Ifeyinwa Shekinah Odo, popularly known as Misiano, talks fashion with Ademola Olonilua
How do you cope combining your music career with your fashion outfit?
I’d like to say that it is by the grace of God that I am able to effectively run the two. I actually started out on these two when I was a little girl; you know how it is when you’ve got talents and energy.
One would think you would probably get a grasp of your music career before going fully into fashion.
At the Federal Government Girl’s College, Owerri, I was the school’s nightingale. I represented the school in music competitions and I was always winning. I still have my certificates to show. Presently, I minister in music in my local church and I have a video called Jehovah Na Baba on YouTube. I learnt how to sew from my mum who was a seamstress. When I was in secondary school, I was a clothing and textiles student. God also used the events in my life to bring these two institutions to maturity, now I run a label called House of Misiano. I have now come to understand my purpose in life, which is to impact lives positively with the gifts of God and with that comes the strength you need to run with your vision. Remember the parable of the talents, because one day, I am going to give an account of them.
How did you discover your passion for fashion?
I discovered my passion for fashion when I was as little as eight years, knitting caps, shawls and table mats. I also did embroidery with my embroidery thread/needle while in primary school. I made baby bibs, aprons, and a sleeveless blouse with just a hand needle and thread, in JSS 3. I started drawing figures with different designs of clothes. I was a Fine Arts student when I was in SS 1 with a flair for pencil drawing. We would do still life drawings and shade them. I also learnt how to tone and tint colours, that influenced my use of colours. In SS 3, I was the best in our clothing and textiles practical. Then we used the sewing machine to make a real skirt, buttoned blouse and baby dress. By the time I was leaving school, my dad bought me my first sewing machine, and since then, I knew I wouldn’t stop.
What was your growing up like, were you fashionable as a kid?
Growing up was sometimes fun and sometimes not, because my parents were quite strict, with good disciplinary measures. I was not allowed to do whatever I wanted; they were very academic and made sure I went to good schools. I remember way back in school, I was involved in what we called ‘fashion parade,’ showcasing different clothes which we owned. Anytime my mum made clothes for me, I always wanted a perfect fit. She equally influenced some of my style, and she’s very good at choosing quality fabrics. She still helps me to get fantastic fabrics you will hardly find elsewhere. In the university, my friends always wanted a replica of some of my dresses, which I’d make for them. Even up till now, people would stop me on the streets or in the market and ask me who made my clothes. This has brought me more customers.
As a former air hostess, would you say your career had an impact on your fashion style?
I quit being an air hostess recently to concentrate fully on my business. The career had its own impact on my fashion style, because of the grooming sessions we had to undergo; the make-up had to be right, to the point of keeping fit, and we had to maintain a particular weight, depending on your size. I even have a lot of clients from among my colleagues and passengers, whom I still design for.
How were you able to monitor the activities of your designers when you were in the air most times?
I had a capable manager, who oversaw the operations of my business and my delivery agents. Again, our production factory is just by my house, with accommodation for the tailors. So before going on a flight, within or outside the country, we already had a routine of what to produce with the fabrics (raw materials) available, so I just monitored with phone calls, till I was back to base. Then we did our quality control before delivering clothes to clients. Because I’m so passionate about this, it’s fun all the way, especially when I see the good expressions on the faces of my clients or get nice feedbacks. I’m thankful to God.
What are the major fashion flaws you notice in Nigerians?
The fashion flaws our people sometimes make are following certain trends without checking to see if it it’s right for them, and for the occasion they’re attending. For instance, in the west, they have costumes for films and music videos, but when some people here watch three films, immediately they make replicas of these costumes, and even wear them about. We need to be comfortable and elegant, without being overstated. Take into consideration your size and figure, look for what works for you and build on it. Be confident in yourself; do not copy anyhow and make sure you represent well.
What kind of clothes do you feel most comfortable in?
Comfort is what I look for when I dress. I feel comfortable in clothes that are well tailored, without revealing what needs to be covered. I must be confident in what I wear. I don’t wear minis.
How lucrative is it to invest in fashion in Nigeria today?
Right now, the fashion industry is expanding. It has always been a lucrative venture, no matter the scale, small or big. There is room for expansion and growth. This is something you need to have passion for. You must know the business; equip yourself with the knowledge of designing so that you can set the pace for your members of staff to follow. Also, when the challenges come, you can overcome, just like every other business. There is also the issue of inconsistent power supply, which is quite a challenge. Nevertheless, a lot of designers have devised a way of powering their businesses privately. Even at that, it’s still a thriving business, with great and positive impacts on the country’s economy.
What is that fashion item you admire on a man?
Like every other person, a man must also know what looks good on him. Whether in native, casual, or corporate clothes, he must define himself. Accessories like belts, shoes, sandals, ties, cufflinks, must blend with the right clothes, right colours. He must look polished. I make sure my husband is always impeccable in his dressing.
Do you prefer looking natural or you do you feel incomplete without make-up on?
For me, I am comfortable in my own skin, and do not feel incomplete without makeup, even though it has its own purpose as an enhancer. I give God the glory for a good skin and good looks.
What influences your fashion statement?
Perfect fit, simple embellishment at a few places, accessories that define the outfit.
Is there any fashion item you can’t leave home without?
As long as I’m well dressed, I can do with just a lip gloss.
What’s the most expensive item you own and how much did it cost?
Most expensive item ? I don’t place much emphasis on such because a man’s worth does not consist of the abundance of his wealth.
What is your take on ladies exposing their cleavages and wearing skimpy and tight dresses?
There is a saying that goes thus; the way you dress is the way you want to be addressed, so a lady should dress decently. My take on this is that, cleavages should not be seen, and dresses should not be skimpy. A lady’s dressing should inspire.
When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?
When going for an event, I consider the event itself and what type it is. This can determine how I dress, the kind of people I’m going to meet, the colour code, if any. Above all, I must represent well.
How do you cope attending to your marital roles, music business and supervising your fashion outfit?
I thank God for a very supportive family, including my parents and in-laws. My husband has been extremely supportive; he is also my music producer, so we work together. I thank God again for His grace upon me to be there for my family, who comes first. My music is gospel music and so as a minister of the gospel in music, I must be an example first in the home. The same grace is also upon my fashion line, in that way, there is a balance.
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