Celebrities
The Battle of the Fashionistas
This blog is going to exclude my non Nigerian-fashionistas (though you can feel free to comment). The crew in Los Angeles & New York, you know who you are, and you know where I stand as far as your work and creativity goes. I love you all and I’m glad to be a part of our little community of friends.
Keep in mind that when I use the term fashionistas, I’m referring to wardrobe/celebrity stylists, fashion designers, fashion/personal shoppers, and (folks that I think have a great sense of style).
This write-up is going to focus more on my fellow Nigerian counterparts. I have received what I may term as hate mails since starting WeWe Clothing. The mails have largely come from folks that didn’t know me as a fashion stylist, who now all of a sudden think they know me or are familiar with my creativity or work. Folks that say my work is cheap or/and boring. Look, I’m not going to defend myself or my work. Never. I have enough followers that appreciate my creativity that it’s not warranted.
My reason for this blog is solely because I don’t understand why fashionistas hate on other fashionistas. I don’t get it. Personally, I appreciate other people’s work. I love fashion. It’s my world. I love creativity, and when I see another’s work, It only assures me that I am not alone in this little creative world of mine. *smiles* I know that people get me, and see where I’m coming from.
I’m quiet by nature, but I communicate loudly through fashion. I always say that if I had my way, I will never speak; I will only speak through my clothing ensemble and my designs.
My BFF, Kemmy Oguntosin Solomon of KemKem Studio, happens to be one of the most creative and talented fashion designers I know. She has worked for the likes of Carolina Herrera and JPG, to mention a couple. Her sketches are effortless. She can sketch up a design in her sleep. Deola Sagoe & Ty are two more I also like.
And there are others who don’t necessarily design, but are stylists and have such impeccable taste like Funmi Kuye (not a stylist), Chalya Shagaya, Arieta Mujay, Adanma Okpara, Bola Balogun (thanks to Kemi), Remi Fagboun, Ogo Offodile of Poodle Pushers, and Ifeoma Williams, to mention a few. I love their styles. These folks stand out in my book. While they are all creative and fashion forward, their styles are different. They are unique and daring. And that’s what fashion is all about. These fashionistas are versatile. Trend setters, not trend followers.
Look, fashion is not wearing a pair of true religion jeans with some polo tshirt with numbers written all over it. Topped with an LV bag! So tired of that uniform. Fashion also does not equate to luxurious price you pay for an item, however this seems to be trend with a lot of Africans. That’s not being creative! I am not saying don’t rely on the window at a department store or make knock-offs of other designers becuase I actually think that’s an indirect compliment, I’m simply saying…do it with a twist. With a taste and touch of your own imagination.
You’ve got to be original and think outside the box. Fashion is art, and I find that everywhere. Even in my 10 year-old’s closet. Yes, I sometimes fit his clothes, and may shop at the little boys section if/when I find something cute. I can wear absolutely anything. I can wear Greg’s dress shirt as a shirt dress with a belt on it and a nice pair of pumps and accessories. At the end of the day, it’s all about your swagger and confidence. Same goes with my designs. It’s what I’m feeling at that moment. It’s timeless.
We don’t have to hate on one another. It may seem easier to do, but that’s wasted energy that can be used towards positivity. Give credit where credit is due. There’s definitely room for everyone and every style. I can assure you that if you are creative and original enough, it will be telling and there are people out there who will truly appreciate it and root for you. If you need help or advice, who better to ask than like minded fashionistas in the circle? That’s growth and progress.
It’s OK to agree to disagree on style. You are entitled to your opinion, and don’t be bashful!
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Tags: Adanma Okpara, Arieta Mujay, Celebrity Stylist, Chalya Shagaya, Deola Sagoe, Fashion, Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, fashionistas, folake kuye, Funmi Kuye, Ifeoma Williams, Kemmy Oguntosin Solomon, Los Angeles, Louis Vuitton, LV Bag, New York, Ogo Offodile, Polo, polo shirt, Poodle Pushers, Ralph Lauren, Remi Fagboun, true religion, Ty, Window Stylist 
You tell em girlfriend!!!! But you know what? The hate mostly comes from people who don’t quite get it. Have you noticed? They are either ‘Fashionista wannabes’ or just plain boring. Yes. I’m different. And so are you. Unfortunately some of us make our individuality alot more stylish and interesting.
Forgive me for sounding like a bitch, but I can relate completly to what Folake has written.
‘Nuff said, my sister!! That’s truth which you’ve spoken. On the naija front, there is still a lot of leaning toward what mainstream terms fashionable, which is where a lot of the comments probably stem from; it takes vision, creativity and courage to see what others don’t see (or have been trained to see) and act on it.
I’m no Fashionista or … Read Moreeven striving to be
but it doesn’t take much to appreciate the creativity that others display - in so many ways! From clothing, to art, tattoos and even hairstyles…I mean, it makes life so much more rich, full, vibrant and fun! Kudos to those who have the gift and are not afraid to pursue it, polish it and share it with others - I for one do enjoy it and get inspired/encouraged to ’step outside the box’ every now and again 
I loooove your clothes and it is just great to see that someone has gone out there to create styles with an african flair for the little ones. Just last night I was on your web site showing my boys (6 and 3) your website and I asked them which of the tunics they wanted me to get for them. They were so excited …trying to pick out a color. They even directed me towards the girls section and were saying how cute the babies/girls looked. They even went as far as to pick out a dress that they felt would look great on me. My boys appreciate your style and so do I
There is definently a very large group of us that appreciate what you have to offer. Fashion is such an indvidual thing and that’s what makes it interesting. I love fashion and what it offers and also believe that you have to have your own sense of style. For me it is my long locked hair in brown undertones to my preppy with a hint of sexy look. Your style does not have to be expensive it just has to be YOU.
SHIT….apologies with being late with my opinion on this note. 1st of all girl, its an amazing read and YOU R AMAZING…..
The funny thing is i was a poor kid so my love for fashion grew out of never being able to afford the likes of true religion jeans or a Louis Bag….. I remember arriving in london in 1995 with little or no money and seeing these “trendy girls” dressed up in their expensive BABOUR jackets( if u lived in london in 95,96,97..u would know exactly the one i mean) and their JOSEPH trousers.. These girls didnt look particulary interesting to me and i intially assumed that they must be a bunch of rich friends… i slowly began to realise that they were friends but most Nigerians girls all dressed like that… they would of course top this look off with their GUCCI BAMBOO handle bag… shit did they oppress me… i couldnt compete and eventually found the freedom in shopping in charity shops, markets and indeed vintage stalls…
To my surprise i started being asked why i dressed like a “white girl”.. can u just imagine this shit???
Fashionistas to me are BORN not MADE… they LOVE fashion and understand that U WEAR THE OUTFIT and not the other way around… WE WOULD LOOK A- FREAKING- MAZING in a BINBAG… u know why? becos we are different, we know that u dont have to spend shit loads to look good… as for me, i have always had a CHAMPAGNE TASTE WITH A LEMONADE BUDGET.
The way we dress is an extension of our creativity…our ability to take a sack n turn it into a MUST HAVE… Nigerian fashionistas are few and far between… there are those who LOVE fashion and there are those who live n breathe it… there is certainly a big difference..
Id like to take this opportunity to say FOLAKE, U R AN INSPIRATION…. the detail in the clothes u make, the fabric choice as well as the styles…. are the reason why u are a designer n not a TAILOR…. most of our sisters are confused as to what makes a designer and the difference between a 2 BIT TAILOR…
I AM MUCH MORE THAN A FASHIONISTA…. I am the soul underneath all of these clothes FABULOUS as they may be!!!
BIG UP FASHIONISTAS…… KEEP IT ORIGINAL!!
STYLE IS CONSTANT, it doesn’t change with the economy or recession, (lol)TRENDS AND FASHION COME AND GO, AND TRUST ME THEY ARE COSTLY in every sense of the word!
And you ladies said it all!!! Got a few comments from men in my inbox too.
Some folks just have this thing called style…twisted. Like Chalya said, the ones that don’t quite get it. I love, love all your comments and appreciate each and every point of view. From the locks, to the tattoos, to the thrift/vintage store shopping (one of my passions). I’m glad we all see art/style through diff avenues.
PS -Thanks you all for your kind words.
Wow!!!
Thanks mama!!
First off let me say thanks to you darling, for the lovely comment. Nothing touches my heart more than to get praise from others within my profession
Secondly, let me leave my two cents on the hate issue. I realized earlier in life that whether you like it or not, there are always going to be haters. Why?
Because we will always have people with insecurities which invariably lead to the jealousy. Their main gripe is that you are doing something they haven’t the BALLS to do and it hurts them. Same thing happens when they see anyone doing well(which you most definitely ARE). Is it right? Heck no!! But it isn’t going away anytime soon either.
Why?
Because you’re living the life they can only DREAM of!!!!
Don’t ever feel the need to defend your designs…they are yours darling. An extension of who and what you are, which is one very creatively stylish woman. Don’t let anyone change that…EVER!!! Or else I will start sending you HATE mail
Now to the women out there who rejoice in the success of others, here’s to a fashionable 2009!!!
xoxoxo
Stay Stylish,
R
I think Arieta said best in her current interview with Bella Naija, where she said, ” Fashionistas are born not made” and there is a lot of truth in that. I always say wear the clothes, don’t let them wear you. And trust , there are many people whose clothes actually wear them. Its a gift to be able to think outside the box and people like what you are doing.
I remember spending hours in my bedroom flipping thru magazines and just loving every minute of it. Bold art inspires me and subtle art also inspires me.
Folake, your designs are amazing and pioneering and it is an honour to mentioned in this note.
I am not sure it is even worth the energy to respond. There are definitely more important things than the views of what people think, esp. if it is mean spirited.
Nevertheles, from a constructive criticism perspective, it is okay to say a garment is “boring.” For example, it is not unusual for members of the fashion press to describe a design as “boring,” “too plain” or “lacks creativity” etc. It is indeed what at times pushes designers to excel. Consumers are also one group who are quite opinionated and might also feel that way.
I think, ultimately it boils down to your target audience and who your garment appeals to. I do find your designs simple but that is as to cut. The creativity, for me, is the choice of fabrics [ankara] which has so much going on I feel the silhoutte MUST be kept simple, esp. since you retail in the States for USA consumers who are for the first time experiencing such African inspired designs.
I would ask, “do those with an opinion that my designs are “boring” affect my bottom line?” If the answer is “yes,” go back to the cutting table and reassemble your team. If the answer is “no” then keep it moving Madam!
BTW, saw the status on the copyright infringement. That is a whole lot of another drama reference Forever 21 who keeps stealing designs inspite of the major lawsuits from big name brands. Nevertheless, it does not hurt to get an attorney to send a cease and desist letter, at the very least.
Meanwhile, cheer up and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR, will you?
Best,
UO
@ Uduak, of course, it’s okay to say a garment is boring. I don’t dispute that at all. Consumers are entitled to an opinion as I previously stated. I don’t expect everyone to like my designs..that’s impossible. That’s not what the blog is about. I’m merely just addressing (in general), ‘fashionistas hating on fashionistas’. Forget ‘WeWe Clothing’.
I see this a lot (from other blogs), where a certain stylist has the spotlight on them, and another comes to put a damper on their reign. That’s pretty much what I’m addressing. Can we all just get along?!?
I appreciate your comment. Happy New Year!
i love it…. Fashionistas having a goo…. Thats fashion baby, controversial.x
There is saying that goes, ” Don’t worry when people talk about you, worry when they don’t”.It would be nice to be in a world where everyone’s talents are honored, however until we get there, haters are everywhere!!!!Its pretty scary and they will stop at nothing to break you. For that you must come out even stronger than before.
Trust, wherever they broke your heart, you will turn this sad experience into a profit for yourself and company.
So..brush it off and keep doing what you are doing:)
oh uhmm…wow :).
I do hear you…on several points you made. I think fashion should be about honing in on *YOUR* personal style not necessarily wearing a name brand or copying what Elle or Vogue is telling you is the hot new trend for 2009. I like you happen to love FASHION even if it is not realistic for my lifestyle or suitable for my body/style. I consider myself a stylish person, I have my own thing going on and I really could careless what others think.
Funny I was just telling a friend of mine last week that I was incredibly inspired by what you started. I have not been exposed to Nigerians doing this sort of thing, so it is great! I think after years of hemming and hawing I’m finally going to make the leap and just do. Anyway keep up the good work. Ignore the haters, because that’s all they are, and I wish you much more success in 2009!
how can you give props to your naija fashionistas without mentioning omoyemi akerele and bola balogun remember they pioneered fashion styling in nigeria ask anyone that matters. those two are the originals. oh yeah they are still getting the top jobs in nigeria and remeber they are quite they are busy working not commenting on blogs and giving interviews
you are creative and you are doing your thang so let the haters hate on. end of discussion
Thank you much, Kemi. Appreciate it. Thanks for the reminder. Like I said, I mentioned people that I am familiar with, but now that you reminded me, I definitely remember Bola Balogun. I believe she used to live in NY/MD before she moved to Nigeria?? She was/is definitely a fashionista, and probably one of the very first Nigerians to start styling in Lagos (if we are talking about the same person). I will update/edit my blog. Omoyemi Akerele, not too familiar with. Is she Bola’s partner? If I remember correctly, Bola styles with another lady.
PS - taking time out to leave comments on a blog or grant interviews does not mean that you’re not busy working. It just means that you are multi-tasking. So, let’s play nice and not bash those that are involved in social & interactive networking.
Folake, I absolutely love this blog u are right!There is room for everyone, we can appreciate each others creativity. Thanks for the love…
I’m fortunate to know that u are the real deal, people like us know that fashion is an expression of your way of life. Not necessarily what the mainstream is doing, we can express ourselves freely without saying a word. Like u said people dont have to understand it or even like it, its ok. Its like a mood ring constantly changing.
I was just rocking one of your stuff at this wedding I went to with Marlon the other day, I got soooo many great comments on the dress. As u know I just had a baby and yet I felt so radiant in the dress… goes to show u guys she is definately doing something right.
MY APOLOgies for the late respond. but back in Nigeria and getting reconnected so lets just say the internet hasn’t been my first stopping ground. But nevertheless I loved the read ALOT. T’was fantastic and the truth simply put. You are truly an amazing individual and Talented Artist. Your designs are exquisite, unique and speaks for itself. The side neck comments about ur designs being “cheap” or “boring” are that of the naive and ignorant. To be frank the most talented, beautiful and legendary people or designers who step away from the pack ALWAYS get negative remarks and the haters love to speak about them. I always love to turn the negative into a positive! The haters speaking is a sign of ur accomplishments and ur bright future ahead. It’s also a form of motivation. To sum it all up keep doing what ur doing and go harder! (Which I am sure u are)
As for the topic of fashionistas, fashion junkies & Personal style…… In my opinion there is a huge difference and sometimes some folks get the latter confused. Really, trends u see in the magazines, boutiques, high-end stores, and ur malls all come and go- And for the most part the fashion scene on the runways also pass and are neither here no there in my opinion. It’s mostly all about what the next “Hype” is. u will find that ur true sense of style lies within and to follow the “Hype” and trends religiously is actually cutting urself short on how versatile ur look could be. Not every trend on the fashion scene is catered to the masses or everyone can afford; so we are better of either taking ques from the great designers we all adore and remaking it fit our own unique taste and bodies. or just simply using clothes to have fun with our individualities. Everyone is created diff and I definitely don’t believe we should all look like clones or wear uniforms all in the name of having the hot loui bag to fit in…. I find that some females are born with the IT factor and others who don’t should seek help if needed rather than gossip and hate on the females who do. I could go on an on… about this topic. So let me just give this a short run now. But Huge thanks for the compliment; It’s much appreciated. Every lady is beautiful and talented in their own way. so we should all get along :)and Lets stop the hating!!! thats wishful thinking I guess. lol
But yeah stay blessed and beautiful*
Hello there, I bumped into an article about Wewe clothing on Bella Naija’s website and would love to feature you on my blog which I recently started on African fashion. The blog page is as above, please check it out! I would also love to feature Arieta Mujay, would you have her contact details? I have just been surfing the net to find her details but to no avail
I also run a blog on talents from Cameroon, check it out on http://www.dulcecamer.blogspot.com
Many thanks
Cynthia
Cynthia, please send me an email at general.info[at]weweclothing.com and I will send you Arieta Mujay’s personal info, including mine. Thank you for stopping by and thanks for the offer. Appreciate it.
[…] whose honest comments here are so appreciated. She made a comment on one of my posts, “The Battle of the Fashionistas“, which inspired me to blog about this interactive & social networking […]
Folake,i remember when Wewe was just an idea, i remember the running up and down to launch the line. In this industry, people will always have negative things to say no matter how beautiful your designs are. Just ignore the negativity and stay focused on taking Wewe clothing to the next level…..Making millions of dollars. Your designs are beautiful and i am very proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Many Thanks Folake, will do
Keep up the fab work!
Bisou
http://www.fah-schyon.blogspot.com
@ Auntie Yinka, thank you! Appreciate it. Yup, I remember when I showed you the first few designs for the kids, and the hustle. Fun times. I am truly not worried about nay sayers. It’s perfectly normal if there are some that don’t like my designs. I don’t like all designs I see either. It is just unnecessary to start using vulgar terms or being bashful. That’s all. Keep up the good work on your end too.