Pretty, Chic and Elegance are about the best words to describe Olakitan Olubi, the Creative Director of Magnetic Elegance, a fast-rising fashion brand.
This beautiful young lady who started her fashion business 5 years ago has made giant strides within the fashion sector, taking Magnetic Elegance to unprecedented height within such a short time. At the recent City People Online Fashion and Beauty Awards, Magnetic Elegance was recognized for its remarkable strides in the fashion industry.
City People’s Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL had a chat with this charming young babe and she was gracious enough to tell us a bit about herself and her business.
How do you feel about winning the award here tonight?
I feel thankful, first of all, for this recognition and I thank God for this platform. This award really makes me feel happy.
So tell us, what’s Magnetic Elegance all about?
We’re into women’s wear.
What particular area of women’s wear do you specialize in?
I make couture bridals and reception dresses. I also make cocktail dresses.
How long have you been in the business?
We have been around for five years now.
How did this whole passion for fashion start for you?
Well, it started from my childhood. I have always had a flair for fashion, I’ve always loved dressing up. And the whole idea started when I decided I was not going to work for anybody. So, I thought why not put my fashion ideas into place and here I am today.
From who would you say you picked up your flair for fashion from? Is it from your mum?
No, I picked it up from my grandmother. She was a fashion designer in the United Kingdom and she did very well for herself. She’s late now, may her soul rest in perfect peace. So, its like a generational trade.
But what specifically would you say triggered your interest in fashion?
Like I said earlier, I’ve had a flair for fashion. I’d always loved fashion. I’d always looked at the Elie Saabs of this world and the Zuhair Murad’s, you know, the top designers. I’ve always seen myself wearing couture pieces. And what actually lured me into this business was the fact that I usually wore stunning dresses and people would always ask me, oh, where did you get that from, you look so beautiful. So, I wanted to pass on the same compliments to every woman for them to feel beautiful, elegant and magnetic as I do.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge so far getting your brand to this level?
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s been a walk in the park because we’ve had challenges with staff but as far as every other thing is concerned, its been terrific. My customers have been amazing. Every other thing has been good, but working with the Nigerian staff and other African staff has been a bit of a challenge.
Did you start the business back in the UK or you started from here in Nigeria?
I started my business here in Lagos, Nigeria. It started 5 years ago. I intend to continue the business here in Nigeria even if I take it international. I do have international clients but I want to really make a great impact here in Nigeria first.
Tell us, what are those qualities that stand your brand out from the others?
Yeah, first of all, elegance. Our dresses ooze elegance and class, just like the name implies.
Before fashion, did you try your hands on any other thing?
No, I read Finance and Banking but I never worked with it. Fashion has always been the first business I’ve ever done and it still is the only business I’m doing.
Who are the big-name fashion designers that inspired you, foreign and local?
For foreign, its been Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. I’m always stuck to the television watching the fashion channels and admiring these top designers. For the Nigerian designers, I will say Deola Sagoe.
Where should we expect to see you in the next five years?
Well, I hope to be on the same platforms with the Elie Saabs and Zuhair Murad’s.
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