By Christy Anyanwu
It’s incredible but true!
One of Nigeria’s iconic couture brands, Today’s Fashion, is owned and run by a male. But wait for this. It specialises in designing and producing only female attires.
Although, founded originally by a female, Mrs Victoria Obi in 1997 with just two machines, Today’s Fashion, which has grown astronomically over the years, now operates with 20 sewing machines with Mr. Henry Obinna Okonkwo as its head honcho.
Okonkwo came on board in 2005 following the signing of partnership agreement with the founders. Since he came on board, however, Okonkwo has brought his wealth of experience in strategic business leadership and entrepreneurial management capabilities to bear on the brand.
Henry Okonkwo’s interest in fashion business was gingered in 2001, the year he graduated from Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri. Since then, there’s been no looking back.
On what inspires his creative muse, the fashionpreneur said, “I often draw inspiration from runway shows and fashion weeks where new trends, styles and innovative designs are showcased. Also, the history, culture and different traditions, as well as incorporating elements from the past, or celebrating cultural diversity can lead to unique and creative designs.”
Today’s Fashion is an innovative specialist brand in only female African couture. But it equally offers an admixture of African and English designs for the trendy youth and fashionista oldies.
On his road to the top, Henry Okonkwo said he faced many challenges including, “coming up with unique and innovative design ideas that standout in a competitive industry. Another one is choosing the ideal target market or fashion business concepts for my company or goods, while incorporating sustainability into my brand’s operations or designs.”
Challenges apart, as an entrepreneur, the most significant thing Okonkwo has learnt from working in the industry is that fashion is a serious profession, and that creativity equates to business.
Asked about his plan for the future, the fashion icon took a deep breath and said with a tinge of joy in his eyes: “My dream is to grow the brand across the country, region and continents. Also, I want to sell African fashion beauty internationally and partner with greater brands to scale my products.”