Lola Omokunga established her fashion house, Lola Buttons in December 2009. Since then, the outfit has grown to become one of Nigeria’s independent innovative African fashion and beauty retailers. Lola Buttons is a reflection of the founder’s choice of style which is simplicity in mind and a reflectionof the effortless beauty achieved through creative craftsmanship in fashion. Effects spoke to her.
What is the favourite part about being a designer?
My favourite part of being a designer is the fact that I’m able to create pieces that are wearable and acceptable.The joy that comes with seeing people wear my creation simply means I’m doing the right thing and I’m not far from reaching the sky. The satisfaction of creating clothes that can bring confidence in my clients is the best thing ever.
Can a fashion apparel be bold and expressive without being vulgar or naked?
Sure…Personally, my style is very conservative but elegant. Elegant dresses serve its purpose of elegance. It’s not only that it is expensive, but because it is the insignia of leisure. Bold and expressive clothings don’t necessarily mean being vulgar or naked. Rather, it is about creating outstanding, head-turning pieces that women are comfortable in. You can’t be bold and expressive if you’re not comfortable in what you wear.
What colours are trending now in the fashion world?
The world of fashion is extremely versatile and these days, people flow with bold colours. No one wants to be in that little corner where there are not noticable. People are all out expressing themselves with colours and the colours that rule currently are the eye-popping colours like Fuchsia, zingy yellow and tropical green. If you love fashion, then you can’t be scared of colours. “Orange is the new black”
What is the most ethical thing about fashion for expressive, bold women?
Modern fashion says, express yourselves with whatever you feel bold and comfortable in. Don’t be hesitant to wear another style of clothing. Expressive bold women’s goal is ‘to portray who they want to be and how they carry ourselves; our attitude and collective path; sourcing clothes in a way that benefits and suits your curve.
Will shoulder pads ever return to fashion trends?
Shoulder pads never went anywhere. If you’re thinking and talking about vintage designs, then you’re incomplete without shoulder pads. Clothings with shoulder pads, shoulder embellishment, anything to do with exaggeration of the shoulder is utterly cool and sophicicated. It’s definitely a trend people are scared to embrace. But why? There’s nothing scary about shoulder pads. Perhaps most people are scared to look like a awkward. But the truth is, when worn properly, the shoulder pad can be one of the most flattering trends (regardless that it was an ’80s trend that gave prominence to our shoulders, made us feel important, self-assured and of course, to fashionable.
What kind of fashion movement do we have now?
Fashion is getting excitingly awkward. Fashion designers are making deconstructed designs and I find them extremely fun because they are deliberately gawky. A sexy take on athleisure, with skin-skimming knits that outline every curve, color-block, and cute sporty separates, Rainbow-Bright Stripes, Street-Chic utilitarianism styles, New Shirting with deconstructed patterns, Bra Out etc.
The good part is that fashion designers are breaking out of the norms and leaving out ordinary to make extraordinary garments. Fashion is art and people should be able to construct structural pieces.
What are the wrong kind of trousers for a woman?
I think fashion is all about trends, so women usually get away with anything but I don’t follow trends. I wear clothes that make me comfortable and don’t make me look like a clown. If there was ever a trend that deserved to stay dead or should not have been created at all, it is “HAREM PANTS”. Pioneered by MC Hammer and Aladdin, the defining characteristic of the harem pant is the excess material in the crotch, giving it a saggy look. This is neatly counterbalanced by the tightness of the ankle. That trouser is so wrong.
What fashion piece is the biggest “stayer”in the fashion world?
The biggest fashion piece is the Denim/jeans.