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Evans Akere, creative director of Vanskere, a high profile fashion brand in Lagos, is a trained lawyer that eventually ventured into fashion. He graduated from the London College of Fashion where he honed his skills in style, creativity and fashion technicalities.
He spoke with Saturday Sun recently.
What informed your choice of career in fashion designing?
My journey into fashion began while I was studying law at the university. I always struggled to fit into the expected look of a law student, because the strict black-and-white corporate dress code didn’t align with my personality. I’ve always expressed myself through my dressing, so it was difficult to suppress that creativity.
This continued even into law school. During my compulsory court attachment, a Senior Advocate actually walked me out of the courtroom because of the way I was dressed. That moment forced me to reflect deeply, and I realised I might be on the wrong career path.
After my call to bar, I made the bold decision to follow my passion and go fully into fashion. And honestly, I haven’t looked back. The rest is history now.
How long have you been in the business?
I’ve been in the business for two decades
What inspires your idea in designing?
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I draw inspiration from many different sources. It could be music, everyday objects, unique patterns, or simply the environment around me. I’m constantly observing, and sometimes the smallest detail sparks an idea.
What were your early challenges in the business, and how were you able to surmount them?
Some of the challenges I faced in the early days of the business are still present today; the difference is that I’ve learned how to manage them more effectively. Key among these challenges were securing highly skilled workers, sourcing consistently high-quality fabrics, and providing reliable alternative power supply to avoid disruptions in production. Over time, experience, better systems, and stronger industry relationships have helped me navigate these issues more efficiently.
Investigation has shown an influx of foreign made clothes. What are the implications of this?
We’ve always experienced an influx of foreign made clothes, so this isn’t entirely new. In fact, there has been a noticeable reduction recently, and that’s largely because people are beginning to appreciate locally made clothing.
The fashion industry in Africa has grown remarkably, and a major reason for this progress is the significant improvement in the quality of clothes produced locally. As our fabric quality, and finishing continue to improve, more consumers are choosing African brands with pride and confidence.
What are some of the challenges facing fashion designers and what is the way out?
One of the major challenges is the unreliable power supply. Many designers are forced to depend on expensive, unsustainable generators. This significantly increases production costs and limits scalability.
Another major challenge is the lack of access to funding. Traditional banks and investors often set requirements that small and emerging designers cannot meet, making it difficult to expand operations or invest in better equipment.
The way out is for the government to provide the necessary infrastructure, which include an improved, steady and uninterrupted power supply. Also, the creation of dedicated manufacturing hubs, specifically designed for the fashion industry would also help reduce production costs and improve efficiency. Lastly, meaningful government support and well implemented policies that strengthen the textile and garment value chain would go a long way in elevating the entire ecosystem.
How do you succeed in the midst of competition?
Some of the way I’ve been able to succeed in the midst of competition is to continually improve on my skills and the quality of my products. Also, I try to stay current and trend-savvy. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging regularly. It’s important to stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.
Do you do only male clothes or unisex?
We started out creating exclusively male clothing, a space we have mastered for over two decades. However, we recently unveiled our first female collection. So it’s safe to say we now create for both men and women.
Are you fulfilled?
Yes, I’m fulfilled. I genuinely love what I do, and I look forward to going to work every day. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from seeing the transformation and happiness on my clients’ faces when they wear any of my pieces. It reminds me why I started this journey and keeps me motivated to do even more.
