Agatha Moreno, an entrepreneur and creative director of the fashion label Agatha Moreno lets us into her world as she celebrates her birthday today.
EXQUISITE MAGAZINE (EM): We want to know more about you.
AGATHA MORENO (AM): I am Agatha Otene Moreno, a mother of 4 and the creative director of the fashion label AGATHA MOERENO. I’m from Otupko, in Benue state. I grew up in Yola State, before I moved to Brighton, UK. I was in UK for about 20 years before returning to Nigeria recently, to start my clothing line. Since then, I’ve been shuttling between Lagos, UK and Spain.
EM: Tell us about your fashion label Agatha Moreno.
AM: Agatha Moreno is a line that caters for fashion forward people. People, who are not afraid to try new things. We are known for simple but yet stylish and chic designs.
EM: You just turned 43 and you look exquisite, what is your looking good routine like?
AM: Honestly, I don’t have any routine. It’s just me, and eating right.
EM: You were nominated for the ELOY Awards 2017, how was that for you?
AM: Being nominated for the ELOY award was a big one for me, because I only started this about three years ago and seeing where the brand has been to over that short period of time. I’m so grateful to God and the organisers for the recognition. Even though I didn’t win it, I feel like a winner.
EM: You recently showcased your collection on an international runway, tell us where and about that experience.
AM: Yeah, I recently showcased at Cannes Film Festival Fashion show, at France. It was such a great honour to have been invited from Africa out of the lots of great designers that the continent has. I felt honoured at the reception I received and the recognition during the Film Festival.
EM: What should we expect from you and the brand this year?
AM: You should expect nothing but the best of Agatha Moreno. 2018 is promising to be a great year, as we have been invited to showcase at the first ever annual Asia / Africa Fashion Week Europe in Istanbul, Turkey. Our great collections and every other thing we have packed for our dear buyers. We promise never to disappoint you.
EM: How have you been able to strike a work home balance?
AM: Honestly it hasn’t been easy balancing both due to the huge dedication required of both work and home. But with God, I’ve been able to create the time for my family, because they have always been there for me since the start. And my very understanding husband and children whom I’ve been blessed with.
EM: How has fashion influenced you?
AM: I’ve always been fashion conscious right from my childhood. I’m always concerned about what I wear and how I wear them. Being a fashion designer has only brought me out of my cage to the world point of view.
EM: Your style is usual daring, how did you get to this confidence level, what drives it?
AM: It’s just me being myself, which I’ve always been. I don’t try to be like other people, I believe every human is created differently with our own unique feature. My major drive is wanting to be happy and free.
EM: Give us 3 tips for loving your body.
AM: Eat well (good food), drink lots of water and take some rest.
EM: What inspires you?
AM: I’m inspired by the beauty of nature
EM: What’s the most exciting thing about you?
AM: My personality. I am a free person and react to things as I see them.
EM: Advise for mothers who think hitting 40 and beyond is not exciting.
AM: They say life begins at 40, and I am actually just realising it. I’ve had all my kids and I’ve got all the time I want to spend with my family. I’ll say you should step into your heels, be yourself, keep going after your dreams because we can’t have it all at once. And enjoy the flavour of life, and you are allowed to break a little bit of the rules. Lol.
Photos provoded by Agatha Moreno
