WHY I WANT TO BE THE NEXT FADAN PRESIDENT - KOLA KUDDUS

It's no longer news that popular fashion designer Kola Kuddus is in the race for Fadan Presidency. He is one of those whose names top the list.

Kola is good. He is very experienced in the running of FADAN. And he has many more qualities going for him as you will read in his interview below.

Though everyone simply calls him Kola Kuddus (which is the name of his brand), his real name is Kola Yusuf. How did he coin the brand name Kola Kuddus? Many don't know it is his Muslim name. His interview is very revealing. He spoke to City People Online Fashion and Beauty Magazine Publisher, Seye Kehinde.

You are in the race for the Presidency of FADAN. What are your plans for the association?

I have been attending FADAN meetings for over 13 years and I have observed and taken different positions in the association as well. I plan to operate an all-inclusive FADAN that's aim major at growth of its members, the association and industry at large.  I plan also to take advantage of technology in achieving an enterprising FADAN, serve as an advocate and a strong voice for the association, its members and the fashion industry as a well.

 Tell us about your experience in FADAN activities

. In the 13 years I have taken part in most activities of FADAN both as a floor member and executive serving at different level in different capacity.  At this activities I have contributed to the success of the events that took place in FADAN.

You were part of the outgoing Exco. How do you rate the performance of your Exco?

 Being part of the outgoing exco serving as vice president gave me a better understanding of things especially work with a leader like Mrs Funmi Ajila Ladipo who never gets tired of moving the association. All executives did play their parts well and we all did everything we would to take the association higher.

 What are the lessons you have learnt from your involvement in FADAN activities over the last few years?

 With my involvement in FADAN activities over the years I have learnt a lot ranging from carrying members along, putting interest of the members and the association first. I have also learnt to be selfless, that focusing on the goals and objectives of the association is most paramount.

Why do you want to be the next President of FADAN?

I look forward to being the next president to continue the good work of the outing administration, to add value and most importantly to move the association and its members to the next level with full of possibilities and opportunities.  I also strongly believe it's time to give back in full capacity what I have learnt over the years from within and outside the industry taking advantage of my experiences.

Tell us about Kola Kuddus. Who is he?

Kola Kuddus is a laser focused man full with integrity and humility.  A man willing to serve,  share, ready to sacrifice and a man whose passion for the fashion  industry knows no bounds and always willing to deliver, listen and a great team player.

Tell us about your involvement in Fashion. What year did it start? What made you go into fashion at the time?

I have been in the fashion industry for almost 2 decades now .I started out as a personal shopper and stylist while in the university in 2002 serving mostly the student community, families, friends and a few schools outside Lagos.  My passion for creating unique pieces, style and love for well-tailored clothes lead me to Nobel Afrik Fashion School, London College of Fashion, and Central Saint Martin's where I took different courses to enhance my skill and readiness for the industry.  In 2008 I started out as a full-fledged designer brand ready to serve the men’s wear market even though I did a bit of women's wear before realizing I had more flair for men’s wear.

 I have also attended different fashion shows, exhibitions and won several awards.

 Going to fashion was almost automatic even though it all started as an hobby and it was something I did effortlessly well at.

Tell us about your fashion brand Do you design for Men alone or women also.

The Kola Kuddus fashion is a pristine, afro minimalist, Afrocentric fashion brand that creates unique pieces and stands men out in the crowd. Kola Kuddus is a lifestyle fashion brand the creates clothes and accessories with a lot of attention to craft, precision and unwaveringly attention to details always men look quintessential.  The brand cartels to both young and old men in different spheres of life. The brand also gives back to the society by training young lads in tailoring through it Academy Of Fashoion Entrepreneurship arm  sometimes free mentorship and empower both men and women through our affiliate marketing programme.

What has been your staying power in this highly competitive market?

My zeal, love, passion for fashion, creativity and arts has been my stay power in a competitive industry.  As a laser focus person, I constantly update both my fashion and business skill and keeping abreast with events happening in the industry and related industry. Having my ears on ground, partnerships and collaborations without neglecting what technology is bringing on has given us a stay power.

Where were u born? Where did you grow up? And which schools did u attend?

I was born in Lagos to a civil servant (my dad) and my mum a business trader. I grew up with my sibling of 5, and relatives in Egbeda Akowonjo part of Lagos.  I had my nursery and primary education at St' John's nursery and primary school Onipanu in Lagos, Airforce Comprehensive School Iyana Offa in Oyo state, University of Lagos. I also attended Nobel Afrik Fashion School, London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martin's, City University London, Enterprise Development Centre Lagos.

What is the difference between Kola Kuddus and Kola Yusuf

Kola Kuddus is my brand name while Kolawole Kuddus Yusuf is my name

Kuddus is my Muslim name