Wednesday, January 19, 2011

INTERVIEW WITH ORIRE OMATSOLA DESIGNER OF REBAHIA



Orire Omatsola is an emerging designer from Nigeria based in the Uk. She recently made it to the designer to watch in 2011 on bella Naija. I had the opportunity to ask her some questions last week just to know a bit about her, her label and what we can expect in the coming years.


Thank you Orire  for being with us today.
Thanks for having me

So Tell us about a bit about yourself and your Label Re Bahia
My  name is Orire Omatsola. I'm  Currently in my final year at the university of manchester, studying art history. Officially started my label last year summer. My mother and I make up the Re-bahia team.
How did you get into clothes designing? and what was your  inspiration behind  our latest collection?
Fashion has always been a big part of my life. Growing up my mother used to run her own business creating garments for friends and family. I guess it all started when I was 15 and back then my fashion idol used to be celebrities like Paris Hilton. I knew I wanted to study fashion but lacked the confidence to study textiles for my GCSE's and A levels. At 17 I finally built up the courage and enrolled for a summer course at the Naba school of design in Milan. my experience in Milan gave me the push I needed.  The inspiration behind my latest collection is my mother as its named after her 'Lola'. I can honestly say I have the coolest mother in the world, even at 66 she surprises me everyday. She's a lover of fashion. I am heavily influenced by my mother, especially in the creative aspects. We are all about colors and textures and most importantly simplicity. 




What are the challenges that you have encounters since you started your line?
The one challenge I am  being faced with is being overwhelmed and not as prepared as I should be. Until  this day I am still shocked about how I've been so well received in the industry. I am my biggest critique and never fully satisfied. Im seriously overwhelmed by how much people like the brand and how hard I need to work to keep the standard.


What's the most fun thing about having your own line?
The most fun about having my own line is never running out of clothes and knowing every time im out in some of my pieces I feel unique and different.

That is for sure a plus . We've seen  a lot celebrities wearing  the work of African designers within the last 2 years , what is your take on that ? 
I think its awesome that African designers are getting a lot of recognition for their work especially in the celebrity world which can be really hard to break into. Just recently saw a picture of Kendal Jenner in JBL's shorts and was honestly proud being a Nigerian. 
If you could think of a  celebrity wearing your work who would it be ?
Orire:I think the one celebrity that is very into African designs and culture would be Solange Knowles, so would be amazing seeing her in one of my pieces. 


As a designer how would you describe your own personal style?
My personal style is all over the place. I wear everything and anything. One day I could be dressed like a house wife and the next day a faithful disciple of Rihanna, just depends on my mood.


 Where are you currently based ?and  Where can we order or buy your designs?

I am currently based in the uk, while everything else is based back home in Nigeria. For now you can either email or call me to make an order, hopefully in the next couple of months will have some stockist's.


I Certainly  believe that you are a designer to watch in the coming years . I wish you all  the best for all your future plans. 
Thank you so much, had an awesome time answering your questions.




So what do you think of Rebahia? Is it one of your favorite fashion houses? designers? would you like to see more from them . Always let me know if there are any other designers you’d like to see spotlighted on Ciaafrique in the future.

4 comments:

  1. I like that her pieces are wearable. Hurray to young Naija entrepreneurs!

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  2. she is one of the best , the peices are fabulous

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  3. i have seen a lot of designers on your site but this one is one the best . the clothing are wearable and sophisticated

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Thank you all for taking the time to comment.