Damilola Olayemi Kolaq, a fashion expert who believes that exposing skin is not necessarily fashionable, is the chief Executive of a fashion empire known as Didah Emporium. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on the rising cost of good clothes, nudity in the fashion world, life and challenges of women entrepreneurs and other issues.
As someone in the fashion industry, why do you think nudity has become top of the fashion trend?
The first thing I will say about that is that the internet is a big and significant factor. People’s exposure to nude images and videos has increased dramatically over the years due to the high use of social media and we all want to evolve, so we are copying more of the modern world with the help of technology which we all now have easy access to in our day-to-day affair. This is why nudity is becoming a trend in our society.
Some think flowing dresses make people unfashionable, what will you say about this?
I feel that’s totally wrong because people’s belief and mindsets differ a lot. For me I believe fashion is what makes you comfortable and there is so much joy when I wear bubu or Abaya. We are all a product of our experiences and perspectives differ in all issues especially dressing. I love such attires and many other women also love them and are fashionable in them.
Is Abaya a religious outfit?
Not at all, it’s not a religious outfit; as a matter of fact, I will refer to it as a modern day wear. There are so many people across the globe wearing Abaya and it has nothing to do with their religion. The truth is that religion doesn’t matter in deciding to wear abaya. The good thing about this outfit is that it makes one classy and respected in the society. As a matter of fact, it was in those days Abaya & bubu were for older women, nowadays, younger people tend to love it more and it is actually a fashion statement. It adds value to the wearer.
Why does it look as if Abaya is generally overpriced today?
There are levels to it and there is Abaya or bubu of diverse levels and class just like every other outfit; they are in all ranges depending on your pocket, I mean everyone is entitled to look classy, so there are so many affordable ones, it just depends on what the individual wants or what she can afford,
How cost intensive is it to go into your type of business?
I would say it is much and it is also not much depending on what you want as a person. . Like I said earlier, there are levels to it so it depends on who you want as customers. All the same, it’s best to venture into all ranges and also business of nowadays are very convenient to the extent that you don’t necessarily have to have so much capital to start up a business all thanks to technology.
What challenges are associated with what you do?
I would say the country’s economy at the moment and I’m sure it will be affecting most businesses and not just mine.
Will you say the society is fair to women entrepreneurs?
I don’t think so because both genders still need to put in the same energy to attain successes. We are not getting any preferential treatment so there is nothing like that.
What are your thoughts about women in politics?
I love this question; I love it when women are doing exceptional things. Like the saying goes, what a man can do, a woman can do better. I will soon go into politics too.
Do you think there’s a restriction on women in the professional circle in Nigeria?
Not at all; this is the time that women are doing wonderful things in all aspects. Let’s even look as far as football, Asisat Oshoala is doing absolutely amazing. I picked from football because I love soccer.
How can women prove their worth to be seen beyond cheer leaders and sex objects?
Women can prove their worth when we task ourselves too like men. We should always have it at the back of our minds that we are also entitled to take responsibilities. By so doing, we won’t have to wait for anyone to give us money and it will serve as a ginger to work hard.
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