DEBORAH OCHENI 
Adaora Stephanie Nwodo is the Chief Executive Officer of Miss Dee Fashion, the fun loving fashion designer and writer spoke with DEBORAH OCHENI her fashion philosophy, sensibilities and sundry issues
Do you notice any common fashion error that modern designers commit often?
I would say the over combining of multiple fabrics in one outfit. Some times less is more.
What can be done to correct such error?
Not much, to be honest people will still choose what they like. Likewise designers, so you leave people to their style.
Fashion designing market seems saturated, how do you intend to keep afloat?
Just by doing me and staying true to my style. I am unique and that is what is differentiates me from others.
Aside fashion designing, what other business are you into?
I am an Event Planner, Master of Ceremonies (MC), Movie Producer, Author, Communications and Media Specialist as well as a Lawyer and philanthropist.
Would you say the business of fashion designing is lucrative?
Yes it definitely is, people must wear clothes daily and humans naturally love trends.
Are you satisfied with your choice of business?
Absolutely, I am a creative and I love to create amazing pieces.
What inspired you into fashion designing?
My mum first. She had a boutique when we were growing up and I loved playing dress up whenever we go there. Then when I went to the university I hardly found pretty clothes in plus size sections, so I decided to start making my own clothes and that was the beginning of it all.
What is the major challenge fashion designes face in Nigeria?
Issue of power and high cost of production and labour.
Would you say that Nigerian government has done enough for creatives?
Absolutely not. There is so much more they can do. First, is power. Power limits a lot of things in this country. Second, is ease of doing business, getting funding is almost impossible and when you do cost of everything makes it a worthless venture.
What is your personal style?
Classy. Easy and chic. I love simple but classy pieces. I love colours. Honestly, my style depends on my mood and occasion.
What is the gap your collection hopes to bridge in the fashion world?
I will say unique and timeless pieces for plus size ladies. That is an area in fashion that needs a lot of work.
Whoever said plus size pieces must be ugly?
Or just dull and shapeless. I want to style plus size ladies to look and feel beautiful and confident.
How do you source for your fabrics and are clients sensitive to this?
I source fabrics from everywhere in the world and wherever I see what I love I buy. My clients love whatever I offer them as they believe in my taste and creativity.
Do you have any specific research process when you start new collections?
I look at trends in my styles. I go fabric shopping fabrics and that gives me ideas. Once I see a fabric I love, my creative juices start running instantly.
Who inspires you the most in fashion industry?
In Nigeria there are so many amazing creative designers that I absolutely admire their creativity. I am inspired by Pistisgh, Tubo, Veekeejames, Somobysomo, Matopeda Atelier to mention a few.
Are you a fan of Ankara prints?
Yes. I love Ankara because it is so colourful and I love to play with colours.
What is your view on African traditional attires?
I am a true African woman, so I definitely love African attires. It screams roy- alty and trust African designers to take it a notch higher. Our conventional attires now look like outfits made for the runaway.
Do you consider any fashion item indispensable?
For me, I am a jewelry lover. Jewelry pieces take basic simple clothes from zero to a 100 in seconds. Yes, the perfect accessory.
For me, it is rings. How easily do you get your fashion items in Nigeria?
Quite easily. We have dogged entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The fashion inclined business will do anything to bring in timeless pieces. So the availability is there, it is just choice.
While shopping, which fashion item catches your fancy?
Rings and earrings. Always. Lately, quality wigs are making a debut as well. (She smiles). Which fashion accessory do you live for? Rings and shiny slippers.
Do you conform to trend?
Not really. I just wear what makes me comfortable.
How comfortable do you feel in jeans and T-shirt?
Totally comfortable. That is my typical go to piece for a simple hang out with friends
Whose celebrity style do you like most?
Chioma Ikokwu and Sharon Ooja
Is there anything you are unlikely to be caught wearing?
A dress with trainers, a see through dress with just underwear under or a strapless outfit without a jacket
What is your ready to go outfit?
A free bubu or leggings and a free top.
When it comes to fashion, would you say your physique works to your advantage?
I will say I understand my body. So I wear what complements my physique.
Which outfits take up most space in your wardrobe?
My asoebi and couture outfits. I love weddings hence I have so many asoebi outfits.
What is your costliest fashion possession and how much did you get it?
I don’t really buy costly things as I make most of my outfits. I buy very affordable pieces and for me, it is in the pairing of my items to look fabulous than in the cost of the item. So I don’t think I owe any costly item.
How do you love your shoes?
I love my shoes with bulky block heels as they carry my weight better. And peep toes.
What determines what you wear?
The occasion and the weather.
What do you think of modern designers?
I think they are doing absolutely great. The designers we have today are outdoing themselves.
Who is your best designer?
I don’t have a best.
Do you have a signature perfume?
Flowerbomb by Victor and Rolf and Nina by Nina Ricci
Do you have any fashion obsession?
Just rings and earrings like I mentioned earlier
