Nkwo designs: Afro-bohemian chic
Nkwo creation. Pic (c) Anne-Marie Michel
The Stowe Centre in West London is the venue for the In2 fashion show, a gathering of teenagers from the locality who have come together to stage a catwalk show. A small selection of up and coming designers have also been chosen to present their collections here. As young girls run around in Ekco t-shirts and stilettos, I take a minute to catch up with African designer Nkwo, whose early love of sewing led to an interest in African textiles and fashions.
CAV: Nkwo, how would you describe your collection?
NKwo: “Afro-bohemian chic”. I draw my inspiration mainly from the late ’60s and ’70s, from the free-spirited, carefree way of life and thinking of that era. African nomads are also of interest to me. My diffusion line (Afromania) is quite experimental – playing with ideas, fabrics and different shapes. I source the materials for Afromania from the U.K.
CAV: What got you into fashion?
Nkwo: Well, my mother began teaching me how to sew, so from an early age I’d developed an interest in how fabrics and materials were put together. As time went on my interest in fashion led me to making my own pieces, which is how the idea for Nkwo was formed.
CAV: Have you experienced any difficulties in being an African designer?
Nkwo: Being an African designer hasn’t hindered me at all. In fact it has set me apart from the others as I bring something new and fresh with my African influences.
CAV: Do ethics play a part in what you do?
Nkwo: Absolutely! A friend of mine recently went to Tanzania as a missionary, which has inspired me to support causes for the less fortunate. I would like to take my production base from the U.K to Nigeria, as it’s very expensive to run here and it would be giving something back to the people who inspire my creations.
CAV: What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
Nkwo: My advice would be to follow your dreams regardless or what people may think or say, but also realise that the fashion industry is a business like any other. If you don’t have a head for business matters or finance – find some who does to help you.
CAV: What lies in store for Nkwo?
Nkwo: Gaining more exposure and driving the collection – getting into as many fashion mags as possible, networking and participating in fashion shows and exhibitions. I also want to experiment with different markets – maybe menswear? I also plan on setting up a further off-shoot line of the Nkwo brand that will focus on home furnishings – bedding, rugs and curtains. It’s all about diversifying. Eventually, I’d like have my own shop.
