Pretty Aite Aidonoje is a graduate of Microbiology from Ambrose Alli University in spite of studying a Science related course, she opted for the fashion industry and has been giving a splendid account of herself. In fact, she is one of the fashion designers making waves in the federal capital territory as her clientele are mostly top celebrities. In this interview with National WAVES’ Gospel Ozioma Bestman, she opened up on why she abandoned her degree for the fashion industry.
Can we meet you?
My name is Aite Aidonoje from Edo State.
What did you study in school?
I studied Microbiology while I was doing that, I was also attending a fashion school. I was actually doing both together.
So why did you choose fashion instead of getting a white collar job with your degree?
I have a great and unending passion for the fashion. I am so much in love with fashion; I fell in love with wearing good clothes as a kid. My mum really pampered me while I was growing up. She was fond of buying designer clothes for me and I’ve been so conscious about fashion since then, I actually started my career in 2002, I have always worked as a designer. My love and creativity and the use of creative ability drives me daily to design for different clientele.
Basically what do you do at Regbota?
I make clothes and I train people too.
In other words you have a fashion school?
Yes, I do have a fashion school Are you fulfilled being in the fashion industry? Yes, am very much fulfilled. As I said earlier, I am not into fashion to make money. I am in it because of the love I have for it. So I am very much fulfilled in making people look good.
What is life as a fashion designer like?
Life is good, life is sweet, and life is fun. The truth is I enjoy what I am doing.
What is your typical day like?
I wakeup in morning pray, after praying take a cup of tea Jump into the bathroom shower and plan for the day.
How did you get into the fashion industry?
I will not say I got into fashion, I was born with it, It has always been in me It has been there.
So you didn’t get help from anybody before you became a designer?
As I said earlier, I went the school, I also trained to be a fashion designer but becoming a fashionista is an in born thing.
Who do you look up to in the fashion industry?
In the fashion world, I look up to Tara Durotoye, Biola Shaibu, Lareh Da Silver Including Coco channel, these are people who have really inspired me, they inspire me a lot.
How do you see fashion in Nigeria and other part of the world?
Fashion in Nigeria is improving; fashion is in a better place right now in Nigeria, back in those days when you tell someone that you are a fashion designer they see it as a failure but now they are like wow they don’t see as a failure anymore, I think you can now be rated as a professional. Fashion in Nigeria is not where it should be but we’ll get there.
What about other part of the world?
Fashion in America, fashion in the U.K is mind blowing it creates a lot of employment, it creates a lot of job opportunities, in outside world is a global thing. you see people in America and they have their production offices In China, Nigeria will get there.
If you get into a competition what are your chances of winning?
If I get to compete I can say, my creativity will stand for me, I don’t believe in competition, I believe in standing for what you do and let your work speak for you, identify and know your strength, I don’t believe in telling people that I am a designer, when I dress you will know I am a designer.
Are you also a makeup artist? Yes How do you combine being a make-up artist and a fashion designer?
It is interwoven; fashion designing and make-up go pari pasu. It’s all about making one look good, so I do not have any problem combing the two What is your advice to young fashion designers? Keep it real, don’t be money conscious, don’t go into it because of the money, go into it because you are passionate about it, go into it because is what you know how to do then the money will come.
Please tell us more about your fashion school?
Well my fashion school is located at Banex plaza wuse 2, it’s affordable because I’m happy training those interested in fashion designing. What does it take to get into your fashion school? It is nothing much, just your tape and your scissors. What about the fee? The fee is relatively low for all gender.
Thank you ma for your time.
You are welcome
