@thefiafactory

Inspiration is everywhere right? Although it feels cliché to say this – we are always a little curious about how designers take something as innocuous as say, a book and turn it into something unexpected and trend worthy. Debuting on the Arise Fashion Week runway for the first time – Sally Bawa, FIA and Manoshia – the About That Curvy Life Collective designers did not disappoint.  We asked these designers to cite the inspiration for their collections. Click ahead to see this BellaNaijaStyle exclusive

About FIA

FIA is a fun loving yet sophisticated womenswear brand that appreciates the beauty and uniqueness of all body forms. It is owned by a trio of women; Ijeoma Jibunoh, Abi Ola, Funke Ola, who together create fashionable and stylish pieces that are both quirky and fearless. FIA embraces all forms and sizes when it comes to the female body, believing that beauty should not be equated to your waist side but rather to every aspect of the female body, both inside and out.

The Moodboard: Inspiration for the FIA collection, ATCL Collective at Arise Fashion Week 2018
FIA
What is the inspiration behind the collection?
 The inspiration for the ‘Triangles’ collections was driven by our persistent need to accentuate flaps, angles and edges….subtly geometric. We recognize that the plus sized are constantly faced with a lack of stylish attire so we pushed the envelope a little bit whilst still considering the wear-ability and fit on the curvier body size.
Do you have a favorite piece from the collection? 
Our favorite piece is the three layered white shirt, a super unexpected ensemble which was literally pieced together by This Day Style editor Ruth Osime during the show fitting. It came together nicely and is clearly a trendsetter. Obviously we’re calling it the ‘Ruth’ top….
How important is showing at fashion week to your brand?
FIA stays being an all-inclusive brand and it was especially critical to use this international platform and FIA’s most recognized runway experience to emphasize this. Plus-size-models in a non-plus size-model fashion show will always be unexpected and we want to consistently defy the norm and steadily redefine what it means to be beautiful. Reflecting diversity can never be bad for business.
Do you consider trends first when designing a collection?
We definitely look into seasonal tones and colors but we focus more on creating our own trends

About Sally Bawa

SALLY BAWA is a womenswear label that embodies the classic and the contemporary in its style offerings. Founded in 2008 by Sally Julcit Bawa, the label combines straight-lined designs, geometric precision and artistic elements with elegant sophistication; a refined statement that beautifies women and glorifies their personality. At the center of SALLY BAWA is an ethos of minimalist sophistication and feminine elegance for today’s woman. A combination of high quality fibers, hand painted details and elaborate craftsmanship—each design exudes a spirit of true lightness creating a new and fresh minimal fashion identity. Two time nominee and one time winner at the ELOY awards. The brand has also showed its collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta amongst others and has been featured on Vogue Italia and other prominent media.

The Moodboard: Inspiration for the Sally Bawa collection, ATCL Collective at Arise Fashion Week 2018
What is the inspiration behind the collection?
The overall form and structure of the collection draws inspiration from the beauty of Japanese culture with the infusion of kimono details, carefully hand embroidered oriental flowers and drapery reminiscent of monastic living. The color palette is inspired by the early morning sky.
Do you have a favorite piece from the collection? 
My favorite piece from the collection- is the white neoprene tent dress with exaggerated hand embroidered pockets and sleeves.
 How important is showing at fashion week to your brand?
“There is no better time for Africans and African brands to be on the global map as now, and there is no better platform than About That Curvy Life on the Arise 2018 runway. I’m excited to be a part of this resurgence!”
Do you consider trends first when designing a collection?
Do I consider trends first- No not really, the aim for me is to set trends not follow trends.

About Manoshia

Manoshia is a premier collection founded by Aimanoshi Dania whose designs are inspired by ‘Osami Urle’ the resilient modern African woman, the beautiful woman who thrives and rises against all odds. Manoshia combines luxurious, high end fabric, unlikely textures, bold and fresh manipulations to create vivacious and empowering yet feminine pieces for the modern African woman.

The Moodboard: Inspiration for the Manoshia collection, ATCL Collective at Arise Fashion Week 2018
What is the inspiration behind the collection?
This season’s  collection  is greatly  inspired by the numerous strong , beautiful  women around me and more so  the plus size woman. This collection  is very  dear  to me as I watched my younger sisters with  style, struggle  in shops looking for something fashionable to wear and  being met with disappointment. They had to deal with unflattering garments which were made to conceal rather than flatter.
How important is showing at fashion week to your brand?
Showing at Arise Fashion Week has been a major boast for my brand. I’ve done a lot of bespoke work but this is my debut and I am proud of the outcome. I never expected as an upcoming designer to debut my first RTW collection on a platform like ARISE but it’s all thanks to Latasha [Ngwube] and the ATCL Collective. Also The Garment Factory for sponsoring us with the beautiful prints throughout the collection. They had faith in me and I am grateful because now I can proudly say I made my mark at Arise Fashion Week 2018.
Do you consider trends first when designing a collection?
In designing a new collection I do consider trends but I never let it define my own style. I let my self be diverse in creating designs.