Ade Bakare needs little introduction when it comes to fashion. He is one of the fashion designers making waves in the fashion industry. He has not only become a household name in the industry but he is also well known globally. He has been in the industry for over 28 years and still very relevant because of his uniqueness and creativity.
He described his designs as a classical beautifully made clothes with a touch of modernity. He is not only known for creating captivating designs, he is into fragrance business.
Few days ago, his mum celebrated her 80th birthday and he spoke with City People Society Reporter, TOYIN OGUNDIYA about his love for fashion and how he has been able to make his brand relevant for 28 years. Below are excerpts.
You have been in the fashion business for over 25 years, what is the secret behind your success?
I think it is tenacity, hard work and prayer.
How did you start your business?
I started 25 years with a loan from Prince’s Trust in England and then gradually, I started showing collections in London, Dele Momodu featured me in Ovation and City People use to write about and that was how a lot of Nigerians got to know about me. So I decided to come to Nigeria to open shops.
The fashion industry in Nigeria is saturated. How have you been able to distinguished yourself?Â
Of course, there are many fashion designers in Nigeria and more are springing up by the day. It is a sign that the country is blessed with great people. I believe over the years, we have been able to create our signature look in which people recognise classical beautifully made clothes with a touch of modernity.
Was there anything in your childhood that made you go into fashion?
Yes. I always use to draw when I was a child and that was what made me study Fashion Designing. I went to the University of Lagos and after that, I went back to England to go and study Fashion Designing. I actually studied it as a course.
How do you get inspiration for the unique styles and designs you do?
We always start with a theme, we do research and that is how we start. One of my greatest joy is seeing our ideas coming out good.
What are some of the challenges you encounter while starting your business?
When I look back now, they are not challenges but hurdles that you have to overcome to be successful. A lot of things that I went through have made me stronger.
What has kept your brand this far?
Like I said earlier, tenacity. Being tenacious, having a strong vision of what you intend to accomplish. It is also important to know that success is not a destination but a journey. Every imagined hurdle has been thrown at me for years but I am focused on my goal.
What are the important lessons you gained in the fashion business?
You need to be able to deliver your products. Once you are able to do that, things will work out perfectly.
It’s so obvious that you are very close to your mum? What was her reaction when you told her you want to go into fashion designing?
I and my brothers are very close to our mum and she encourages us in all the things that we do. One is a Lawyer, one is a Counsellor in England and I am a Fashion Designer. All she said when I told her that I wanted to go into fashion designing. So I have a degree in History from the University of UNILAG before going to study Fashion Designing.
You have been in the industry for over 25 years and you are still very relevant. How does that make you feel? Do you feel fulfilled?
Yes, I do, because it is almost like what you sow is what you reap. And I can say that after all these years, I am beginning to get the benefits but I still feel like I haven’t even accomplished what I am capable of. To me, success is a journey and not a destination. So, I am still at it.
What is fashion to you?
Fashion to me is glamour.
What do you have doing most as a Fashion Designer?
The part I love most as a fashion designer is sketching, coming up with brilliant ideas and seeing them on our client. Like I used to tell the pupils at our fashion academy, the only major difference between a designer and tailor is the ability to come up with new ideas.
What would you say help you get to the pinnacle of your career?
Like I said earlier when I told my mum that I wanted to go into fashion designing. She agreed but insisted I had to study first, getting a degree is very important. So I believe it was the advice I was given by mum.
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