Olamide ‘Iconola’ Agunloye: My desire is to make people look and feel beautiful, provide jobs

By Oyindamola Lawal

In a coronavirus decapitated world, the future of Nigerian fashion is upbeat; not on the downtrend as some observers feared.  

Speaking with Naija Times on the future of the Industry, renowned fashion designer, Olamide Agunloye of Iconola said the future of the Nigerian industry is bright.

“My honest view is that we need to strive to be self sufficient so we can grow our economy. And in the cases where we can export, for additional income, we need to try and put focus on that. Any economy like ours that bleeds out currency to clothe their people suffer greatly. We have skilled personnel in Nigeria and we need to focus on growing the economy in an efficient manner. ” She said.

With 17 years in the industry, Agunloye has carved a niche for herself in the industry as the foremost affordable luxury brand, she has over the years been inspired by the desire to create and exercise all her creative muscles.

“Secondly, my desire is to drive the economy to the best that I can. I believe we underestimate the potential of the fashion industry… In both aesthetic psychology and economic development. My desire is to make people look and feel beautiful and also provide jobs and high standards of living for all my staff and shareholders.” she continued.

Speaking on her challenges over the years, she enthused “I’ve heard a lot of people speak about challenges as I did when I was younger; But now that I’m older, in age and in business, all I see is opportunity. There is a huge potential for staff training, process creation and wealth management in the fashion industry and that’s my focus going forward. “

On the love and preference of Nigerians for African designs and fabrics, as well as local fashion brands, as against known foreign names, Iconola said: “Well, the economy has told us over the years, that it’s increasingly difficult to patronise only foreign brands. That said, there are lapses in many areas of production such as luxury leather goods etc. But I believe we are catching up as a whole. Building reputation as a reliable and dependable product business is the real task and I think it gets easier with time,” she said.

With the recent pandemic strike, which has affected lots of businesses globally, Agunmole said Covid-19 pandemic has had little to no impact on her or the business she runs.

“I am a very introverted person and not much changed in my life. Perhaps, doing school runs which I’m sure every parent needed a break from. Business-wise, I was quick in my thinking to change a few of my processes around and continue to do business so we could key into the opportunities that a world economic crisis brings for small businesses. Our price points and style of manufacturing as well as the style and fit and quality of the garments, we produce, keyed into people’s lifestyles.

She stressed that entrepreneurs position their business in a manner where it remains visible.

“People see you and notice and applaud. They appreciate and they patronise. I am excited about what the future holds,” she concluded.