By Damilola Fatunmise
While most Lagosians lament over the perennial traffic snarl, festering crime rate, and hustle and bustle of Lagos, Georgehenry Chidiebere, the creative egghead behind DeGeorges Couture, believes that the city is a dream maker and land littered with opportunities.
According to the iconic designer, the bustling city of Lagos fuels his creativity. In fact, Lagos breathes life into every stitch he makes, while the markets and the vibrant prints are his muses.
“I’m a dreamer turned-fashion artisan. At 28, I’ve woven my life around fabrics. From high school to now, the needle has been my compass. This bustling city, Lagos, fuels my creativity. The markets, the vibrant prints – they are my muses. Lagos breathes life into every stitch. At DeGeorges Couture, we celebrate Nigeria’s essence. Our designs carry whispers of love, resilience and dreams. Here, tradition meets modern flair,” he said rather poetically.
Born to Nigerian parents in Paris, France, the global headquarters of fashion, Georgehenry’s unparalleled talent prompted the birth of his fashion brand on the streets of Lagos a few years ago. However, his childhood sketchbooks, filled with graffiti-inspired designs, laid the foundation for DeGeorges Couture’s unique identity.
As a brand, DeGeorges Couture is synonymous with sophistication and style; hence it has carved a place for itself in the fashion industry.
“DeGeorges Couture is born out of a passion for blending urban aesthetics with luxury sensibilities. The brand stands at the intersection of streetwear and elegance. What also makes me unique is my combination of sales and customer service experience. I understand the needs and frustrations of customers from experience addressing their concerns. This insight helps me better guide them through sales conversations,” he explained.
DeGeorges Couture isn’t just a label; it’s a lifestyle. The brand celebrates the grit of the streets and opulence of the runway. As you step into a DeGeorges’ ensemble, you become part of a global tribe – one that appreciates the fusion of urban edge and timeless elegance.
The fashionpreneur defines fashion as the prevailing trends, styles and clothing choices that are dominant in a specific period or culture. To him, fashion encompasses clothing, accessories, footwear, and even beauty trends.
“While style is timeless – it persists beyond seasonal shifts. Style reflects personality, values and lifestyle. It’s about curating a wardrobe that resonates with you, regardless of what’s in. DeGeorges Couture exemplifies style. Its signature urban hoodies, edgy tees and impeccable craftsmanship define a distinct aesthetic,” he noted.
On what inspired his fashion odyssey, Georgehenry said: “I chose this path because it allows me to blend creativity with practicality. Fashion design is my canvas, where I can express unique ideas and push the boundaries of style.
Over the past eight years, I’ve honed my skills, working with diverse textiles and materials to create pieces that resonate with people.”
Georgehenry’s mentors are Miuccia Prada, the legend who has shaped modern luxury fashion, and the enigmatic founder of Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo, who challenges conventions. And coming home, he’s inspired by designers who infuse cultural heritage into their works. They include High Fashion (Jago), ISB, Vodi, Yomi Casual, Mai Atafo and Ashulux.
Looking ahead, DeGeorges envisions boutiques in major cities like London, Toronto and Los Angeles. Aside planning strategic partnerships with luxury retailers and pop-up events, the brand also envisages mentorship programmes for emerging designers.