UNIVERSITY of Lagos trained-architect, Nwakaego Maduekwe is determined to put smiles on the faces of women with her cut.
The creative recalled that, “right from my primary school days, I do clothes sketching, but my love for designing came alive when I began to read my aunt's Vogue magazine from the age of 10. I was enthralled by the beautiful people and their lifestyles.”
Trained at the London College of Fashion and the School of Designing For Friends also in the UK, Maduekwe says, “I am deeply artistic and I have a love for all things arty and creative.”
Drawing inspiration from art, sculpture, music, people, textile and her environment, the creative artiste says she is motivated by what she sees to translate Africa heritage into sophisticated clothes for the contemporary Nigerian woman, whose lifestyle is both Western and Nigerian.
On what gives her outfit the cutting edge in the market, she enthuses, “I design from my own unique, arty point of view, which is evident from the fabric I design and produce myself.”
Maduekwe says, “I use silk, lace and chiffon for most of my designs. Aside from this, I design and produce most of my fabrics. We are the first to start producing ankara prints on chiffon and silk. And I like the way the familiar designs are given unexpected qualities in new fabric like flowing aso-oke prints for example.”
With strong support from her husband and relatives, Maduekwe says she has no regrets venturing into the fashion business. “This is my dream job. And my family, especially my husband, has been very supportive.”
WITH clients across different segments of the society, the designer informs that her target audiences are women, who appreciate detailed design and
are not slaves to fashion.
The head honcho of Alter Ego continues, “the industry is much better than what we used to see about 10 years ago. People are now beginning to appreciate what we do.”
Despite the turnaround, however, the designer observes that the industry is faced with challenges such as unskilled labour, lack of understanding by the government and financial institutions on its potential to generate employment and accelerate economic growth.
Maduekwe who looks forward to seeing her outfit growing big enough to provide employment for thousands of young Nigerians in 10 years time, advises upcoming designers to be “focused, learn as much as possible about your craft and be dedicated to work.”
What message does she hope to pass with her designs?
“I'm not trying to create drama; my designs are meant to showcase the wearer, not the other way round. They are elegant and feminine with a sense of humour and irony.”
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