Mariam Okoya is a young and adventurous fashion designer. A graduate of History and Strategic Studies, she tells Eric Dumo in this interview why she chose fashion designing and the challenges of building a relatively unknown brand into an acceptable and household name
How long have you been in fashion?
I have been in the business professionally for a little over two years now. I am from a family of six, I am the fourth child.
What would you say informed your choice of career having studied history at the university?
I would say first of all it is because it runs in the family. My grandparents had one or two things to do with tailoring and fashion designing. In those days it was tailoring, nobody knew anything about fashion designing. My grandmother used to sell threads, buttons and other items for tailors in Lagos Island. My great-grandfather used to be a tailor as well in Lagos Island in those days, so growing up, I realised I already had the passion for fashion.
Those days when our parents would buy us dolls, I used to dress mine up, make them up and make clothes for them. Basically, that was how the passion started. So, even after graduating from the University of Lagos where I studied History and Strategic Studies, I didn’t find it hard to stick to what I already loved doing. Today, I feel very good making people look good.
As a child, what were your ambitions?
As a young girl, I just wanted to be successful. I wanted to be a successful entrepreneur when I grew up, to be a strong, hardworking businesswoman who would be able to touch lives and change people’s perception of life for good.
Growing up, I saw a lot of sufferings around me, so I decided to be a successful businesswoman to be able to show love to the people who come my way in the best ways I could.
Apart from the fact that it ran in the family, what made fashion attractive to you?
It was a huge passion which I couldn’t resist. I am a person who loves to appreciate good things. So long before now, I knew this is what would give me happiness. So, it got to a point I decided it was time to start off my fashion career. Today, I am grateful for how far God has brought me.
What informed the choice of the name of your label, Mimzy Signature?
I wanted to be different and ensure that from the quality of my designs, people could easily mark me out from the others. That was basically the whole idea about the signature thing even though Mimzy was a nickname friends gave me while still at the university.
There are Nigerians, who are sold to only foreign designers and outfits, what would you say to such people?
I think a lot of Nigerians now prefer to patronise indigenous designers like us unlike in the past when everybody wanted to go foreign. People are beginning to embrace their roots and the culture of our people. A lot of persons now wear our local fabrics and designs to work during week days and this is really amazing compared to what used to obtain in the past.
With more enlightenment, I believe more people could be embracing our local designs as against the foreign. So far, I have been impressed with the kind of patronage Nigerian designs and fabrics have enjoyed across the country from all classes of people.
What common fashion blunders have you seen people commit in Nigeria and how do you think these can be corrected?
The problem is that some Nigerians love to go the extreme in whatever they do. When they see on television an American celebrity wear an outfit to a particular show, they forget to note that that outfit was just made for that show alone. The next thing you’ll see is Nigerian ladies wearing that same outfit round the streets. This should not be so.
Abroad, designers make outfits for celebrities to suit a particular show or event after which they don’t wear them again. But Nigerians don’t see it that way; they want to wear those outfits to every place. This is a big error on the part of most Nigerians. Being fashionable is not about being loud; it is being simple and stylish.
As an individual, what is your fashion weakness?
My fashion weakness is shoes and handbags. My handbag is important to me because that is where I have all my important tools like tape-rule, pencil, scissors, documents and gadgets. I cannot do without my handbag.
I have lost count of how many of them I have. Every opportunity I have to shop, they are the first things that come to my mind. It is not as if I spend lavishly on shoes and bags, I buy them when the occasion permits and at periods I have a little extra to spare.
Has being the grand-daughter of Rasak Okoya opened any door for you as a fashion designer?
God has always been the one opening doors for me. Well, my grandfather’s name has been a factor as well but then it has been through God’s mercies that I have come this far today.
What is the most expensive fashion item you have and how much is it?
Without doubt, it is my engagement ring. It means a lot to me and makes me very proud as a woman. I cherish it a lot and it is in fact priceless.
What can you not be caught wearing?
You can never see me wearing a bikini. It is not my style, so I do not wear such. No matter how beautiful it is, you would never catch me putting it on.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you ever made?
I remember on a particular occasion I wore the wrong side of my clothes out. It was quite embarrassing. I can never forget that day.
What’s your opinion about body piercings, tattoos, bleaching?
For me, it is a choice for individuals to make. However, from my own point of view, I see it as not appreciating God’s work. God who created us knew what was best for us. His works are perfect and wonderful. So, for me any of these things shouldn’t be a priority because we are beautiful and perfect just the way He created us.
How often do you visit the salon?
Not as often as I would have wanted to because I am a very busy woman. I barely have extra time to pamper myself. But when I do have the time, I go for the best.
What clothes are you most comfortable wearing?
Well, I go for anything that would come out nice on me. But then I love Kaftans. They are my favourites.
If you had the chance for a plastic surgery, what would you want to add or reduce?
Nothing. I love myself the way I am. God’s work on me is perfect and I give Him glory for that.
What do you consider your biggest asset as far as your body is concerned?
It is my heart. It is priceless and invaluable. It is what drives me towards success.
Between men and women, who do you consider the more fashionable?
I think women dress better. I salute Nigerian men in terms of fashion as well but then I think the women are in clear lead as far as this aspect is concerned. This is not just in Nigeria but the world over.
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