ELOHO Kes is the CEO of Seku Fashions, a Lagos-based outfit that aims at dressing Nigerians in stunning, urban attires. Aside from making clothes that cut across different classes, the Babcock University graduate of Business Administration is focused on creating new styles from indigenous cultural fabrics.Venturing into the needle and thread business to make a difference, Eloho says, 'I began to pick interest in designing after my secondary school education. I saw it as the only thing I could derive satisfaction from. I loved making clothes and I never got tired of doing that. I knew there were other things I could do to be successful, but none would give me the fulfillment design has given me.'On completing her secondary education, Eloho became apprenticed to a tailor in Warri before joining the work force of Olamide Ajayi, owner of Iconola label, from where she established Seku Fashions.Eloho says, 'I got motivated to start Seku as a way of rebelling against tradition. I was tired of watching the Nigerian culture submerged under Western influence; you know, not being able to properly express myself fashionably as an African without being labeled 'ethnic.' I was just tired of not being able to afford even the clothes that could be termed 'African.' All these made me to set up my outfit as a voice and expression to my worries.'Eloho, whose clients are mostly women in the age range of 18 and 40, informs that she is inspired by the Bible. 'There's so much beauty and drama in the Bible that I can't exhaust. Its different books inspire me every season; for there is always a new angle, a new side to take on that I didn't see before.'What is the first thing the designer sees in her clients before making a design'Eloho says, 'I want to achieve a happy face; to make the client smile. Aside from donning a nice dress, a happy face makes the wearer beautiful, free and alive, just as God wants it to be.'She adds, 'this is the reason my style is quirky, bold and attention-grabbing. I like bold colours, patterns and mixes. I also like to get eyebrows raised, though, in a good way.'On the type of fabrics she works more comfortably with, Eloho answers: 'I use a lot of cotton, linens, chiffon, aso-oke, george and others. I buy most of the fabrics in Warri. My choice of fabrics is greatly affected by the weather, which makes me to use a lot of light, breathable materials that will be comfortable to wear in the heat. I also use aso-oke and other hand-woven fabrics because of their intricacies.'What then gives Seku the cutting edge' 'Seku is bright and fun. It puts smile on your face and does not stuck-up in fashion. It's beautiful, unique to everyone and as well affordable,' she says.LOOKING at the industry, the arrowhead of Seku Fashions says, 'it has grown in bounds and I'm always excited whenever I see or hear of new designers and what they are doing. It has gradually begun to be part of our popular culture, which encourages growth in the industry and the country.'Despite the boom, Eloho says it is not yet Uhuru, as there are different challenges facing different designers. 'The biggest challenge for me has been getting indigenous fabrics from all parts of the country for my designs. When found, they are usually expensive and thus affect production cost. Though there is poor electric power supply situation in the country, I have learnt to work with that.' Speaking on where the fashion house will be in 10 years, Eloho, who admires Diane von Furstenberg and Max Azria for their designs, says she hopes to see Seku in almost every state in Nigeria and every part of the world. Advising upcoming designers, the proprietress stresses, 'they should be true to themselves. Let your designs speak of who you are and what you stand for, which is the only way to stand out and make a name for yourself.
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