There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.-Denis Waitley

 

Lola Adewole:Making a difference through fashion and charity

 

Fashion is at its peak in Nigeria, with new designers coming up year after year. Lola Adewole is a Nigerian designer based in Accra. She is the Creative Head of Fashion For Life Designs with operation in Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. The indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State is a graduate of Arts from Lagos State University (LASU) and also an MBA holder from Bedforshire University in the UK. She is self-trained and developed techniques over the years which have helped a gain new grounds in her business. She has showcased her designs atNigerian Fashion week 2009, French Fashion week Lagos 2010, African Young designers show in Vienna 2010, City people Ghana, Accra Polo Club season Opens Fashion Show, NTFS fashion Show, Nigeria’s next Super Model 2013,Ecowas Fashion Week 2O13 and others too numerous to mention. In this chat with GERALDINE AKUTU, Lola talks about her foray into fashion as well her charity shows.

What’s the motive behind FFL (Fashion For Life) “Fashionably Charitable” show?

The FFL Fashionably charitable fashion show is a bi-annual event which is a platform to raise funds for orphanages in Nigeria. The brand FFL was not only created to churn out glamorous outfits. It was also created with the mission of making a positive impact in the society. At this point, I think it would worthy to mention that since inception in Nigeria in 2008, 10% of all proceeds from our yearly sales have been donated to charity both in Lagos and in Accra. What we do is pretty straight forward. We put together a fashion show, showcasing our recent collection. This is followed by an auction of specially selected FFL pieces. Proceeds from this auction are then donated to charity.

How did you arrive at the name of your design house?

Fashion For me is a passion, I love fashion and I love being fashionable, I also made a conscious decision to remain fashionable and stylish regardless of the stage of life I find myself, either as a mum, a wife or eventually as a granny. This influenced the name of my label; I'm basically encouraging women to remain stylish and fashionable through the years. 

How long have you been in this business?

My business has been in existence for 7 years now. I started FFL in 2006 in the UK; however it took off in Nigeria on my return in 2008.

What do you look out for before dressing your client?

First, I try to understand the clients Psyche and need when it comes to fashion. I profile my clients and engage them to understand their style, comfort zone and how they’ll like to feel in a particular outfit.

What makes your designs unique? 

The uniqueness of my designs is my ability to think “outside the Box.” I put in a lot of thoughts into my designs, I push myself when it comes to creativity, thus, my end products are usually innovative!

Who are your clients?                                                                           

My target clients can be described as Women and Men who are not afraid to experiment with their individual vision, and those who like to attract the right attention. I call them the woman and man of ambience. The ideal FFL client thrives on new experience, embraces different cultures & lifestyles and actively seeks exhilarating life experiences. My clients are usually confident and strong personalities with an edge.

Where did you draw inspiration from?

Arts, craft, people, experience, Vintage fashion, etc. of the above. With an artist’s eye I notice beauty in so many ways and interpret my thoughts using fabric. I can be inspired by something I see at an Art centre, the colours of spring, visiting a museum or travelling to a new and exotic country, each facet is diverse and inspiring. I’m also a huge fan of the true Hollywood glamour era and the Nubian designs. 

How would you describe the kind of clothes you make?

My clothes can be described as classy, one characteristics that runs through all my designs is the clean cut, opulent and classy finishing to my clothes. We pay a lot of attention to details. I am always focused on designing elegant, distinctive, creative, yet practical clothing, combining unique concepts, quality and value, to accompany a confident and sophisticated design.
What is a fashion mistake to you?

Showing too much of anything doesn’t make you look sexy! Furthermore, it’s one of the worst fashion mistakes in my book and pretty much any book out there. I believe in moderate exposure, this can be sexy. Showing too much doesn’t guarantee you attention or at least, not any positive attention…

What does style mean to you?

Style is not just all about fashion and outer appearance but an “Expression”…It’s the total combination of the way we dress, talk, move your body, or do anything for that matter. Simply put, it’s how we express our inner being outwardly. This includes all of our thoughts, emotions, interests, and values. Everything on the outside is merely a reflection of what’s on the inside.

Your role models in the fashion industry

I particularly admire the fashion sense of former beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo. Also on my list of women I admire are Daisy Danjuma and Bola Shagaya.

Who is your style icon?

Ms. Coco Chanel for life!

Your choice signature scene

Allure Eau De Parfum Spray by Coco Chanel.

Your favourite attire 

I’m a lover of long flowing elegant kaftans/dresses. I love to look regal in my outfits. My favourite attire would be “the Goddess Kaftan” from the Fashion For Life Kaftan line.

How would you describe the fashion industry in Nigeria?

The fashion industry in Nigeria is a fast growing industry with huge potentials. There is still a vast array of opportunities for designers to emerge and define their individual styles and overall expressions of fashion. We could become the fashion capital of Africa. The creativity and innovation of designers, and Artisans in the Nigerian Fashion Industry is in no doubt in the fore front of global competition, however we now need to focus on other factors like control measures. Quality controls and measures have to be put in place for the growth of the industry. The fashion industry in Nigeria is a potential goldmine; it has the ability to make a huge impact if guided in the right direction. 

Describe yourself in few words?

Optimistic. I love indulging in anything creative.

 

Source Nigeria Guardian Online