Joshua Monsonyem @ V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire |
|
Joshua Monsonyem, fashion designer, educator and founder of V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire creates original designs inspired by international cultures and has global ambitions for his fashion school.
|
What is your background?
I always loved style and making things. I wanted to create pieces that would enable people to stand out through the way they dress. I studied fashion at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and before starting my business I gained a deeper knowledge of the fashion business by working for other fashion brands, as a freelance designer and inhouse. V.E.R.J Empire started in Abuja, but we moved to Lagos two years ago. |
Copyright © V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire
|
Copyright © V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire
Who is your typical client?
There are three parts to my business. Firstly, we are a fashion school, helping others get into fashion. We also have a freelance design platform, creating look-books, portfolios, illustrations and designs for other fashion companies and designers. Finally, we have a production strand, bringing designs to life. We work with clients from many different backgrounds, from those looking for luxury garments to something more affordable.
How would you describe your style/design work?
I take inspiration from all over the world and my designs marry African and Western styles. Each one is original. I like to explore every area of fashion, culture and tradition and different aesthetics to create a story behind each design.
There are three parts to my business. Firstly, we are a fashion school, helping others get into fashion. We also have a freelance design platform, creating look-books, portfolios, illustrations and designs for other fashion companies and designers. Finally, we have a production strand, bringing designs to life. We work with clients from many different backgrounds, from those looking for luxury garments to something more affordable.
How would you describe your style/design work?
I take inspiration from all over the world and my designs marry African and Western styles. Each one is original. I like to explore every area of fashion, culture and tradition and different aesthetics to create a story behind each design.
Copyright © V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire
What are your ambitions?
I’ve fallen in love with the fashion school and teaching, so that’s the big adventure for us. In the next 5 to 10 years we want to expand to have a site in every state in Nigeria and then move into other countries in Africa, eventually being global! I also want Nigerian fashion to be a bigger player in on the global fashion scene, and to see African brands represented on the global stage.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
A wise man once said that 'A man can be said to be wealthy and accomplished based on the his ability to positively touch lives positively'. Asides from seeing our designs been worn to various important events and getting positive feedbacks from clients, I would love to say categorically that my biggest career achievement so far is seeing that prospective and practising fashion designers have learnt the proper art of fashion design from my brand and are implementing it. It brings so much happiness and fulfilment to me knowing that I have one way or another impacted lives positively through the art of tutoring and mentorship.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos?
Firstly find the area of fashion design that you are good at and passionate about, build on it and keep your focus on this, remain resilient and committed to your art. Seek good mentorship that will help you grow in the business and channel at least 80% of your time to seeing that the business grows from time to time. Finally, you must give yourself a 5 year plan of failure ... it may seem funny or outrageous but you need to know that success grows gradually, so don't be disappointed or discouraged when the business doesn't pick up when you expect it to grow drastically, but if it does then it's a good head start. Always be confident and look at failure straight in the eye and speak positively at every given time.
I’ve fallen in love with the fashion school and teaching, so that’s the big adventure for us. In the next 5 to 10 years we want to expand to have a site in every state in Nigeria and then move into other countries in Africa, eventually being global! I also want Nigerian fashion to be a bigger player in on the global fashion scene, and to see African brands represented on the global stage.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
A wise man once said that 'A man can be said to be wealthy and accomplished based on the his ability to positively touch lives positively'. Asides from seeing our designs been worn to various important events and getting positive feedbacks from clients, I would love to say categorically that my biggest career achievement so far is seeing that prospective and practising fashion designers have learnt the proper art of fashion design from my brand and are implementing it. It brings so much happiness and fulfilment to me knowing that I have one way or another impacted lives positively through the art of tutoring and mentorship.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos?
Firstly find the area of fashion design that you are good at and passionate about, build on it and keep your focus on this, remain resilient and committed to your art. Seek good mentorship that will help you grow in the business and channel at least 80% of your time to seeing that the business grows from time to time. Finally, you must give yourself a 5 year plan of failure ... it may seem funny or outrageous but you need to know that success grows gradually, so don't be disappointed or discouraged when the business doesn't pick up when you expect it to grow drastically, but if it does then it's a good head start. Always be confident and look at failure straight in the eye and speak positively at every given time.
Copyright © V.E.R.J. Fashion Empire
