By Vivian Onyebukwa
They are from different countries and diverse backgrounds, but Nigerian Farida Laraba Shuaibu and Zimbabwe-born Coleen Tafadzwa Njanike share the same vision.
The duo, who are the brains behind Abuja-based Rico Couture, are not only passionate about fashion, they are also united with a mission: to create a brand that would be a fusion of Nigerian and Zimbabwean styles.
According to the fashionpreneurs, they derive inspiration from a variety of sources, including cultural influences, nature, art, and everyday life experiences.
But then, their strength lies in their ability to fuse African aesthetics with contemporary fashion. “Rico Couture’s Unique Selling Point is our commitment to blending African aesthetics with contemporary fashion, thus creating unique and culturally inspired designs.”
Both Coleen and Farida, however, differentiate their fashion brand by striking a balance between uniqueness and commercial appeal. “We prioritize staying true to our African heritage while incorporating elements that resonate with a broader audience,” they chorused.
Narrating their journey to the top, Farida declared: “The most challenging part of being successful fashion designers is navigating the competitive industry, keeping up with evolving trends, and managing the business aspects of the brand.”
Encountering difficult clients is all part of business, but Coleen revealed how they handle challenges: “When faced with stubborn clients, we strive to understand their concerns and find creative solutions to meet their needs while maintaining the integrity of our designs.”
The designers derive pleasure in seeing their designs worn with pride, but they are displeased when faced with counterfeit products and copyright theft.
For the industry to grow, Farida believes African fashion designers must be ready to influence the people to embrace locally made fabrics. “African fashion designers can influence Africans to embrace African fabrics by showcasing their versatility, promoting cultural pride, and educating the public about the significance of these textiles,” she noted.
The Zimbabwean added: “The growth of the African fashion industry on the global stage has been driven by a renewed interest in African culture and design. Rico Couture aims to contribute by creating fashion that embodies the essence of African heritage.”
While counseling aspiring fashion designers, Farida and Coleen advised them to stay true to their unique vision, as they continue to learn and network within the industry, adding that persistence and creativity is key.