Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese
An inspiration to thousands of young and aspiring designers, Prudent Gabriel’s earliest romance with fashion designing was astonishingly in 2018. Prior to that, she could barely thread a needle!
By 2019 and 2020 though, her clientele list was already reading like a who’s who, spanning Africa, Europe, America, Australia and the UK.
Among notable Nigerian celebrities who have donned her designs include Tim Godfrey’s crew in 2019, Peggy Ovire whom she clothed for her wedding in 2022, Mercy Chinwo for her traditional wedding/reception (2022), Liquor Rose for AMVCA 2024 Traditional Day, Mabel Makun for her baby dedication also in 2022, Mary Lazarus, Miss Universe South Africa in 2024 and countless others.
Renowned for her exquisite bespoke bridals, suits, modest ready-to-wear dresses and kiddies collections, Prudent is the CEO of Prudential Atelier, a fashion brand launched in 2019 in her tiny room in Ajah area of Lagos.
Passionate about building the next generation of designers, in 2020, she launched Prudential Fashion Academy, a fashion school that has produced over 5,000 graduates till date.
In this exclusive with Allure, the multiple award-winning fashion entrepreneur who, currently, has in her employment about 85 personnel, recounts her journey into fashion, relieves her experiences growing a fashion brand and delves lightly into her recent viral engagement with her heartthrob and prominent gospel singer, Peterson Okopi.
What led you into fashion?
Fashion designing was never part of my dream and I also never liked it. But I think I had an encounter with a tailor in 2018 who spoilt my dress. I decided to learn sewing just for personal use. But, one day, someone brought a dress for me to help mend and she paid me a thousand naira. That felt really exciting for a young lady working as a waitress for her daily bread.
Prior to 2018, I had no single knowledge about fashion and till date, I cannot say this or that person really taught me because the people I tried to learn from weren’t willing to pass-on full knowledge. I think that was the drive that pushed me into starting a fashion school.
If nobody taught you, then how did you become so highly skilled up to setting-up an academy?
I observed that a lot of people do not want you to know what they know. Even a woman I paid to learn was doing her cuttings behind closed doors so I wouldn’t learn that easily. She actually wanted me to remain with her for four years as an apprentice.
I left them all, took the bull by the horn and decided to begin learning from my mistakes.
I wasn’t scared of trying new things. In fact, I wasted a whole lot of fabrics trying to perfect my skill. When I see people wear something, I always want to try it. I don’t mind wasting 10 yards of fabrics on practising. Meanwhile, I was consistent with designing and posting on social media. Like I tell people, I have coconut head when it comes to posting on social media. When I make dresses, I post them. Sometimes, people may not like or comment but it never stopped me. Eventually, it got to a point where people started ordering even the items in the posts I got no likes or comments for because I remained consistent.
Why were you in menial jobs instead of school?
That was due to financial constraints. I was born and bred in Lagos State but we relocated to Akwa Ibom because my dad had some work and health challenges. I completed my secondary school in the village but we could not even afford a JAMB form even as small as the fee was. I was committed to church activities and serving God meanwhile, while engaging in farm work with my mum. We were breaking kernels, processing palm oil, etc., until a request from a relative inviting me to live with them in the UK took me out of the village to Lagos. That didn’t work out anyway. So, I remained in Lagos with my brother and worked in different hotels and restaurants as a waitress. Along the line, I was able to enrol at the National Open University where I studied Political Science.
What were those hurdles you faced trying to grow the brand?
One major hurdle I faced was people feeling uncomfortable when they come to meet me at my place in Ajah. They considered it not-befitting when they come for measurement or fitting after connecting on social media. At some point, I decided to be going to take measurements myself instead of letting customers come to my place.
What was the turning-point for your brand?
The turning-point for my brand was my ready-to-wear. People started ordering my ready-to-wear enmass because they fit so well when I wear and post them. My custom designs and creativity, as well as ability to blend colours, also contributed. Particularly, my fashion academy was a great force in the transformation. People could see a Prudent Gabriel in my students. That was the turning point for me.
How did it feel when you drew thousands of young designers to your fashion MasterClass in Akwa Ibom recently?
It made me feel like I was fulfilling a dream. Growing up, I always told God to use me to bless my country and everyone around me. I feel this is a purpose and I am really excited that it came to pass. I was extremely emotional when I entered the hall.
The masterclass was on corset designing while the empowerment programme themed ‘Young & Ready’ held side by side was about empowering youths, dreamers and visionaries who have goals or have given up on their dreams because of lack of encouragement. It was more like an homecoming for me, giving back to my state. I also gave out a support fund of two million naira to four young people, distributed industrial machines, and gave out scholarships worth 1.8million naira to two people into my fashion school. We also had notable business coaches who taught them how to run a successful business.
You are an advocate for modest fashion; why this choice?
I’ve always loved to cover-up; that’s my style. I hate people looking at me maybe because of any exposed sensitive body part. People feel they cannot look beautiful or sexy unless their cleavage is revealed but I feel covering up looks very beautiful.
Doesn’t that put you in a kind of box since it’s an unpopular choice?
It doesn’t; instead, it has favoured my brand and earned me great respect. That doesn’t mean I do not design custom clothing according to clients’ tastes. But for my ready-to-wear, they are strictly modest.
In addition, ninety percent of my clients and the clothes I make are for brides and clients in UK, US, Canada, Australia.
What was it like breaking into the global fashion market?
It was a dream come true. When I started, I didn’t know the dos and donts of fashion but everything just kept happening like magic. Everyone just kept requesting for my designs from across the world.
What drives you daily?
For the fashion school, it is to see people gain professional skills; teaching people and seeing them learn gives me joy. The person I trained under was always cutting behind closed doors in a private room. I vowed to teach without concealing anything and you could see the results in my students and alumni, from Ezinne to LazybyDesign, Preye, Idara, DesignbyIrene, RarebyAngel and all others. A lot of my students are superstars and have over 20k to 40k followers on social media already.
What’s your view of the Nigerian fashion industry; are we there yet?
We are more than there. I see a lot of international websites copy our designs. Go to wedding ceremonies and you will find it difficult to not look in different directions due to the jaw-dropping outfits guests are wearing. These are all products of Nigerian designers. All we are pleading for is for government to make things easy for entrepreneurs.
Let’s talk about growing up and your most memorable childhood experiences?
I was born into a family of seven with two step siblings. We were born into a very disciplined Christian home. My parents say I was very intelligent as a child and would always come first in class.
My most memorable childhood experience was (cries) when I always had to drive with my dad so I could protect and cover him up due to a skin sickness he had allover his body and neck. He was driving a taxi because he had lost his job. I did this with him for a while so we could at least raise some money daily for the family. That was prior to our relocation to Akwa Ibom; at about age 10 or 11.
Customers were irritated by the look of the growth all over his neck and wouldn’t want to join his taxi. But sitting in front with him as a passenger, I would stylishly cover the neck so it wasn’t that exposed.
We went through a lot. I remember asking my dad some years ago why our house in the village was small while others had bigger houses and he said because he needed to focus on caring for us with the little he had. I promised to build him a bigger house; which I actually did this year.
What were your childhood ambitions?
I wanted to be a medical doctor or a surgeon because I didn’t joke with my Chemistry, Biology and Physics. In fact, my teachers avoided asking me questions because they knew I would always have the right answers. That dream was, however, scuttled because I stayed too long at home.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life and career?
My mum; she is always positive and would always spur you on no matter what. She taught me how to actually face my fears. Then when it comes to fashion, I would say Veekee James. I met Veekee when she had like 11,000 followers and I had just 25. I had just joined Instagram at that time. I watched her push through, always posting consistently. Lanre Da Silva also followed me and I noticed she was always commenting on my pictures back then, which I think really encouraged me.
Who’s your favourite style icon?
Valdrin Sahiti is my first international style icon. For Nigeria, Matopeda Atelier first inspired me. And then Veekee James was also a force. I also love Vietnamese designer, Chung Thanh Phong.
What are your top five daily rituals?
Talk to God (pray), create designs/sketch, research, make a business post, visit my factory and lastly, talk to my staff about how my students are doing.
Your most cherished fashion item?
Sunglasses! I buy a lot of glasses.
Your most memorable moment in life so far?
I think it was when I recently said ‘Yes’ to the love of my life, Peterson Okopi; the man that God has purposely kept for me. He has really supported and pushed me. I’m walking down the aisle in October and I can’t wait.
How did you both meet and what was the attraction?
(Laughs) A lot people have been waiting to hear how we met. At first, we were talking online like once in three months. I think I was really thrilled and moved by his ministrations. Then we physically first met at a worship gathering and were surprised to be meeting for the first time. Soon, we started talking every day.
What do you love doing when not working?
I enjoy listening to gospel songs.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I want to change lives; I want it to be that a lot of people’s lives changed because they met me.