Article orignally appeared on Guardian

Fashion in Nigeria is constantly evolving and part of the newer generation eager to make a name in the industry is Damilola Oke, aka MsModish. She recalls drawing inspiration from her mother who piqued her interest in fashion at a young age. She explains, “I remember her big hair, red lipstick and high heels.” My dad was also always clad in his plaid 3-piece suits, fancy shirts and coloured pants with Italian shoes, a very well groomed afro and tasteful jewellery. Fashion really has always been a way of life, I have known no other.”

Msmodish is a Master’s degree holder in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Scotland, and has a Diploma in Radio Presenting & Production from the London School of Film & TV.

She later moved back to Nigeria and decided to chase her dreams as a style consultant. She explains, “I started from nothing, no contacts, no celebrity friends, nothing. I took up different TV production, editorial and personal styling jobs at every opportunity I could get and one successful job got the next one and so on.”

 

On how she built  her brand and identity in the industry?

It’s a conscious, daily and on-going process that I doubt will ever end. I started from nothing, no contacts, and no celebrity friends. I took up different TV production, editorial and personal styling jobs at every opportunity I could get and one successful job got the next one and so on. 

My identity is being shaped by the jobs we do. I am known for alternative fierce and unusual menswear and personal style, of which I never forget to carry along in my journey as a style consultant every day.

Break down of her creative process

The creative process starts with a meeting or clients brief. After this an in-house brainstorming session plus ideation and strategy is agreed upon. The pieces are sourced and looks put together, from head to toe. As easy as it seems, it is a lot of work. The creative process is laborious in that every time, your work is expected to be new and that comes with a lot of pressure.

 

Tips on finding clothes 

My policy has always been you can find clothes anywhere. To avoid impulse or continuous buying without actually having the clothes you need, take time to find and define your style, discover what you feel comfortable in.