Inara Alazigha @ Inara Ziha |
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What is your background?
I started illustrating when I was ten or twelve years old as a hobby and developed an interest in fashion design from there. I didn’t study fashion at school, but after I finished my degree in Engineering I applied for a fashion programme run by the British Council in collaboration with The Assembly Hub in Lagos. On that programme I learnt about the business aspect of fashion and some basic design and production skills before moving on to the next stage of more intensive training and learning from fashion instructors. I also undertook a couple of internships and all these experiences really helped me see the potential of fashion as a career and also secure a job as a bridal consultant and designer. I now work for an international brand based in Nigeria and Canada. |
© Inara Ziha
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Who is your typical client?
I'm currently working as a designer for an international, black-owned brand. I also work with other fashion designers, translating their ideas into designs and illustrations for production. For my own work I mainly do illustrations and hope to start my own brand in the future.
I'm currently working as a designer for an international, black-owned brand. I also work with other fashion designers, translating their ideas into designs and illustrations for production. For my own work I mainly do illustrations and hope to start my own brand in the future.
© Inara Ziha
How would you describe your style/design work?
My designs are edgy, bold and sultry. They are feminine, but with a loose fit and in lightweight fabric which makes them comfortable to wear. I’m inspired by African culture and I like to tell stories through my design and the use of fabrics, print and bold colours. I want people to feel confident when they wear my designs.
What are your ambitions?
My goal is to start my own fashion brand, with designs from my illustrations. At the moment I’m exploring opportunities to promote my designs through my social platform.
I’d like to see fashion production in Nigeria increase in quality and reliability, and for fashion to be more sustainable, using new techniques and technologies to help reduce waste in Africa.
My designs are edgy, bold and sultry. They are feminine, but with a loose fit and in lightweight fabric which makes them comfortable to wear. I’m inspired by African culture and I like to tell stories through my design and the use of fabrics, print and bold colours. I want people to feel confident when they wear my designs.
What are your ambitions?
My goal is to start my own fashion brand, with designs from my illustrations. At the moment I’m exploring opportunities to promote my designs through my social platform.
I’d like to see fashion production in Nigeria increase in quality and reliability, and for fashion to be more sustainable, using new techniques and technologies to help reduce waste in Africa.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
Making the switch from designing and illustrating for pleasure to designing for brands and getting paid. Knowing people are interested in my work and would want to work with me is euphoric and keeps me driving on. Also, being on the cover of Impact Magazine and featured on the Assembly’s platform telling people of how I started. I'm not where I want to be yet but I trust the process and I'm happy to say there has been significant improvement.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Nigeria?
Given that I'm one myself, my advice would be to work with a fashion brand to expose you to the business of fashion and the different departments needed to have a cohesive business. Asides building your network in the industry, this also serves as a blueprint that can guide you when building your own brand.
Making the switch from designing and illustrating for pleasure to designing for brands and getting paid. Knowing people are interested in my work and would want to work with me is euphoric and keeps me driving on. Also, being on the cover of Impact Magazine and featured on the Assembly’s platform telling people of how I started. I'm not where I want to be yet but I trust the process and I'm happy to say there has been significant improvement.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Nigeria?
Given that I'm one myself, my advice would be to work with a fashion brand to expose you to the business of fashion and the different departments needed to have a cohesive business. Asides building your network in the industry, this also serves as a blueprint that can guide you when building your own brand.
© Inara Ziha
