So I stumbled on a designer,Mariam Moussa recently. i went to her website and the lookbook was amazing and the designs were lovely,so i decided to interview the brain behind this fashion house.
*TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
mariam_moussa: im Hauwa Ojeifo,from Edo state in Nigeria. Born and raised in lagos,a student of Bells university of technology,studying international business.
*TELL US ABOUT YOUR DESIGN HOUSE?
mariam_moussa: formerly M&M fashion,this label has beenin existence for over 25 years. it was/is still run by my lovely mother,Hajia Maryam Ojeifo. since inception,we have offered a variety of pieces for both ladies and gentlemen. it was rebranded in february 2010 and had its major focus on ladies' pieces.
we comprise of three dedicated and vastly experienced administrators;Myself,My mother and My Sister,Zainab Ojeifo.
*I WENT THROUGH YOUR LOOKBOOK AND THE CLOTHES ARE LOVELY,WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION TO CREATE SUCH FABULOUS DESIGNS?
mariam_moussa: Thank you very much,i must say. well,inspiration comes just about anywhere and anytime. i think the basic thing i bear in mind is creativity,which is either thinking outside the box or modifying what may already exist.i see a piece that forms in a particular way and i say to myself; "why not reverse it" and a new piece comes alive.
*WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU?
mariam_moussa: for me,comfort and fitting,no matter what i put on,these two features have a way of selling one out.
*WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FABRICS TO WORK WITH AND WHY?
mariam_moussa: i am still exploring a variety of fabrics but so far,i'm loving local ankara,very easy to work with. i like chiffon,chinos and satin,they make good combos. im looking forward to using aso-oke and george,amongst others in the nearest future.*I ADMIRE FASHION DESIGNERS AND I WISH AT TIMES,I WAS ONE.. WHAT WILL YOU SAY IS YOUR STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS IN THE ART OF FASHION DESIGNING?
mariam_moussa: well,i prefer to term them as "CHALLENGES". getting very good craftmen is definately one. also,publicity may prove a bit slow,as a result of many "agents" being skewed towards the works of already made Nigerian designers,making it difficult for the rising ones.
*DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
mariam_moussa: comfort and simplicity all the way. i do not compromise these features for anything.
*WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY AS A WORD OF INSPIRATION TO UPCOMING FASHION DESIGNERS?
mariam_moussa: just like i tell myself,be determined,humble and patient. be extra-hardworking,willing to learn and be focused. with faith in God,you will grow beyond your dreams.
*WHERE CAN READERS FIND MORE ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS AND POSSIBLY BUY?
mariam_moussa: i am actually working on contracing on-line retailers,but the digital lookbook can be viewed from the website, http://www.mariammoussacreations.com/ and order via the "feedback" or "contact us". also you can follow us on twitter, @_MariamMoussa for updates and also become a fan at
www.facebook.com/MariamMoussacreations
