My plans for Nigeria’s fashion industry ― Popoola

Popoola Olamidayo is a  graduate of English and International studies from Osun state university,  he is the  founder of Underdogs fashion outfit, in an interview by Rukiyat Bakare he shares experience on how he started his brand while in the university and his plans for the Nigerian fashion industry excerpt;

What sparked your interest in fashion?

Right from the onset I have always had a knack for fashion designing, and I have always wanted to make affordable and authentic apparels for people but what really motivated me was the comments and encouragement that I got from family and friends whenever I designed a shirt for myself  they would tell me my designs are superb, and  I continuously tried to make more in which they purchase from me, so literally that really got to me and I started making my designs for sale and the acceptance rose unbelievably. So that was the starting point.

Are you self taught or did you study fashion design?

Honestly, I didn’t study or learn from anywhere before I started, I am self-taught, I  just get inspired and go online to get information on various designs,  although I   hope to enroll as an apprentice at a fashion house to learn more as soon as possible.

How has work evolved since you began your own label?

Yes, I  thank God my work has evolved positively and the brand is growing pretty well too but there are ups and downs in the business as well,  sometimes financial setbacks but that doesn’t stop the brand from forging ahead. We have made progress so far.

What is your favorite part about being a designer?

My favorite part of being a designer is basically the fact that  I can bring any idea to life, I could just be sitting down a minute and think of a new design that can make wave, then bring that to reality without anybody validation and people would love it and would like to put it on. Knowing you can bring anything to reality is really the coolest part of being a designer.

The designs you created are no doubt good enough,  who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs?

The urge for making  change in the Nigerian fashion scene really inspires me a lot because there are really no big clothing brands in Nigeria. So whenever I am making any design, I make a statement with it.

What was your startup capital?

My startup capital was   #30,000 to be precise.

How would you describe your personal style?

Basically, for me, my personal style is a street style because I love to wear clothes that make me comfortable and ready to go.

When was your business established and how did you come about it ?

My business started officially in year   2016  after gaining admission into the university. So it was pretty easy to start back then because I was getting all the moral supports I needed from the friends around me  and that was enough drive for me.

What are your expansion plans?

My major expansion plan is to have retail outlets across the continent, though it will take a while, but I hope to do that because I believe the retail stores would distribute my designs.

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 How comfortable are you working hands with models and other designers?

I haven’t work with any designer but I’m planning to do that soon also about the models they are fun to work with, though I do most of the creative directions and also let the photographer do his part too.

How many employees do you currently have?

I haven’t really employ anyone but I have some people who work on parttime basis with me.

What does fashion implies to you?

To me, fashion relates to confidence, I believe that what you put on gives you some kind of moral boost, momentum and personally whenever I put on anything tacky or cheesy I  won’t feel comfortable , and won’t be at the top of the game throughout that day.

What skills according to you are necessary for a successful fashion designer?

First of all, a designer must possess self-development and have the ability to learn and adapt to times and seasons , a designer should be able to set trends and influence people’s opinions pertaining to fashion and trends. Also, a designer should be able to collaborate and ready to work with others.

How did you stay up to to date regarding fashion?

Consistency is the key. That’s the only way  any brand can stay up to date, I also go online to source for information on various designs.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

These days social media plays a major role in fashion, social media especially Instagram has opened doors and created awareness for a lot of underground clothing brands. I can confidently say social media is an integral part of fashion because it has become a platform where brands can showcase their collection and sell them without even having a personal relationship with your clients.

What are the major challenges you faced since you started?

One major challenge I  usually face is the unavailability of resources and financial challenges because it takes a lot to start a clothing brand and keeping it afloat is more money-grubbing.

How do you think government can address these challenges?

I think the government should introduce programmes at the university that support aspiring designers and entrepreneurs generally, also the government should be support  young entrepreneurs with loans to start their business.

There is so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection seasons after season .What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

My advice to the upcoming designers is that every designer must be dynamic and be ready to come up with new ideas of designs at all seasons as long as you stay on top of your game the proper and due recognition will come.

 What was your biggest fear when starting your own line?

My biggest fear was acceptability, for instance when you put a design out  you will   be wondering what peoples opinion would be about it and if it will be acceptable by them , but thank God my designs were accepted by my clients.

Where did you see yourself in the next ten years?

I see myself in the category of A list clothing brands in Nigeria, and I see my self achieving my aim of changing the Nigerian fashion scene.

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