Emerging menswear designer JZO gave BellaNaija Style a sneak peek at their mood board and inspiration behind their Spring/Summer 2018 collection Óré Mí.

We also got a chance to catch up with creative director’s of the brand: Joseph Ike and Olamide Akindeinde ahead of this evening’s show at Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week.

BellaNaija Style: Who is the ideal JZO Man?
JZO: An ideal JZO man is a sophisticated man, with an extensive sense of style, yet minimalist and simple in his expression.

BNStyle: What was the inspiration behind this season’s collection?
JZO: This collection was inspired by friendship. Our friends make us or break us, some friends are your links to the past, that nostalgic feeling you get when you remember some friends or the hurt you feel when you friend remember some. In all friendship is a part of who we are.

BNStyle: Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?
JZO: That’s a difficult one, all the pieces are so dear us, we often get asked this question and our response is always “Parents do not pick a favourite child”.

Colour Palette for the Collection

BNStyle: How important is Fashion Week to your brand?
JZO: We are deeply honoured by the opportunity to showcase at LFDW, Fashion Week has become a respectable international forum, and platform for the Best of Nigerian Design. We believe it is an extremely important platform for our brand.

BNStyle: Any fashion week pre-show rituals?
JZO: Yes, Try very hard not to freak out! Lol

BNStyle: What are your top 3 fashion week must-haves?
JZO: White shirt, black sunglasses, A pair of Chelsea boots

BNStyle: What’s your take on genderless fashion?
JZO: We believe fashion, being a form of art should be as wide, unrestricted, wild and varied as possible – genderless fashion, why not?

BNStyle: Do you think the new wave of plus size inclusivity applies to male fashion?
JZO: Actually yes, again, Fashion must have variety, that’s as true for men as it is for women.

BNStyle: Ever considered creating a plus size collection?
JZO: Yes, we have, we’re looking at collaborations that could make that happen.

BNStyle: Where else are your pieces stocked?
JZO: Meidei, Grey Velvet Stores, Subterranea in Lagos, Shop365 and  Dunes in Abuja. Also online www.jzofashion.com.

Mood Board

Photo Credit: Pinterest