DAMILOLA Bode-Ogundipe, Creative Director of Chocolate Clothing and Accessories, is a designer of note. The Urban and Regional Planning graduate from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who also had a stint at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan African University, launched her outfit in 2007. She spoke to KEHINDE OLATUNJI on her sojourn in the industry. How did you become a designer' Though, I've always had love for fashion,I never considered it as a career option until five years ago.When we were growing up, jobs such as fashion designing and event management were not considered as serious career paths, however, things have changed. Why fashion designing and not something else' For me, it is instinctive and natural. I don't have to 'work' at it, and I believe that to give your best at your job, you need to be doing something that you can do and love with your whole heart without getting paid! I have other 'loves' such as interior decoration and writing, but fashion is my absolute passion. Training' I had worked for one of the top designers in the country and gained quite a bit of experience before I did a three-month course at Valerie Davids School of Design, which was to give a 'formal touch' to the skills I already had. But as in every other profession, keeping abreast of what is happeningin the industry is key, so, I make sure I stay current through workshops and short courses. Motivation I'm motivated to be the best at what I do and excel at it because I know that's what Christ expects of me. Motivation to keep doing what I do (even when factors like epileptic power supply and other factors rear their heads. It also comes from 'that look' on a client's face when she sees her reflection in the outfit for the first time! That pure look of pleasure makes it all worth it. What gives you the cutting edge' It's what I call the 'oomph!' factor. It's that little extra in a design that takes it from being a lovely outfit to a breathtaking one. My designs are for people who truly love fashion and appreciate even those tiny details that you need a magnifying glass to see! I believe a design doesn't always have to be overtly complicated but should always be able to make the statement the wearer wants to without her having to say a word. First thing that comes to mind when designing The purpose of the outfit! Even the bible says 'where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable'. Knowing what the client wants the outfit for, serves as a foundation of the whole design before even thinking of her personal style and other factors. What messages are you passing with your designs' That style can be infused into every area of your life be it at play or work. That even in the ever-changing fast paced world of fashion you can look stylish, fashionable and current without being a slave to trends. That fashion is individual and you should be proud of your uniqueness and not try to look like someone else My style My style is what I term 'easy cosmo'. Stylish yet comfortable ' laid-back enough to catch a movie and dressed up enough to eat out at a nice restaurant. Of course, I dress to suit occasions that demand a certain look, but I don't lose style of comfort and style whatever the outfit is. What materials do you use' I'm not really restrained in my use of fabric. I use materials ranging from flowing fabrics such as chiffon, silk, silk satin to ones of a more structured nature like raw silk, cotton and ankara. I get a lot of my fabrics from places like Dubai and India. I have vendors who supply me with whatever specifications I give them. So, I don't necessarily have to travel to shop for fabrics. Our local markets are also a great source of quality materials and I enjoy making 'finds' in them. Why Iprefer the materials I use' My choice of materials depends on the design of the outfit and the form and fit it would take, but I must say I have a love for raw silk and Chantilly lace when used properly. There's a richness about the that makes the simplest design luxurious Do you design for celebrities' Yes and one of them is Nikki Laoye Role models Locally, I'm inspired by Deola Sagoe and internationally, Diana Von Furstenberg and Donna Karan. The three ladies have built their business alongside their brand and are the epitome of what I envisage for Chocolate ' Longetivity, continued relevance and a pioneering spirit
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