowed! But hey! Let’s leave the past in the past shall we?

I was opportune to have an exclusive interview with the founder of an amazingly awesome furniture design brand called Ilé Ilà. The fist time I came across the brand was during the Bellafricana ACE Awards 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria, and I can remember just standing and staring at these sets of beautiful furniture made with Aso Oke. They were so colorful, looked very comfortable and all I could say to myself was, ”Oh wow, this is art!”

This interview gave me more insight to what this brands stands for, why they do what they do, and some of the challenges they face as a business. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you, Tosin Oshinowo, Founder and Creative Director of Ile Ila.

Please introduce yourself and your background

My name is Tosin Oshinowo. I am an Architect and run a design practice in Lagos, Nigeria called cmDesign Atelier. I am also a product designer and run a lifestyle furniture line called Ile Ila.

Tell us about your work. How did Ile Ila start?

Ile Ila, is a lifestyle furniture line designed and hand-made in Lagos, Nigeria. The brand design period-conscious furniture with a contemporary African content.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Ilé-Ilà, means House of Lines in Yoruba,

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

Our business is focused on accent chairs and ottomans. we really focused on the celebration and capsulation of Culture.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

We get our inspiration from everything around us. In particular we have a thing for color and textures and there is so much variety with Aso Oke.

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

One of the first chairs I made is still in my home. It’s an assortment of purple and lilac Aso Oke. It is really is one of the reasons who I got into the idea of color combination.

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

Biggest challenge has been scaling up of production due to capital costs of the carpentry machinery. Currently, production is slow due to the machinery available, if we can scale up we can reduce time and reduce production cost and pass this saving on the our customers.

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

Not at all. Because I have stayed in the realm of design and creativity both businesses feed off each other.

What is your most popular product?

It’s interesting but difficult to answer. different demographics like different things. All the chairs have done well but i can almost guess peoples preference if I know their background or gender. In terms of sales the Alaafia did exceptionally well.

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

We are all products of our experiences and exposures and it is this combination that is reflected in my work.

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

We really want to push international sales. right now it’s expensive to export and this pushes up the price. short term we want to add more furniture lines to the brand.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I don’t know how to tie gele….. and I hardly wear Aso Oke.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the Furniture Design industry?

I probably would have been a visual artist.

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

Make sure you get your business properly registered and engage the services of an accountant from the start and make sure you pay your tax.

And finally, Here are some more images of pieces by Ilé-Ilà

Connect with Tosin on Instagram @ile.ila or send an email to [email protected] or you can call, 08023789728.

Follow us on Instagram @bell_africana for more amazing creative indigenous brands, and to fine out more about the beauty of Africa.

Bellafricana published in Fashion, Textiles September 3, 2019

Introducing Adire Lounge Aro-Ewa Collection

You’ve probably heard it before ‘ out with the old, in with the new’. But at Adire lounge we’ve found a perfect blend for both the old and the new to have congruence, hence the Aro- Ewa collection.

The collection is borne out of the belief that being ancient in spirit, yet modern in expression is the perfect scenario to remain consistent and relevant in our ever changing world of sustainable fashion.

Aro Ewa simply translated as ‘Dyed Beauty’is the recreation of contemporary patterns; employing old age historical techniques, coupled with the rich indigo dye, reminiscent of African indigenous designs, in order to celebrate our old Adire heritage.

At the heart of the collection, ensuring sustainability of the fashion value chain is paramount; from farmer to designer, the use of cotton fabric grown and milled in Nigeria, and our collaboration with other creatives in the industry like Denike online, Henri Uduku and Busayo Longe attests to our commitment to showcasing our brand ethos of ‘Made in Nigeria’.

By this, we believe our existence as an indigenous premium brand would contribute greatly in reviving the local manufacturing sector; modernizing the art of textile design, while inspiring more people to embrace original African fashion that have history and art infused within them as wearable pieces.

Adire Lounge is a member of the Bellafricana family, as a member the business gains visibility, growth, voice & credibility. Bellafricana with the support of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is a platform that connects producers of creative indigenous products like Adire lounge with their consumers locally and globally.

For more detail about Bellafricana follow @bell_africana 0n Instagram, bellafricana on Facebook and Twitter.

Bye for now!

Bellafricana published in Furnitures, Gift Items, Home & Living, Textiles August 15, 2019

The Asooke Inspired Brands You Should Know

Aso Oke is a short form of Aso Ilu Oke also known as Aso-Ofi meaning clothes from the up-country. It is the traditional wear of the Yoruba’s (the tribe of the southwest people in Nigeria, Africa).

The Yoruba’s are the second largest tribe in Nigeria after the Northerners. Aso Oke is a popular cloth that is worn on special occasions by the Yoruba’s usually for chieftancy, festivals, engagement, naming ceremony and other important events.

It is said that “the beauty of Aso-Oke comes out more when it is taken as Aso-Ebi (group of people e.g. friends, families e.t.c)”, however Bellafricana verified members through their creativity have changed the narrative and are showing the beauty of Aso-Oke in interior decorations, fashion, shoes, bags and many more. You should click here to read the culled history written.

Lets meet these amazing business owners and brands…

Meet Bayo Ademiluyi, founder Ty Tys Design (click images below)

Mr Bayo Ademiluyi is a lawyer by profession and Head of Design at Ty-Tys. Design (an asooke inspired brand) A company that produces hand-made distinctive neckwear (i.e. ties, bowties), pocket squares, laptop bags, ladies’ tote bags, wall hangings and scarves using traditional African fabrics, predominantly aso-oke.

Ty tys Design draws inspiration quite extensively from the Nigeria heritage, being that the main raw material is sourced from within the country and the ethos of the business is based on local culture and heritage.

Meet Gbemi Johnson, founder O’Eclat Designs (click images below)

O’Eclat Designs (pronounced O-eyklah) is a derivative of Oluwagbemisola and Eclat which means Style, confidence, distinction etc. She 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.

Meet Tunde Owolabi, founder Ethnik (click images below)

Ethnik by Tunde Owolabi, an asooke inspired brand is about making aso oke accessible to the fashion-forward modern man and woman. Beyond accessibility and creating fashionable pieces for brand savvy trendsetter, Ethnik is about promoting culture and giving back to the community.

Ethnik believes that sustenance is the key to preserving our heritage. To this end, a core element of our social responsibility means we invest in our local artisans and create an enabling environment where they can continue to weave aso oke the way it is done traditionally, a skill that is passed down through generations.

Meet Tosin Oshinowo, founder Ile Ila (click images below)

Ilé Ilà (translated “House of Lines”), an asooke inspired brand was started by Tosin Oshinowo in 2017 to celebrate her native Yoruba culture. It is a lifestyle furniture-line designed and hand-made in Lagos, Nigeria. They design period-conscious furniture with a contemporary African content, hand-made with love, in Lagos Nigeria.

Tosin Oshinowo, an Architect behind the design and execution of the Maryland Mall has a natural affinity towards product design. She is particularly interested in the functionality of chairs, but also placing them in a Nigerian-African context.

What is a community without people? As for us at Bellafricana, we are so passionate about our league of talented creative members, and you should be too.

Interested in joining the community and getting your creative brand known by more customers? or know someone that should? Then email me at [email protected] cc [email protected] or call 08086363970.

For the love of asooke, have these products below

What really is this Bellafricana about? Bellafricana is the leading platform that empowers, supports and provides creative Indigenous Businesses with a platform to showcase their business and connect to their global consumers looking to patronise and trade with them.

Need quality creative products, think bellafricana!

What is your Mission: To Make Finding Quality Indigenous Businesses Easier.

But Why: We noticed a vast increase in the number of unique quality creative products made in Nigeria (Africa) but noticed a huge gap between local creative Indigenous Entrepreneurs and consumers.

Hence, we created this platform to bridge that gap. What better way than through online, which gives it a global opportunity.

Click here to Learn more about how to grow Your Unique Indigenous Business with Bellafricana

What if I just want to advertise on bellafricana website/newsletter? : That’s totally possible, just email [email protected], cc [email protected] or call 08086363970

Bellafricana published in Fashion, Gift Items, Meet The Founders, Textiles August 5, 2019

The Adire Inspired Brands You Should Know

Here are some Adire inspired brands you should know. At Bellafricana, not only are we consciously focused on the growth and success of our members, we are also creating an enabling community where they can cooperate, collaborate and thrive.

Adire textile as you may already know, pronounced as Ah-DEE-reh is an age old indigo die textile indigenous to the Yoruba tribe of the Southwestern Nigeria.

This textile is rich in beauty and culture as much a

s it has a rich history. Some have claimed that the diverse history originated centuries ago before it was then adopted. You should click here to read the culled history written.

Meet Bibire Fawehinmi, founder Asologe (click image to go to brand page)

Asologe is inspired by various kinds of fabric designs, mostly Adire and the designers love for unique prints that portray the African culture accurately, while giving her designs an urban edge.

Meet Jadesola Rawa founder Melia by Jade, adire inspired brands (click image to go to brand page)

Melia by Jade is a clothing brand in Nigeria that started about a year ago. The brand uses Adire, Tie & Dye, Kampala, Batik to design contemporary outfits such as shorts, jackets, playsuits, cape dresses, pants etc for the modern day, every day woman.

Meet Cynthia Okochu, founder Adire Lounge (click image to go to brand page)

The Adire lounge Textile Company has a mission of creating prosperity for African women, youths and their families. They achieve prosperity by creating unique, hand crafted products such as fabrics, scarves, tshirts and more of the highest quality.

For the love of adire, have these products below;

Need quality creative products, think bellafricana!

What is your Mission: To Make Finding Quality Indigenous Businesses Easier.

Hence, we created this platform to bridge that gap. What better way than through online, which gives it a global opportunity.

Click here to Learn more about how to grow Your Unique Indigenous Business with Bellafricana

Bellafricana published in Fashion, Fashion, Furnitures, Gift Items, Textiles August 4, 2019

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

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

Bellafricana published in Fashion, Meet The Founders, Textiles May 20, 2019

Meet The Founder Of Asologe Fashion House

One part of my job I love the most, is being able to connect with amazing entrepreneurs and founders of unique, Afrocentric and indigenous brands. It is truly an honor to be able to hear their stories directly from them, as they take you through the journey of why they started, how they started, and how far they have come.

Today’s interview feature is about an amazing young lady, who founded the Asologe Fashion House. AFH produces uniquely designed hand-dyes Adire fabrics that give your outfit a contemporary edge. Read our interesting conversation below. I know you will enjoy it.

Please introduce yourself and your background

HI…… My name is Bibire Fawehinmi, from the famous “Fawehinmi” family in Ondo town of Ondo west local government, Ondo state. Born into a family of a High court judge and an entrepreneur (fabric seller) with 2 siblings; an elder sister and a younger brother.

Lived all my childhood and teen years in Ondo with my parents. I studied Mathematics Education in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-ife in Osun state where I finished with an upper class.

Tell us about your work. How did Asologe Fashion House start?

I am a full time African print manufacturer and seller. Asologe Fashion House is a brand name I coined from my love for fabrics in general, maybe because I was born into it. I had always dreamed of owning one of the most luxurious fabric stores. Asologe which means ‘CLOTH IS FASHION’ simply explains itself.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

I love to call my business, Asologe, for a short………asides my love for prints, I got to know more about Adire while in camp in 2017 in Akwa Ibom during the one-week SAED training (smiles). My very first teacher goes by the name Pst Abiodun, then after the camp, I redeployed to Lagos but that didn’t stop me from learning more, I had a one month training with my teacher via WhatsApp. YouTube too was(is) a great teacher too.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?

With this little knowledge from my boss, I started and I can boldly say that sustained me for more than 8months in the business. Later, I would go through some pages on Instagram and keep wondering how they dyed a particular design, then i knew I was obsolete and I needed new (fresh) knowledge and that was when I furthered and had another one month training with my boss 2 at Surulere, here in Lagos state.

Where do you get the inspiration for your products?

For me, I get my inspiration from some kind of fabric I see around (Ankara) and I’m always like, we can replicate something like this on our Adire and that’s it.

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

My very first client asides (families and friends) was (is) a Nigerian in the London. He purchased 100yards of Adire, which now, I will say are very basic Adire (smiles) and he paid me 70% before I started the work. Upon completion, the remaining was paid before I took to NAAN at ikeja. For me, that was a great way to start and part of what keeps me going.

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

Hmmm, challenges though, for me, the first will be sourcing for fabric and getting them at the needed time. Sudden increase in amount of dyes and chemicals. Also, man-power, because the higher you go, the more hands needed, which I will say are not so willing and ready…………….

Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?

But still, I don’t have any regrets venturing into this business at. All………

What is your most popular product?

Hmmmm, most popular product, I can’t say because all product has its season and time. January, we might have more sales from Adire lace……. Next month might just be hundreds of scarfs………

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

I believe all dreams are valid and I see Asologe becoming a household business name with proper and operational manufacturing systems in play. I just don’t want to have dyeing pit. I want to have a manufacturing plant where we can manufacture our dyes and chemicals, workers that are ready and totally in sync with the company’s vision.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I cherish family so much and for that, one of my goal is to keep my family as the priority above all.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the Fashion industry?

I am a big lover and die-hard fan of bread (smiles)…….and I hope to have a mini bakery someday. For profession, I can’t think of any really……… but maybe an investment banker.

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

My first advice will be, ensure you have an extra stream of income. Be ready to meet an entirely new people. Be patient.

Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, Clothings, Fashion, Fashion, April 17, 2019

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

Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, Clothings, News, Textiles April 9, 2019

Kenyan Company Green Nettle Textile won a major fashion award for making fabric from nettles

Organic fibers made from nettles has bagged a Kenyan company one of the world’s top sustainable fashion prizes.

Green Nettle Textile was this year awarded almost $170,000 as part of the $1.1 million Global Change Award, a fashion innovation challenge initiated by H&M Foundation in collaboration with management consulting firm Accenture and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Described by some as the Nobel Prize for sustainable fashion, the award seeks to disrupt the fashion industry by choosing early stage ideas and incubating them towards the goal of an environmentally-conscious, circular fashion instead of a wasteful, linear model.

This year, the competition received 6,640 entries from 182 countries, with a tremendous increase in entrances from emerging markets. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa were among the top 10 nations that submitted entries for the award.

Green Nettle won the award along with four other firms that made expanding children’s clothes (United Kingdom), a biodegradable vegan leather (Peru), a digital system that helps make garments recyclable from sketch to scrap (Germany) besides a toxic-free membrane for outdoor wear (Switzerland). Besides financial support, the winners will also get access to a mentorship program that will take them to markets including Sweden, Hong Kong, and the United States.

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Using nettles in producing fabric was astute given that the plant grows in Kenya and is used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. After the Kenya Bureau of Standards certified the plant in 2009, farmers in Kenya started betting on its newfound commercial capabilities. Green Nettle Textile is now proving an extension of that dynamism, hoping to grow the stinging plant in barren areas to make an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fabric and create income for farmers.

As clothes become cheaper and more disposable, the fashion industry has explored how to create clothes for rapidly growing populations while protecting the planet. The overproduction and overconsumption of fast fashion have especially come under criticism—including how eco-friendly is clothing from the chief GCA award sponsor H&M. There have also been concerns about how much energy and water clothing production consumes, besides how much industrial waste factories release into oceans, rivers and natural habitats. Environmental groups like Greenpeace have, for instance, advocated for companies to change their customers’ mindsets and to design clothes for long life.

In Africa, where there’s a nascent manufacturing and fashion industry, local designers are not just challenging reductive ideas of what makes up “African” fashion but also where to source materials from. Last year, Rwanda raised tariffs on used clothing and footwear from the US as it positions itself to become a significant exporter of clothes. Yet funding has proved critical for these designers and manufacturers, an issue creative funds like HEVA want to change.

To further support companies like Green Nettle, H&M Foundation this year partnered with crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to not only get more people to back the winners but also raise awareness about sustainable fashion worldwide.

This article was originally published on qz.com

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