Asiwaju Couture Boss, Funsho Adeoti Plans Big For 2014

Those who are very conversant with the happenings in the fashion industry in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, the name Asiwaju Couture will definitely not be new to them. The brand has overtime become a viable one to be reckoned with in the fashion business.

Meeting the woman behind the name, one would see talent and business acumen, some of the qualities that have stood Funsho Adeoti out in the highly competitive business. No wonder powerful politicians in the South Western region of Nigeria and other society bigwigs throng her store in Lagos just to get the best from her.

In this interview with First Weekly, the delectable woman of substance revealed how she has been able to stay unique and why the highly patronised Asiwaju Couture is a leading fashion house. She also talked about some stocks she brought from her recent trip to America.

You recently returned from a trip to America, was it for business

Travelling is an integral part of my job because I need to keep abreast with fashion trends abroad. Basically, my recent trip was just to garner more knowledge of the job and to see new fashion trends.

So, what trends did you come back with

We have a collection of new fashion styles and new patterns for the new season coming. When you say new season you mean Christmas, what should the clients of Asiwaju Couture look forward to?  One thing about us is that we don’t just design for people. What we do is to read the material you want to design and give you the best that it can produce. It goes far beyond just designing. If a client comes to my couture and ask for a design if I know that it won’t fit that person, I won’t do it.  If a male client brings a material in I know what will seat well on the person and I give it to him.

Why did you relocate from Ikeja to Omole Phase 2

We were in Ikeja, Lagos for about three or four years, but we were not getting the kind of responses we needed. At times, it is not always about money, but the personal touch.

What are the challenges you have faced since relocating to Omole Phase 2

The truth of the matter is that where we are presently is littered with designers, but the truth is that if there are one million couture and you know your onion you will excel. I know my designs speak for me and I really don’t go out to look for customers. What I design for people goes a long way to say what I am capable of and through that we get more clientele.

What makes your couture unique

Basically, we are all about making people look good and standout. For instance, if you have a special event and you don’t want anybody to wear the same design as you that is where we come in, we are very good at that.

What is your client base like

I design for a lot of people. I design for members of the National Assembly, and high society players.

How affordable is Asiwaju Couture

We are not expensive. We are affordable, but you will definitely get better value for your money with us.

Can you take us into memory lane of how the business began

The business began 25 years ago. That is how long I have been doing this job and you know they say experience is important. I started in Nigeria, then relocated to America, where I continued working before relocating back to the country five years ago.

Who influence you in the industry

My mum does, she is also a designer. Most

of what I know today came from her.

What inspires your designs

When you are born to do something, the inspiration comes naturally. I get inspired by different things because even an English dress inspires me. Often times, I look at a dress and I tell myself I can turn this around into something more creative and before you know it, it’s done. I can pick designs from ten dresses and combine them to make mine without over crowding the clothes. When I see a material, the first thing that comes to my mind is what design I will bring out from it. One very important thing with the job is creativity.

One of the major challenges that your trade face is the ability to maintain your tailors, does this affect you too

It is a general problem, but what I do is to put my tailors first. I also don’t let them lack. I give them what they need at the appropriate time. That is the only way you can keep them loyal to you. That is my secret.

What are Asiwaju Couture’s plans for 2014

We should expect something good because when God is in control, everything else is in control, but I know the year is kicking in and we are ready to kick too. 

December 21, 2013