We bring to you this week another young and upcoming CEO who
has great passion for what he is
doing and enjoys every bit of it. Abdul Ademola is the young and enthusiastic creative director
of L’apparella Signature, Nigeria.
L'apparella Signature is basically a
lifestyle company that is into the business of catering for the clothing and
aesthetics need of individuals.
LabalabaNg had a chat with Abdul on behalf of our dear readers and it was another exciting moment. He is resilient,
independent and result driven. Abdul is a graduate of Coperative and Business Management (B.Sc) from the prestigious Olabisi
Onabanjo University and he is currently studying Fashion at Yaba College of Technology (Diploma). The Lagos born fashion
entrepreneur found a line of business whereby he provides wardrobe management
services, haute couture, ready to wears and also customizing services.
To know more about his
line of business, what inspired him and some other
interesting tips about the world of fashion, Abdul has this to say;
“L’Apparella Signature not only sews or makes clothes; we
strive to exceed the boundaries of clients’ clothing expectations by offering
services and clothing that are uniquely designed for each client. We do more of
sketches and illustrations to present the exact design that falls in line with
client’s specifications. Our goal is to make outfits that are not just
multi-functional but will also not be limited to a particular period in time.”
L'Apparella started about four years ago but he turned
it into a full-time enterprise
two years ago. During these years he has been involved
in several trainings, self-study and practices to develop himself and
interestingly he is still studying.
LB: What were the early years of business like?
Abdul: Whoa…being
quiet naïve and new to the world of fashion, it was a rough path for me. With
little knowledge in fashion, I ventured into the
unfamiliar terrain. I must say a lot have been learnt and all I can say is …
Thank God we have come this far…
LB: Tell us more about your life of business?
Abdul: I am more
into male wears and fashions, although I make female outfits too but
more attention is on the male folks.
LB: I sense
'ojoro'(partiality) here?
Abdul:
haha... Nothing of such I think less attention has been placed on the male fashion aspect overtime and the time is now
for things to change.
LB: The
'change' syndrome is everywhere are you
also a member of a....
Abdul:
Haha..... No. I am just striving
to be different with all my styles so I can be at the edge of other market negotiators.The truth is that a lot of people are into fashion but what we
have seen so far is plagiarism (duplications) of someone’s supposed design.
This limits the creativity of individual designers, what makes us different is
the extra mile you go in creating and crafting designs that are in tune with
client’s personality and specification.
LB: Who/what
inspired/inspires you?
Abdul:
Years ago I use to find it
extremely difficult to get an “off the shelf” shirt that fits me. I am a very
tall person 6feet 3 inches and slim at that. So most time when I buy
shirts from stores, the sleeves are either too short or the body will be too
big. This prompted me to make my first “TAILOR-LORAN” (tailor-made shirt) and
subsequently I ventured into learning the trade. As for who inspired me; the
creativity of my father (An interior decorator) and the ever sassy designs of
my younger sister (CEO RACL- Clothing) got me inspired.
LB: Abdul
you are our first guest on this platform to say you were inspired by your dad.
Thank you daddy for gearing up this young man.
Abdul:
Hahha..... Thank you.
LB: I know
someone would be glad to hear this! Shout out to the fathers!
Abdul: Lol
LB: Who are
your role models in the fashion industry?
Abdul: Mai
Atafo and Kola Kuddus.
LB: Share with us your first job, what it was, who was it for, and how did
you feel delivering the job?
Abdul: My first job was
a Couple’s native, black guinea brocade attire with embroidery,for Mr and Mrs
Dele Quadri. I felt so scared at first but with the sight of smile on
their faces, I knew this was what I was destined to do.
LB:
Designers you look up to?
Abdul:
Yves Saint Laurent (Algerian Born French Designer), Mai Atafo (Nigerian
designer), Kola Kuddus (Nigerian Designer), Robeto Capucci (Italian Designer),
Simon Rademan (South African Designer).
LB:Did you ever feel like
quitting at any point?
Abdul: Yes,
but am glad I did not.
LB: So
tell us what is trending in Nigerian fashion?
Abdul: For
ladies, corporate dresses are shorter and the use of sheer materials and softer
materials now with details blending well with the curves.
On the other hand, male folks
fashion has been transformed now that men are more conscious of the fit of the
cloth on them. Men wear more of slim fits now, hanging trousers that stop just
at the ankle with and lastly men wear shorter and smarter agbada now with such
magnificently designed embroidery on them. 
LB: I
hope to get one, hope it won’t cost me a fortune?
Abdul: Though
classy but I am affordable, trust me.
LB:
Let's gist on the common errors in fashion?
Abdul: Wearing
what is in vogue without putting into consideration what fits you right,
Wearing horizontal stripes when you know you are a plus sized person or imagine
a tall person wearing a vertical striped cloth, I can imagine what you are
thinking, over accessorizing is another, people need to know that there is
elegance in simplicity.
LB: This
phrase should be noted "Elegance in simplicity." Please Abdul share
with us what is appropriate to
wear for a ball? I mean for Ladies and Gentlemen
Abdul: For
Gentlemen: A well-tailored suits, sparkly
clean shirt with a bow tie and if you like you can contrast it all
with a brooch or boutonniere or pocket flower.
Ladies: A swirling,
sparkling, dramatic and V-necked gown will be graceful on any lady that knows
her onion in fashion.
LB: What
is needed for anyone who has passion for this business?
Abdul: Passion
and never the ending passion, you must possess the knowledge, skills and right
attitude, never relent and never stop believing, keep learning and be focused.
LB: Our
guests don’t leave without final words written on the marble.
Abdul: The
easiest way is the deadliest way, so no short cut, you just have to pay your
dues.
LB: On
behalf of the Labalaba family and readers
I want to say a very big thank you to our very own tall, handsome and
great boss of L'Apparella Signature. Your story has really inspired
us. On your next dinner or outing be sure to have the right outfit on because
the fashion police is on the look out. Lol....
See you next week and have a
fashionable week.
You can catch up with L’Apparella on the following social
media;
Facebook; www.facebook.com/lapparellasignature
Twitter and instagram handles;
@lapparella86.
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