Nigerian Young Designer of The Week - Wadibia Ndubuisi John

Tell us about you:

My name is Wadibia Ndubisi John. I’m from Obioma Ngwa local government area of Abia State. I was born in Lagos April 30. I am the first son of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. I went to Mayflower junior high school, Ikene and from there I proceeded to federal government college Odogbolu, after which I went to Babcock University Ilisan Remo, were I got a bachelors degree in public administration and then a diploma in garment construction and design from Fashion Academy Abuja.

What do you do for a living?

I am a runway model coach, model scout, concept producer/ backstage manager, personal shoper/ stylist.

Tell us about your rise to fame.

Am still rising

Which of your many jobs excite you the most?

They all do but nothing beats the joy of seeing a client smile while fitting her dress.

What other areas of your career are you looking to explore?

Home/interior decor, jewelry/beads making, event planning

What are your plans for the future?

To study and learn more about my craft, be a better me and provide the best services I can.

What is your take on fashion and the industry?

Fashion is an absolute sweetheart. You can dress her up or down, make it suit u. The industry right now is the best it has ever been and still fast growing. It is so fun to see designers work with new cuts ands patterns everyday, meeting up with international standards our ever bubbly and demanding Nigerian market.

Do you think fashion is over-rated?

Fashion is alive. Down to our beliefs and culture, fashion exists.

What is your day like in the fashion world?

It’s a 24hour job, from early morning fabric market runs to production factory to cut and supervise coupling of garments, to fitting and consulting with new and existing clients etc. There is always something that needs tending to.

What is your style preference?

Be classy, elegant, and memorable.

Do you have a style icon?

Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn. Designers like Karl Lagerfield, Marchesa, Zuhair Murad, to mention a few.

Are you a trend/designer buff or does anything go for you?

I love what looks and feels good no matter how cheap or expensive.

Have you ever suffered a fashion faux pas?

Too shy to say.

What fashion accessory cant you do without?

My man bag and ring.

Advice for upcoming designers?

I would say welcome as there is more than enough space for creative minds in the industry. But above the fame and monetary gains, the most joy should come from satisfied clients.

LA studio is a fashion brand, merging the gap between high fashion and street wear at affordable price points. With its debut S/S Collection, The LA studio is immersing itself in the fashion industry.

A Little About The Designer.

I’m 22 years old. Born and raised I’m Lagos. First born of a family of five including parents. I love arts; dance, theater, fashion and in most ways it presents itself. I studied geography at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Talk About Inspiration Behind The Brand

The brand came about primarily to fulfill the need for financial independence and I just thought what better way than through fashion - being a lover of arts and clothes.

What else do you do for a living?

I am currently the Business Manager for Lovette’s BITS Arts Company

Which of your jobs excite you the most?

LA Studio. It’s my dream

What has been the highest point of your career?

Highest point of my career yet has been able to get the right team. PR and Partner so far.

What has been the lowest so far?

Starting out with no support and trying to get family and friends believe that this is for real.

What’s your take on the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is a really exciting place and more exciting is the Nigerian fashion industry which is growing fast and gaining international recognition. What better time to join in on the action than now?

Do you think fashion is under rated?

Yes. Fashion should be seen as much more than clothing or wearing clothes. I think people don’t take it seriously - the fact that it is indeed a form of art.

Do you have any style icons?

Rihanna, Jourdan Dunn, Solange Knowles and Shirley B Eniang (youtuber and blogger shirleywardrobe.com). I don’t particularly have similar taste in style or clothes with these women but I love that they have been able to build an identity through fashion.

Tell us about your style preferences.

I like a sophisticated strong look that also has a laid back or relaxed feel to it. I don’t like to look too serious. Someone once called me “nonchalant about my looks”. I like that.