Mudiaga Clement Enajemo, popularly known as MUDI, is top of his game in dress making. With over 20 years experience in fashion business, the Ughelli, Delta State-born designer is a household name in Ghana, Senegal, South Africa and Kenya. With high profile clients ranging from musicians, actors and businessmen to politicians, Mudi offers customers unique experience for their money. Among his clients are John Kuffuor (former president of Ghana), Richard Mofe Damijo (a commissioner in Delta State), ex-English soccer player, John Fashanu, A-list actor, Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot, Olu Jacobs, as well as renowned African musicians, Salif Keita, Youssou N'Dour and others. The award winning designer tells DANIEL ANAZIA what fashion means to him. Growing upIt was nice and fun. My mum made sure that we got all we asked for. She also ensured we were dressed in the best and latest clothes.Was designing your first job' No. When I first came to Lagos, I was a factory worker with Bennet Industry, Ikosi. I was in the finishing department and was deliberately asked to go there to cross-check finished products because of my high taste. While there, during break periods, when my colleagues rested, I busied myself sketching because that was what I loved doing. I was the best Arts student, both in my primary and secondary schools. Not long after, I left to start MUDI. So, my ability to know how to sketch and illustrate designs set my foot on the right path.What is fashion to you'It is an expression of who you are and the trend in vogue. Style uniqueness I like being comfortable in whatever I wear, and at the same time, making statement with my creativity.Favourite colourEarthy colours. Favourite piece of clothingIt's difficult to pick a particular one. I like all my clothes. I hardly wear any one twice because friends and relatives keep taking them away from me.Favourite designerI love and admire late Gianni Versace for his attention to patterns. This has kept his brand going even after his demise. Most expensive fashion piece you ever bought'It's a D&G belt. It's very expensive, but I'm glad I have it in my collection.What you won't be caught wearingAwful and wild colours like orange.What in your view is fashion faux pax' In everything we do, there should be boundary. Because you want to express yourself at the same time, draw peoples' attention to your side; you break the rules; that you can never see me do. I abide by the standards.How often do you improve your wardrobe'Very often, I love experimenting and expressing my new design/concept first on myself before making it public. What is on shopping radar for the month'I'm not the outdoor person and I rarely go shopping for clothes because I design most of my wears. Occasionally, however, I shop for my shoes. For the month, there is nothing serious to shop.What makes a man or woman sexy in your opinion'Sleek clothes. It goes beyond the price worth of such cloth but the confidence expressed by the individual who wears it.Grooming habit and body care productsFirst, I would say discipline, which cuts across way of life, values and food. I make sure I don't eat late. I don't use any artificial cream except coconut oil.Favourite signature scentI rarely buy perfumes because my friends buy for me whenever they travel abroad.Favourite FoodBeans and plantain.Choice travel/holiday destinationI'm an African and I love African countries, they appeal to me a lot because of their rich culture, tourism and natural endowments. Whenever I want to go for vacation, I go to any of these countries ' Kenya, South Africa, Senegal.Likes I love and flow with people who are genuine, natural, and down to earthDislikesI hate liars and pretenders with a passion.Philosophy of lifeLive and let's live.One thing you would change if given the opportunity as a leaderOur value system. If we change from what it is today, everything will become normal. Our value system is so bad that the youths no longer seek hardwork because they have been bitten by the 'get rich quick bug'. We celebrate corrupt people and their corruption in Nigeria. The bad value system that we practise has done more harm to our economy. Today, it is normal to be abnormal in Nigeria.
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