Wearing beautiful clothes can improve one’s self-esteem and give that feeling of self-confidence through comfort and elegance, and in Nigeria, Agbede Oluwadamilola, the creative director and Founder of DAK Brand is all out to help women achieve that on a low budget.
Agbede Oluwadamilola is a 26 years old self taught fashion designer who bagged a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Oduduwa University.
She just released to new collection, U5k, for women who love to look good but cannot afford the high prized styles.
In this exclusive interview with Allure Vanguard, the Fashion Entrepreneur shares her successful story, challenges and future plans for DAK BRAND.
Enjoy!
Did you have acquire special training on fashion designing?
I have always been interested in anything creative which inspired me to learn about fashion designing by watching online tutorials. Over the years, I became more and more obsessed with learning. After few years, I started my own clothing brand which catered to women who want to look good on a budget. Mostly creating ready to wear and made to order based on my client’s needs.
How long have you been into fashion designing?
I have been into fashion for roughly 4 years now.
What factors have contributed to your success in the industry?
Being a creative person, I love to stay different and I think that has contributed to my success in the industry.
What inspired your brand name?
My brand name is DAK BRAND. Which is my initials. I wanted something easy to remember and difficult to forget. Simple but unique.
Who are DAK BRAND’s target clients?
My target audience are females between the ages of 18-45. Women to are not afraid to try colours and be bold.
How affordable are the wears at DAK?
My wears are from the range of N5,000 upwards. It all boils down to the style. My made to fit outfits are different prizes; all depends on Fabrics and Styles.
Are you planning to unveil a new collection, tell us more about it?
I named it U5k meaning the Under 5k collection. It was inspired by the women around who love to look good but cannot afford the high prized styles.
Materials used for this collection were
1.Crepe
2. London Fabrics
3. Mesh fabric
I went for these fabrics because they are versatile, affordable, skin friendly and easily accessible. The collection ranges from Uk size 8- Uk Size 18.
These styles can be worn year in year out , can be styled down or worn on random occasions.
What are the expectations from the collections?
My expectations from this collection is simple just like every other creative, I would love to see my designs appreciated and sold out. It gives me so much joy when I get positive reviews and referrals from my clients.
How were you able to cushion the effects of COVID as a fashion designer?
During Covid 19, a whole lot happened. People were restricted to movement so there was not too much sales.
But I took time to top up my craft learning new skills such that will be useful for my fashion brand.
I went into Bridal outfits, learning about laces and their textures, beading, wedding dress patterns and it was such a beautiful experience for me. Post Covid, I worked with another bridal brand putting my new skills into action.
Are there celebrities you would love to style? Can you mention three and why?
The celebrities I would love to style are so many but few of them are Sharon Ooja, Inidima Okojie and Osas Ighodaro because I love how they bring life to anything they wear, they embody every single style so well and for me that is beautiful.
What are the challenges you face as Nigerian entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge as a Nigerian Designer is the fluctuation in the economy. I hate having to create pricey designs when my brand vision is to Create affordable Fashion. Cost of raw materials keeps sky rocketing , infiltration of low quality fabrics mixed with the good ones, high delivery costs and so many things
What are your future plans for DAK BRAND?
My future plans has always been to take fashion to the next level. I want to explore more options in the fashion industry , one day have my textile company, build a brand internationally and work with big high earned fashion brands abroad.
What makes you a happy woman?
Every one is happy when they have money. Happiness for me is relative. I’m happy when people around me are happy. When my career is growing and I’m able to do what I love.