•CEO, Hauwa De Zuzu
A few days back, the Creative designer behind the bespoke brand, Hauwa de Zuzu, Bukky Owoyemi Oreagba launched a new fashion collection tagged “Asiwaju”. This innovative creation was witnessed by many distinguished Nigerians, which further put the brand on a high pedestal. The fashion business for Bukky is what she fell in love with since she was young and now she has transformed the brand into a luxury fashion staple for all women of class. In a chat with Society Editor, TAYO OYEDIJI, she spoke about her love for fashion and why every woman should wear Hauwa de Zuzu.
Let’s start by asking why did you choose the brand name, Hauwa de Zuzu?
I chose Hauwa de Zuzu because Hauwa is my grandmother’s name, also because of its unique meaning. Hauwa means wonderful and awesome and Zuzu means Beauty and Intelligence which is synonymous with the kind of woman the brand caters for.
Who are the categories of women Hauwa de Zuzu caters for?
Hauwa de Zuzu caters for all types and shapes of women who value elegance as part of the attributes of being a woman. Women who are courageous, confident and income-earning women from young to elderly. Also, the brand has a diffusion line, Zuzu Kai, which caters for everyday women.
What does Hauwa de Zuzu offer?
Hauwa de Zuzu offers timeless wearable art.
What is your take on how women of this clime should be dressing?
I believe women should be comfortable in whatever they choose to wear. We are blessed to have a clime that plays a huge role in our creative space, to create with the awareness of the climate.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me means individuality, the identity that can not be copied, standing out with statement pieces-Timelessness.
Then, why did you diversify into fashion?
I believe art and fashion are intertwined and being an art lover and observing the climate, people are embracing new things, I knew there’s a market for it. Being into fashion from a very young age and believing in my own style made it easy for me to diversify into fashion.
Tell us the story of Hauwa de Zuzu creation and the new collection?
Hauwa de Zuzu was birthed from both the Yoruba and Fulani lineage. The brand has always found its strength from ethnic heritage which prompted the birth of “Asiwaju,” a collection focused on appraisal of good deeds, leadership, and growth. The brand’s intention (appraisal) was to shed light on the juxtaposition between royalty and leadership, paying homage to my father (Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi) for his good deeds. He is not just a hospitality guru but also shows his essence of being a man and a caring father, bringing hope and change to the indigenous people of his land (Offa).
How do you keep your brand against competitors? Any particular reason Hauwa de Zuzu is different?
The brand has always believed in its unique aesthetics. Many brands outside Hauwa de Zuzu shares similarity in silhouettes. The brand has always shown its uniqueness in keeping an outstanding form of creating timeless art pieces from its competitors.
How did your love for fashion start?
My love for fashion started when I was very young. I noticed I wanted to be different from the rest, standing out. Also, remember the way mum and other relatives used to dress in flamboyant colours and styles, and my environment with different cultures around me burst out my love for fashion.
What was your parents’ support towards Hauwa de Zuzu when you decided to float your fashion brand?
My parents are supportive I’ll say now because at first, it was a bit hard for my dad to understand and accept my decision but they’ve always known me to be different and now he’s becoming understanding and coming close to the brand.
You are one of the quiet daughters of Chief Owoyemi? Why are you not interested in the running of his hospitality business?
My dad has always wanted me to be in the same field with him, way before becoming a hospitality guru. He wanted me to go for hotel management but I’ve always known myself to be creative. I’m not the 9-to-5kind of person, though I could always go into hospitality maybe with a different approach as an interior designer. Knowing my passion, being a performer from a young age, I also believe fashion plays a huge role in the hospitality industry, as a creative I have the DNA in me as a hospitality guru.
Your mum, who is popularly called Alhaja Rikaz, is a fabric merchant, did you take your fashion business after her?
My mum being a fabric merchant has shown its impact on brand growth. Her taste for luxury fabrics reflects in me as a creative designer, my skill as a fashion businesswoman was cultivated from both parents leaving behind their trademarks.
Give us a brief of your background?
I am Bukola Owoyemi-Oreagba. I’m the first child in my family. I was born in Kaduna but I’m from Kwara State, Offa. I attended my primary and secondary education in Kaduna and studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos from where I proceeded to London to further my studies in Creative Arts and Business Studies at North London University and Buckinghamshire Chilterns University. Also, I acquired several diplomas because I’m the type who loves to learn new things. I believe knowledge is power.
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