I first had the opportunity of meeting Michelle last spring, after I heard of her line, and was immediately intrigued. Although a year has passed and nothing had taken place, I just recently contacted her for my monthly interview session. Needless to say, the interview went as a success. There's no greater feeling then conversing with someone and hearing the simple joy in all their experiences. I absolutely LOVE it! Michelle is a up and coming urban Fashion Designer from Houston,Tx..(Missouri City). She's full of life and inspiration. After she submitted her response, we had a long chat, about life, and our goals. A pretty blissful situation we had going on. Read in on the interview and visit her site!!!
A:What’s your favorite trend for the season?
M:My favorite trend this season is called Sport Couture. I love it because woman that rock menswear is just highly attractive to me. I think that women wearing men’s clothing looks awesome.
A:How did your internship from last year affect your short-term/long-term goals?
M:My internship last summer was I think the best thing that ever happen to me. I was able to attain an internship at Michael Kors in New York City. I never would have thought that I would be walking into the same building of a designer that I just watched on T.V all my life. I never thought that I would be sitting in the same room as him either. It was surreal. I was able to reach my short term goals with this internship, because in the end I needed it to graduate from school. Long term wise, this internship taught me the back side of fashion. Production is something that most people do not like because it is not creative at all. The computer becomes your best friend. Now, that I am out of school for awhile and able to focus on my business, I know how to work the back end of the business. I won’t forget what I was taught about production. It is something that will always help me and I hope that am able to help others.
A:What is your daily fash-spiration?
M:I wouldn’t necessarily say I love fashion because it is constantly changing and repeating itself. I LOVE STYLE! I love seeing people who have style. Solange has the coolest individual in terms of style I have ever seen on a celebrity scale. I like that she is not afraid to mix prints or colors. Blogs are a thing of this generation. You never realize how many different, unique styles are in the world, until you see great blogs. My “fash-spiration” comes from everywhere. From blogs, to fashionable celebrities, I feel it from everywhere!
A:What was your emotion when you made your first garment? Was it a challenge? And how so?
M:I was excited! When God puts something in your heart, it will surely come to pass in his time. I knew that I would create something since I was younger. I just was unsure of what it would be. My first garment was actually a T-shirt I deconstructed and made into a crop shirt. I then, made a tank top out of Ankara according to my measurements. With both, the challenge I faced was length and fit. Everyone doesn’t like showing their mid section.
A:How would you describe your collection?
M:I think I would describe my collection as “New Africa.” I wanted people from all over the world to feel comfortable wearing a fabric from another country. Most people assume that if you’re not from that place, that you can’t wear certain things. I want to create and option. The only option is no longer just an Ankara outfit. All I want to do is change the way people think about Nigerian/African clothes. It can be extremely fashionable, casual, high-end, or just comfortable.
A:How would you describe your personal style?
M:My personal style is all over the place. I love curves. I love my curves. There is just something about being modest and wearing a midi dress that is also form fitting. You’re showing your curves but still leaving a lot to the imagination of others. I can be eclectic at times. To the point where people are saying, “What the heck does she have on?” If it’s high waist, I will probably buy it. I’ve learned over the years that wearing things that accentuate your body never fails. My personal style has definitely grown up. I don’t know if I answered the question correctly. Lol. Sorry!
A:Where do you see your business in the next five years? And what actions will you take to meet that five year goal?
M:I see my business in the next five years being to go to brand for young and older people. Like I said before, some people aren’t comfortable wearing a whole Ankara outfit. I just give them a hint. LLULO is not just a brand. I also want to make a difference in the world. I also work with a Non-Profit called Echoes of A Kora. Echoes of A Kora is a great Non-Profit that gives children in Africa an opportunity to have the basic school supplies that we take for granted here in America. I have always been a dreamer. Dreams do come true but as my mom always says, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” It is a constant grind. I believe that you get what you put in. When you’re passionate about something, you do whatever is in your power. That is just what I’m doing.
A:How many years have you designed?
M:I have been designing for about 5 years. I am Nigerian so I kind of always had to put design on the back burner and focus on school. I would always make something here and there but I couldn’t find my niche. I finally found it! Hopefully, I run into many more soon.
-How has your business affected your school life and personal life?
I graduated in August. So, I have some extra time on my hands. My personal life has been affected though. I don’t get to talk to everyone as much as I use to because I am constantly sewing. Actually, I hardly talk to anyone. I strongly feel that I do this now, so that I can rest later. Some people may not understand that, but most people don’t understand my dreams.
A:Your all-time favorite designer…Who are they and why are they influential to you?
M:I really don’t have an all-time favorite designer. There are so many designers with completely different aesthetics that I am in love with. Oscar de la Renta is the man! He knows a woman’s figure and his Spring 2012 line is fantastic. I actually LOVE Menswear. I love Menswear more than women’s wear. In that case, Balmain Homme is my favorite this Spring 2012 season! I love how these designers are able to stick to their aesthetic and still create something new every season. All designers influence me because they deliver unique things ever year to keep ahead of the business and competition. That’s what I want to do also! I would give you a long list of more designers and why but people might lose interest quickly. Lol.
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