BLOKES N DIVAS
Have you always been into fashion as a child?
We've always wanted to match our socks with our shirts and our Bata shoes with our belts. Fashion has always been in us. Right from late elementary school, our peers had always seen us as style icons.
What is your background?
We come from very noble backgrounds but humble. Blokes'n'divas is
owned by two dynamic young men. Teddy Legbedion and Patrick Osaghae.
We are both non fashion graduates, but it did not take us an eternity
to discover that style (and the need to replenish it) flows in our
veins. Teddy has a bachelors in Agricultural Economics and Patrick, a bachelors in Mechanical engineering
How do you combine your individual styles to come up with one collection?
We must confess that its not really easy combining our individual styles and ideas. Teddy has a tendency for the Rock n Roll total African diva and this gave birth to our FEVER and DIVATITUDE lines. Patrick on the other hand simply loves the sultry glam in evening outfits hence giving rise to the SOUL collection. Combining our two ideas in one collection stands for what our philosophy is…cutting edge glam.
What do each of you bring to the collection?
Ha ha ha… like we just mentioned. Patrick brings the SOUL and Teddy puts in the FEVER.
What makes "Fashion in Africa" so unique?
African couture is the platform of western shows. Africans have always
be known as being fashionable and colorful in their festivals and
practices. Little wonder when you see big labels taking countless
vacations to mother Africa just to soak up from her ideas prior to
starting a new collection. African couture is already being seen in
some major fashion weeks, but most times as a guest. Our vision is not
to be a guest anymore but to be a host. To be a major player in the
western couture shows. Yes! This is possible. African fashion is unique because of the vibrant colors and original ideas that are present in it. If you take out the conservativeness, the result is a true to its name Afro Chic.
How would you describe your collection?
I must say I like the way each questions precedes the next. Our philosophy has always been Afro Chic and it's the zealof revolutionizing African fashion that gave birth to our label. Our collection is Afro Chic.
What inspires you?
Our designs are inspired by the vibrant colors in mother Africa, from
the folklores to the festivals, from masquerades to the various ethnic
dances. A beautiful silhouette always inspires a beautiful outfit from
us. Personally, lot of our designs have being inspired by the grace of
Naomi Campbell and former Miss World Agbani Darego. From this we gave
birth to afro chic, combining it beautifully with western fabrics. Now
we make most of our fabrics, flowing sensual fabrics in lovely African
tie and dye patterns. In a few words, beauty and grace inspire lots of our designs.
What designers inspire you?
We've also been inspired a lot by the way the Italian designer Valentino makes a woman a woman. His gowns are divine. Elie Saab's glitter also inspires us.
Describe your collection.what are some fashion trends that you hate?
Its all about colours and being daring. Haven no bounds in what you want to wear. most of all, its about remembering this ''life's a catwalk and we're all top models''. In this year's collection, we've played a lot with fabric we created and sought out ways to make regular African prints more alluring for a different market. This collection represents the non conservative African. We fashion that refuses to leave the mundane, that's why we represent ourselves in a different way.
Any American designers that inspire you?
The classic sticks with the classics. We like the RL line and their Milano shop is really nice.
If you could work alongside one designer , who would that be?
That would be the day!!!...an opportunity to work along with Valentino and Saab…. Oh my!...the collection would be breathtaking.
What can we expect from you next?
We have being toying with the idea of a younger line and interior
decoration a long time now. We do hope to see this materializes soon
enough.
Do you have any other hobbies that are not fashion related?
Apart from doing a lot of reading we also love the performing arts. Whenever the theatre calls, we'll answer.
What major city is most fashion conscious or has the most fashion sense?
It used to be Paris… that was globally known. From our travels, if we have to judge from the everyday people, we'll give this award to Milan.
What the best part about being a designer? worst part?
This is rather a difficult one to answer. Every season has a new
expectation. Being ahead, staying trendy without any effort and keeping it that way. We are always filled with positive energy. Worst part? Not repeating yourself and haven people realize that you are still the same old buddy next door.
What advice would you give upcoming designers?
Follow your dreams, don't let them tell you that it's impossible. Above all, believe in your style and sustain it.
