Inside super-stylish Maureen Okogwu’s fashion empire

Weekend Magazine: Many fashion websites and magazines rave on about your fresh take on old favourites. What informs your design sensibility? Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu: I alwas have to collections unveiled every ear and the last one, which was Winter 2009, had the theme ‘Falcon’ and was inspired by the majestic bird of the same name. For […]

Weekend Magazine: Many fashion websites and magazines rave on about your fresh take on old favourites. What informs your design sensibility?

Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu: I alwas have to collections unveiled every ear and the last one, which was Winter 2009, had the theme ‘Falcon’ and was inspired by the majestic bird of the same name. For Summer this year, however, it’s going to be ‘Kaduna’. I grew up in the delightful town and since the word is derived from the Hausa word for ‘crocodile’, you can guess how the collection will look like.

WM: You didn’t study design formally. What led you to become a fashion designer?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: I always had a huge, huge attraction to jeweller when I was a kid and I’d obsess over every piece my mum wore then. Then when she wanted to buy for me, I knew exactly what I wanted. I studied Information Systems because I’m into computers and gadgets and all that, but everything I have become today is a result of all the various aspects of my education and life experiences.

WM: At what point did you decide to pursue designing as a career?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: About four years ago. Before then, I was an international model so you could say the environment plus my artistic side led up to my choice. All the creativity surrounding me through my constant travels to London, Milan, Paris, etcetera, certainly gave me a boost. I later decided to focus fully on designing.

WM: You’ve been married for nine months now. Juggling married life and a fashion empire can’t be easy…

Okogwu-Ikokwu: I think there’s a balance in everything in life. And I think I will be able to find that balance. The home front is as challenging as the design industry, believe me. I think both will benefit from application of creativity.

WM: How do you get yourself in the right frame of mind to work?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: My creative juices flow when I’m very calm. When I have tranquillity around me, it automatically stimulates my creativity. Ironically, I find inspiration in markets, so I like visiting them.

WM: That sounds like fun. So what do you do for non-work-related fun?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: I love to travel, as clichéd as that sounds. I love beaches because I dive. I’m actually a dive master.

WM: You don’t look 34. What’s the secret?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: I’m a vegetarian, so I guess that helps. But other than that, I don’t follow a strict diet, no. And the funny part is I absolutely detest beauty products. I mean, you spend an insane amount of time with all kinds plastered over your face that when you are in ‘normal’ mode, you don’t want to look at the stuff.

WM: You’re a niece of late former first lady Maryam Babangida, who was known for being super-stylish. How much of that would you say rubbed off on you?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: My family’s quite close and I grew up around all my aunties, who are all very stylish, just like my father and mother are, so I’d say I definitely got some of it from Aunty Maryam. The part of her personal style that will stay with me forever is her grace and her elegance.

WM: Where will our label Sunny Rose be in the next five years?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: On the list of top designer labels in Nigeria and around the world. We currently sell to eight major outlets worldwide including Lagos, Dubai, Paris, Thailand, Japan and even St. Tropez. Our stuff is garnering quite a following.

WM: As a former international fashion model, you must have stories to tell us about the supermodels… 

Okogwu-Ikokwu: Well, the thing about them is that they’re not that friendly. But not because they’re unsociable, but because the work is just so physically demanding that it affects, mentally, as well. When you meet them, it’s usually ‘Hello’ straight to ‘Bye’. I can’t blame them, really.

WM: What do you think about your fellow Nigerian models like Oluchi, Agani Darego, et al?

Okogwu-Ikokwu: Nigerian girls have something different about them that sets them apart from other Africans. They have a natural presence when they walk, which I think does wonders in making the paparazzi notice. It’s inherent, if you will. And quite Nigerian.