I started making and designing my own clothes about two and a half years ago. Living in a city that has very limited fashionable resources, I found myself having anxiety that I would see someone else dressed like me because we were all shopping at the same places.
Online shopping was a challenge because- hips to long legs ratio. Thrifting is cool, but now thrifting is too cool and thrifters are no longer charging convenient thrift prices. Finding affordable, UNIQUE, quality pieces became my challenge. I had been making my own jewelry, so the transition into apparel only seemed natural.
The inspiration to use West African textiles came from creating a dress for my best friend’s traditional Nigerian Engagement Ceremony. The fabric was so rich and vibrant, I instantly fell in love. Some friends in NY hooked me up with a plug in Harlem and we began importing fabrics almost every week. A friend of a friend’s boyfriend (long story) hooked me up with two retired Victoria Secret seamstresses and I was in business. I went from making clothes, to making home decor, to buying and selling accessories from other designers- straight from South Africa. I’m proud to say I have an international business. To many’s surprise, I did not go to design or business school. I’ve just been very diligent in learning as much as possible about the business of fashion and fashion design. It also helps that I surround myself with people who know so much more than me. I set goals and premiered my first full collection in Chicago’s 2014 African Fashion Week. As with anything worth doing/having, there were obstacles. I struggled. A LOT. But art is life and I’m motivated by the process. I ask myself now, what’s next?
AMG
House of Leigh 