Ofunneka Oliseneku does not belong to the regular fashion designers’ category. Her craft is completely different and unique. She incorporates traditional craftsmanship into modern designs by blending indigenous technique with contemporary materials while making fashion accessories, bags, hooded jackets, hair accessories and other sundry items with essentially Nigerian fabrics.
Inspiration for her crafts comes from her traditional unique and elegant Akwa-Ocha fabric. She prides in the cultural heritage of her people, the Aniomas in Delta state. From this background, Ofunneka got inspired to incorporate Nigerian fabrics into her crafts to promote our rich cultural heritage with vibrant diversity of Nigerian textiles.
She tells Midpointmall that there is something unique about Nigerian fabrics. “It tells our own stories, tradition, history, food, identity, and craftsmanship”. All these, Ofunneka said resonates with her brand ethos of celebrating cultural authenticity and promoting sustainable Nigerian fashion.
Her ultimate goal, she said, is to strike a balance to celebrate and promote Nigerian cultural heritage through my craftsmanship while creating products that resonate with today’s fashion conscious consumers, yet pushing boundaries and staying relevant in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
Excepts:
Can you tell us about your process in sourcing and selecting Nigerian fabrics for your bags and fashion accessories?
This is one of the most important aspects of my job. During the selection process, I pay close attention to issues of quality, uniqueness, colour, texture pattern and cultural significance.
I source for the fabrics from the local market here in Ibadan. I buy fabrics such as Ankara, Aso – Oke, Adire, Kente. I also consider their suitability for our designs and target market. I am particular about products that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. This means a lot to me because that’s my identity. Our culture is an embodiment of who we are as a people and I am proud of my heritage.
What inspired you to start incorporating Nigerian fabrics into your designs?
My inspiration comes from my traditional background. I am an Anioma lady in Delta state. Our cultural heritage is so rich and we pride in it. Our traditional Akwa-Ocha fabric is so rich and elegant such that the acceptability has long gone global.
There is no part of the world that you can’t find our people displaying the rich culture of Akwa Ocha. So, I got inspired to incorporate Nigerian fabrics into my crafts to promote our culture and rich heritage with vibrant diversity of Nigerian textiles.
There is something unique about Nigeria fabrics. It tells our own stories, tradition, history, food, identity, and craftsmanship. All these resonate with our brand ethos of celebrating cultural authenticity and promoting sustainable Nigerian fashion.
How do you ensure the quality and durability of your bags and fashion accessories made with Nigerian fabrics?
The issue of durability and quality of our bags and fashion accessories made with Nigerian fabrics are non- negotiable. They are the lifeline of my business. I do not compromise when it comes to the quality and durability
I will not like a situation where my customers will not come back to buy again.
Here are some of the steps I take to maintain high standards of the products.
Material selection: I carefully choose Nigerian fabrics known for their durability and high quality to avoid stories. Fabrics such as Ankara, Aso -Oke and Adire.
Quality control: I implement quality control measures throughout the production process.
Testing: I conduct thorough testing on samples to assess their performance under various conditions.
Lastly, I work on my customers’ feedback. I place so much premium on feedback from my customers as it is the vehicle upon which I drive to the next level in customer satisfaction use it to improve on my products.
How do you incorporate traditional Nigerian designs and techniques into your contemporary designs?
Incorporating traditional Nigerian designs and technique into contemporary designs can be achieved through various methods such as using the traditional motifs in modern fashion. You can use blend indigenous materials with contemporary fabrics.
It still boils down to the level of value and respect for our culture. That is where I draw inspiration while infusing it with fresh, innovative perspectives to create something unique and relevant for today’s audience.
Are there any particular challenges or obstacles you face when working with Nigerian fabrics? How do you overcome them?
Yes, working with Nigerian fabrics has it own challenges such as getting good materials.
Making sure is consistent good quality and navigating through cultural sensitivities.
And overcoming these obstacles involve building good relationship with your fabrics suppliers as well as conducting thorough quality control checks
How do you stay innovative and keep up with the latest trends when designing your bags and fashion Accessories?
Staying innovative and keeping up with latest trends in bags and fashion involves a lot of work and continuous research on the new trends. I attend fashion shows, fashion workshops, exhibitions and other for a where anyone who is interested to learn can go to. So, that way, I am always abreast and stay up to date with trends in the industry. The Internet, too, has opened windows of opportunity for me to keep learning. I also collaborate with other people while networking to align with other industry practitioners.
Can you describe the target market for your bags and fashion accessories made with Nigerian fabrics?
Target market for bags and fashion accessories made with Nigerian fabrics typically includes individual who appreciate and value cultural diversity. Some of my target audience is a group of people who seek unique, statement pieces to look stand out.
This demographic often embrace fashion as a self-expression and is drawn to products that reflects authenticity, lovers of creativity, and a connection to heritage.
Overall, my target market is diverse, encompassing both Local and international audiences who are interested in exploring and celebrating rich traditional culture through fashion.
Do you collaborate with local Nigerian artisans or craftsmen in the production process? If so, can you tell me more about these collaborations?
Yes, I do collaborate with local Nigerian artisans and craftsmen. It is an integral part of production process of bags and fashion accessories made with Nigerian fabrics.
This collaboration involves my partnering with skilled artisans, people who specialize in traditional techniques.
How do you balance preserving traditional Nigerian craftsmanship with creating modern, fashionable pieces?
Balancing traditional Nigerian craftsmanship with modern, fashionable design requires a thoughtful approach that respects heritage while embracing innovation.
The first approach for me is to incorporate traditional craftsmanship into modern designs by blending indigenous technique with contemporary materials. This might involve updating traditional fabrics pattern with modern color.
Another strategy is to maintain the integrity of traditional craftsmanship while adding subtle contemporary touches. For example, I don’t just design my bags with fabrics alone. I add leather, Aso -Oke, jeans to design my bags.
The ultimate goal is to strike a balance to celebrate and promote the cultural heritage of Nigerian craftsmanship while creating products that resonate with today’s fashion conscious consumers. It allows me to celebrate tradition while pushing boundaries and staying relevant in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your brand that incorporates Nigerian fabrics?
My future plans and aspirations for our brand that incorporate Nigerian Fabrics revolve around further expanding our presence in both Local and international markets while we continuing to uphold my commitment to celebrating Nigerian culture and supporting our local artisans.
Furthermore, I aspire to become a platform for cultural exchange and empowerment, fostering connections between Nigerian artisans and global consumers while promoting greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Nigerian heritage.
My main goal is to continue growing as a brand that not only create beautiful and meaningful crafts fashion pieces but also contributes positivity to the communities and cultures from which we Draw inspiration .
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to incorporate Nigerian fabrics into their designs?
For aspiring designers looking to incorporate Nigerian Fabrics into their designs
Take your time to research and learn the crafts, be focus on the bigger picture ahead. Don’t be discouraged. Stay inspired and flexible keep an open mind and stay inspired by the world around you. Draw Inspiration from diverse sources, art, history, Nature and contemporary fashion trends. Be flexible and be willing to adept your designs based on feedback and changing market demands Be proud of your crafts. Be bold to tell people about what you do. Market your brand.
By following these tips and staying true to your creativity vision, you can create beautiful and culturally resonate designs that showcase the richness of Nigerian Fabrics and contribute positively to global fashion.
How do you prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations in your production process?
In my production process, I prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations by implementing several key practices
Reducing waste: If you know my brand, you would see that we practice waste to wealth. We strive to minimize waste through our production process by optimizing fabric cutting.
Material selection: I carefully choose materials, including Nigerian fabrics that are sustainably sourced and produced. This includes selecting fabrics made from organic or recycled fibers and supporting suppliers who adhere to fair labor practices.
