Amidst the economic downturn experienced globally, entrepreneurs continue to emerge and their stories do not fail to inspire. Abdulhamid Kolade Owoseni, a Nigerian youth and founder of Stripe Waves, shares his journey from discovering a passion for fashion during university to building a thriving fashion brand. His designs blend Nigerian cultural influences with contemporary styles, creating unique, timeless pieces.
Tell us briefly about yourself
I am Abdulhamid Kolade Owoseni, a Business Strategist by profession, a graduate of the
Federal University of Technology, Akure. I possess an MBA from Nexford University in
Washington, DC. My foray into fashion commenced in 2015 during my undergraduate studies. I cultivated a passion for fashion design and the creative arts through a flatmate who acquainted me with the fundamentals. Subsequently, during my industrial training in Lagos, I seized the opportunity to acquire sewing skills, significantly enhancing my passion for fashion. I have completed multiple online fashion courses to refine my design skills. In 2016, I established a fashion and awards event named FUTA House of Treasures and THE CEO while serving as a student union executive. That same year, I formally established my brand, Stripe Waves, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria in October 2020.
Why did you choose to be a fashion designer and how long have you been in the business?
I selected fashion design as a profession due to my burgeoning passion for creative expression and style. I was enthralled by the concept of transforming fabrics into distinctive, fashionable designs that instil confidence and elegance in individuals. Since 2015, I have committed myself to acquiring knowledge and advancing in the fashion industry, approaching a decade in the field. The journey has been rewarding as I have progressed from an inquisitive novice to a dedicated designer focused on producing innovative designs.
How would you describe fashion and style?
Fashion represents the art of self-expression via apparel, whereas style denotes the distinctive manner in which an individual interprets fashion. Fashion comprises trends and prevalent aesthetics, while style is individual, unique, and indicative of one’s identity. It pertains to donning attire that reflects your personality and instils confidence.
What inspires your creative designs?
My designs draw inspiration from a fusion of cultural influences, quotidian experiences, and the splendour of nature. I derive inspiration from Nigerian traditional textiles and patterns, integrating them with contemporary styles to produce versatile pieces. I seek inspiration from art, architecture, and the dynamic streets of Lagos. The objective is consistently to produce an artefact that narrates a story and resonates with the individual adorned with it.
Tell us your most memorable and unpleasant experiences as a fashion designer.
One of my most significant experiences was orchestrating the FUTA House of Treasures and the CEO fashion and awards ceremony. The successful culmination of the event, which highlighted local talents and my designs to a broad audience, was gratifying. Conversely, an adverse experience I encountered was managing unforeseen delays in fabric delivery for a significant project. The experience was arduous, yet I acquired the skills to strategize more effectively and foresee possible obstacles in the future.
Who are your mentors or role models in the fashion industry both locally and internationally?
I respect Mai Atafo for his skill in integrating traditional Nigerian fashion with contemporary
influences. I admire Virgil Abloh for his creativity and innovative approach to fashion, which
has redefined contemporary style and the limits of the fashion industry.
What challenges do you face as a fashion entrepreneur in Nigeria?
The primary challenges consist of an erratic power supply, which disrupts production schedules, and the elevated expenses associated with importing high-quality fabrics and materials. The challenge also lies in locating proficient tailors and artisans who comprehend the precision necessary for high-quality fashion production. Notwithstanding these challenges, I remain committed to providing exceptional designs.
How do you handle difficult clients?
Managing challenging clients necessitates patience, comprehension, and effective
communication. I consistently endeavour to attentively consider their concerns, respectfully
address any issues, and identify a solution that fulfils their expectations without sacrificing
design quality. It pertains to upholding a professional demeanour and guaranteeing that every client perceives themselves as esteemed and content with the outcome.
Tell us about your brand, Stripe Waves and what’s unique about it.
Stripe Waves Ltd is a fashion brand founded on creativity, quality, and passion. Founded in 2016 and officially registered in 2020, the brand was created to convey my profound passion for fashion and to provide custom, high-quality designs that address both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Stripe Waves distinguishes itself through the amalgamation of cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics, enabling the creation of designs that are simultaneously timeless and stylish. We emphasize meticulousness and client contentment, guaranteeing that each item is customized to perfection.
Initially, Stripe Waves was registered in Osogbo, Osun State. We currently operate from multiple locations throughout Nigeria, with Lagos serving as the central hub for our fashion operations and the United Kingdom as an upcoming branch.
How would you describe the journey so far with building your brand?
The experience has involved development, education, and adjustment. Initiating from a modest, fervent concept in 2015, Stripe Waves has developed into an esteemed fashion brand. The plans encompass extending the brand’s presence beyond Nigeria, initiating an international e-commerce platform, and establishing a fashion academy to cultivate emerging talents in fashion design.
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