Kiki Kamanu Speaks: ‘Vivid, Audacious… That’s My Style’

Kiki Kamanu of the self named label says she began her journey into fashion at the age of eleven when she started revitalizing her twin sister’s clothes, and now, decades after, she has become one of the largely talked about designers from African and Nigeria.

Born to a Bostonian mother and Igbo father, Kiki Kamanu started her emergence in the fashion world with a modeling agency in Boston where she walked for several internationally acclaimed designers such as Chanel and Gucci.

The designer’s lively fashion fusions are available in limited editions for discerning men and women seeking superior personal style in casuals and formal wear. Her eclectic pieces include her revolutionary multifunctional ‘Comme Tu Veux’ wrap that wowed everyone at London’s Fashion week.

The Kiki Kamanu’s brand distinctive chic has been featured on several runways including Sleek, London Fashion Week and the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week. In addition, her designs have appeared in major American, European, Nigerian and Turkish media including CNN International and Russian Tatler.

Kiki has dressed leading personalities such as Susan Taylor, Editor-Emeritus of Essence Magazine and French singing duo Les Nubians, and has developed a faithful following in the United States, Nigeria, the Persian Gulf and now the United Kingdom.

In Kiki’s role as a costumier she continues to collaborate with several leading production companies to interpret their visions onto the stage.

Your Definition Of Fashion

IT is freedom of expression. My style is vivid and audacious. I take the road less traveled and going there, I find myself, a vivid bouquet of funk.

What Do You Consider First When Dressing Up

I see each day as a new experiment and wear the same pieces in a completely different way while I still remain true to myself.

First Choice Signature Scent

It is my 24 Faubourg St. Honore by Hermes.

Favourite Fashion Piece And Most Worn Item

The KikiKamanu summer 2013 multi-functional scarf/blouse; it can be worn in at least 10 different ways. It comes in various versions and on two occasions, clients have literally purchased it off my back.

Your First Love Accessory

I have two — my bronze and copper ring inscribed with 'Bless My Heart'. I got it from one of my favourite boutiques 'Corpus Christi' in the Marais, Paris. Also, a ribbed two-toned ring I found from a roadside artisan near Ibadan. I wear these two pieces together and rarely leave home without them.

First Choice Colour

It’s red.

Most Expensive Fashion Piece In Your Closet

It’s a fox stole encrusted with rubies I got from my maternal grandmother. She wore it a lot during WW II, when she and my grandfather were stationed in Germany and Japan. It has so much history and it’s priceless.

Your First Major Break As A Designer

Getting my first collection pieces into an upper west side boutique in Manhattan within a few months of launching it, just a few years ago. I was so nervous, but I am grateful that God used it to jumpstart my career.

Favourite Food

Right now, it is fresh pumpkin soup with spicy grilled tofu.

First Choice Holiday Destination

I like to travel around different parts of Nigeria, to discover what makes this fascinating country tick.

First Choice Car

It’s a Bentley GT Continental in gunmetal grey.

First Time You Sneaked Out For A Party

I never did that ... I was a good girl.

Favourite Designer(S)

Right now, they are Bridget Awosika, Beampeh, Tsemaye Binitie and Orange Culture.

Most Stylish Icon

Madonna, she constantly reinvents herself.

First Memorable Christmas

It was the one I spent away from home, without my family, in a Muslim country. I wanted to experience something different and ended up touring Morocco (Tangiers, Casablanca and Marrakesh) on a solo vacation.

Philosophy Of Life

Karma!