Abiola Abiodun is the brain and creative director behind NANA CLASSIQUE, a brand strictly for MEN ranging from casual to red carpet outfits and all. She discovered her passion for designing at a very young age, which was inspired by her father’s style and sense of fashion. She described him as the ‘fashionista’. Do enjoy her interview:
EM- HOW DID THE JOURNEY BEGIN?
My dad was a fashionista, always loved to dress up. He’d come to me, asking if his outfits were okay and matched. I was practically his mirror in the house. There was this tailor I also gave clothes to, and my dad seeing how much I loved sewing, suggested I learnt it full time. I also loved sketching so it was easy to sketch my designs.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
I do mostly kaftans.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOMENT AS A DESIGNER?
Well, I always have best moments. I mean celebrities wear my clothes and designs to different parts of the world on tours and concerts. These make my best moments.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENT?
If I remember correctly, I wasn’t good with fabric selection which I overcame. Also, when a client sent in wrong measurements and put the blame on me. It was indeed not funny.
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT’S BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
10. If I can still add a % to it, I will! My works are always very detailed and my clients always love them.
WHICH CELEBRITIES HAVE WORN YOUR BRANDS?
Patoranking (Musician), Nedu (Oap/Commedian) , Ushbebe (Oap/ Comedian) Lasisi Elenu (Nigerian No. 1 ranter, comedian) MC Abbey (Comedian/OAP, Events MC) Kenneth Omeoro (Nigerian footballer), Mix Master Garzy (Ghanian Music producer), Dare Art Alade (Musician), Brother Shaggie (Comedian/Actor)
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK WITH PLEASURE?
As much as I’d like to have fun, I barely have time. In between trying to pick out fabrics and organizing it and making my clients happy, there isn’t much time but then… I still manage to have a little me time.
INTERVIEW BY- DAMILOLA SHOTE
