Hajia Abbah Folawiyo has just turned 78 but she still makes a fashion statement. She is one of the matriarchs in the fashion industry. She has been able to maintain her glamorous look, for over 70 years.
Another striking thing about this delectable Lagos society woman is that she still designs at 78. She owns the “Labanella” fashion brand on Adeniran Ogunsanya and later Ikoyi Mall back in the days. Not many believe that this brand of over 40 years is still in existence.
The ace fashion designer and wife of late Baba Adinni of Nigeria, Chief Iyanda Folawiyo who loves to wear gowns, kaftans and Boubou was the cynosure of all eyes fews days ago when she stepped out in a unique floor length gown which fits her curvy shape. If there is anything “Sisi Abah” Folawiyo has been known for, it’s her eyes for details. She made many heads turn as she walked gracefully with swag. Even the young female celebrities in attendance couldn’t take their eyes off her for seconds.
City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE and Society Reporter TOYIN OGUNDIYA spoke to her for a few minutes about her fashion style. She explained in full why she loves to wear gowns, and why she can never be caught in Iro and Buba. She spoke about why she is very stylish at 78. She also revealed that she still designs what she wears and designs for a select few. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Talking about fashion you are still very much actively involved even at 78, tell us about your interest in fashion.
I cannot stop being fashionable, fashion is inborn. I was born into it. My mother used to be a fashion designer and I took it from her and I don’t know who I am going to give it to, maybe one of my granddaughters or grandson because they are very much into it. Fashion is inside me, I cannot stop it, I love everything about fashion.
They are all doing very well, they are all trying. Especially with those using African Print, they are doing extremely good. I love that they are doing an excellent job.
Looking at your collections and designs, it is more of African Prints/Ankara. Most of your pictures online, they are more of Ankara, although, you are not wearing Ankara today but we have noticed your love for African prints. Tell us why you love to wear African prints?
I am not wearing Ankara today because I am going to another function and this is the fabric they gave us. I would have worn Ankara.
You are always wearing beautiful dresses to parties. Why do you love wearing dresses?
Yes, I love to wear dresses because it fits me and it is easy to wear. At times I wear Trouser suit, I love that too
We hardly see you in Iro and Buba?
Never, I tried that many years ago but I am not comfortable in it. I don’t like it at all. I like to wear something that makes me feel comfortable and happy. Iro and Buba, you keep on taking it off and tying it. I can’t go through that trouble.
I love to wear something you just put on and you are good to go.
How did your friends react back then when you said you will no longer wear Iro and Buba?
It is my choice, not their choice. I love dresses, anything free, Breezy. Baggy Trouser and Tops. I don’t like to squeeze myself into cloth and Iro and Buba looks funny on me maybe because I am not that fat and I can’t carry it well but I don’t like Iro and Buba at all and the Head Tie too. If you see my headtie, it is all turban. I don’t wear this new style that people wear.
You used to wear it back then?
Yes, that was years ago, I used to rock them but not anymore. I have stopped a long time ago.
How have you been able to maintain your lovely figure? You have always been slim, is it what you eat or what?
Maybe it is because of my age. I think I am shrinking. I am 77, I will be 78 and I love my figure.
We are wondering if you still sew?
Yes I do, I do for selected few. Not for everybody, I can’t stop designing or sewing. My clients won’t let me go. I am very much with them and I still sew for them but just for selected few.
Are you wearing one of your designs?
Yes, I still design what I wear, I made this two days ago.
It is very unique, simple but classy, how do you get inspirations for your styles?
It just comes to my brain. When I see a fabric, I know exactly what to do with it, without thinking.
How long have you been designing?
A very long time
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