By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
For Babatunde Rasheed Dairo, Founder/Managing Director of BardPlug Fashion, fashion design is more than just a career; it’s a form of art and communication.
Rasheed’s journey into the fashion space began at the age of 10. At that young age, he started experimenting with his mother’s sewing machine. After picking different pieces of material from the tailor’s shop opposite their house, he would stitch them together to create nice outfits for himself.
From that moment, his passion and flare for fashion grew and became contagious as years went by.
“As I became older, this hobby grew into a serious passion for creating designs that not only look beautiful, but also make people feel confident and unique, leading me to pursue fashion design professionally.
“The reason fashion design is such an important career choice for me is because it allows me to merge my creativity with practical skills. It also allows me to contribute to an industry that influences the way people see and present themselves. I equally believe that fashion has the potential to drive positive change either through sustainability, inclusivity or cultural representation,” he remarked.
With a major focus on production and styling, the fashionpreneur is driven by a desire to offer a combination of elegance and functionality, while crafting designs that not only look classic and trendy, but also tell stories.
Since founding BardPlug Fashion in 2020, Rasheed has witnessed great successes in building a community of like-minded customers who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship behind every piece. Currently, he’s focusing on expanding his global presence and exploring new partnerships that align with the vision of accessible luxury.
“Since inception, the brand has steadily grown, starting with a small collection and now offering a full range of ready-to-wear apparel,” the fashionista noted.
To achieve commercial appeal, the boss of BardPlug pays attention to current trends, consumer preferences and market research. “We ensure that our pieces are wearable, eco-friendly and aligned with current trends. This allows us to maintain our distinct identity while appealing to a broad audience. The key is staying true to our vision, but also creating designs that our customers can easily incorporate into their daily lives.”
Currently, BardPlug specialises in minimalist fashion, creating modern, clean-cut pieces with a focus on simplicity and functionality. “Our minimalist approach is all about making fashion feel effortless, elegant and sustainable.”
However, there is no journey without challenges. But stressing how he handles difficulties, Rasheed said he stays focused on continuous learning, either to refine his designing skills or improve his knowledge of the industry.
“Also, I try to surround myself with a supportive team and seek mentorship from those who have been successful in the industry. It’s about being adaptable and determined to push through these challenges while staying true to my vision as a designer,” he stated.
To Rasheed Dairo, the African fashion industry has gained global recognition due to its unique blend of culture, craftsmanship and sustainability.
“BardPlug Fashion has contributed largely to this by merging traditional African styles with contemporary designs and prioritizing sustainable practices. As the industry continues to grow, I hope my brand plays a key role in expanding the global influence of African fashion while promoting inclusivity and cultural pride,” he enthused.