Isi Atagamen - TAKING OVER, A STITCH AT A TIME.

Please state your full names and tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Isi Atagamen, i am a native of Edo state, I attended Lagos State University history and international relations, LISOF college of art and design Johannesburg where is studied fashion designs. I was a model for 5 yrs and now I am a fashion designer.

ON HER PERSONALITY

What were your hopes and dreams growing up as a child?

As a Child all I knew was I wanted to leave my mark in the world. I loved to sketch and I loved fashion… which was my first love. As I grew Older it became apparent that sketches weren't enough and that I needed knowledge of the industry so I figured modelling could help me get there.

What other passions do you possess apart from music?

Yes! I love music but i also have passion for writing, presenting, a bit of acting and charity.

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How was your modelling experience and exposure like?

Great!!! I enjoyed every moment of it. That is not to say there are no down times… there are down times in all career paths but getting up and moving on with the focus on your future and not the past makes it all worthwhile.

How easy was it being a model?

To a certain extent modelling came easy to me… I rarely got turned down for jobs. though getting paid locally was my biggest challenge.

So, how do you overcome work related challenges?

Basically by knowing my worth and standing up for myself. Choosing what to do and what not to do.

Would you say you’ve faced hurdles or challenges while trying to make a name for yourself?

Oh yes i did! From bad management at some point (sometimes you work and not get paid by your agency) having to train yourself every step of the way. There's always been a prevailing lack of proper model training.

In view of all your difficulties, what kept you going?

The goals I had set for myself, the strong belief that I had in myself and the hard work I hard put in. I am a very dogged person… I never like to give up on things until I see the end of it and cover all possible loopholes.

What’s the one thing people do not know about you?

That am terribly at the whole social media thing…. Hahhahaha.

If you could change an aspect of your life, what would that be?

Nothing!!!

Due to very obvious reasons, the youths of today are lacking faith in our educational system.

How has your educational background played a pivotal role in helping you succeed?

Its has helped a lot in giving me guidelines on how to the deal with work and the challenges you face in them. Although the education you get from school does not completely prepare you for working in the real world but It is good to have knowledge about the career path you choose as it helps keep your work environment stable and spot problem area's that need corrections and attention.

What inspires you as a fashion designer and are there people you look up to?

Everything inspires me… from emotions to environments, Era’s ,music , love, life.

I look up to designers like Dior, Marchesa, Prabal Gurung. I love Deola Sagoe, Tsimiye Benite, Lanre Da silva, Washington Roberts.

Which of your designs would you consider as the most inspirational to you?

Please give reasons.

The Marionette collection and Isimeme Collection. They were the most precise fashion forecast that i had done… the beauty of it was the pride I felt anytime I looked at the collection. They were artistic yet wearable, they were the most sort after.

Tell us about Isi Atagamen Fashion Label (IAFL)

The label has been credited for her sharp, chic tailoring which possesses a feminine edge, multi-functionality and considerate approach to wearable design. Isi Atagamen Fashion Label represents class, strength, attitude, confidence and especially individual uniqueness.

IAFL started in 2012 when its maiden collection was featured in the travel issue of Mania magazine our designs were referred to possess “subtle cuts and curves, a bit of architecture and structural engineering within a style of garment construction, which has unconventional layers and details, which makes it difficult to compare our designs with any established Nigerian designer”. I took part in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards which was held in New York. Additionally, I took part in the MTN and British council young designers competition which was held in October 2012 during the Lagos fashion and design week. EL Runway 2013, Pearl look model contest 2013, Wowcracy call the tunes supported by Vogue Talent 2014 project, Genevieve magazine Pinkball official designer, including magazine covers and inside spreads of notable magazines. Our designs graced the red carpet, and off duty look on celebrities like Uche Jumbo, Tara Durotoye, Dolapo Oni, Toke Makinwa, Elizabeth Yemoja and many more.

What episode of your fashion career would you term as the most challenging?

To be honest everything about fashion is challenging, from putting your staffs together, production, client satisfaction, advertising…. It's a lot of work you have to put in to make it fly.

To be specific… I would say it was when I was pregnant, not living in Lagos yet I was working. I still handled every aspect of the business myself back then. Imagine doing all that while pregnant. Infact my contractions started in the market. Hahahahhaha

In working with some of Nigeria’s celebrities, what’s the one thing you cherish the most?

The confidence I see in them when they wear it and the satisfactory look on their faces gives me joy.

With all you’ve achieved in fashion so far, would you say you’ve had a satisfying career?

Yes!! So far am grateful to God for the journey. it has nothing to do with where I came from. Although am still far from my goals and we all know that one is never satisfied with where they are… We always push and pray for a greater future.

Would you say it’s harder being a female designer in Nigeria and does it come with peculiar challenges?

I believe it’s easier in terms of the demands because there are more women but a bit more stressful because you know… we are women!! Hahahahaha

In view of your experience on major fashion scenes, what ‘bitter truth’ would you give to aspiring designers?

Be ready to work really hard, to be the assistant, accountant, tailor, supervisor… everything rolled up into one because fashion design needs nurturing to grow, except you have investors from the start and even at that you find that it will take some time to break even and make profits. Plan properly, location, staff, target market, product and all. Be creative and unique but put your audience in mind. The sky will be your starting point.

What does creativity mean to you and what influence your creativity?

Creativity to me is our individual uniqueness. My interpretation of life and my point of view… the way through which I see things that influence me.

As a celebrity designer, have you ever encountered issues on the job?

If yes, how did it make you feel?

Yes!! But i never focus on issues but solutions so the minute I notice anything wrong… I find a solution before discussing anything else.

We’ve seen fashion designers come and go, what sets your work apart?

Persistence, passion, seeking knowledge. I learn new things everyday and find a way to incorporate them in my work. While not forgetting the brands signature.

Do you ever feel pressured on the job?

Oh Yes!! Always, especially if you seek perfection...

As an experienced professional, what’s your take on learning before earning?

Very, Very, extremely important. Knowledge saves!!

What’s the one thing your fans do NOT know about you?

I am a mischievous tomboy that does not know how to use instagram… 🙈 hahhahhaha

If you had the power to influence your industry, what would you do?

Build the biggest clothing factory and make production easier so we can make Nigeria known for large African fashion exports country. Before that… electricity first!!! *Smiles*

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on the value of Marriage?

Respect your home and don't display it to the world. It's why it's called a private life. I mean we can’t take showers in see through bathrooms neither can we take showers in public. If our body’s are that private so is our home and our hearts. There will always be quarrels and scuffles because you are two strange individuals coming together as one… there are new things to discover about each other every day. Live, love, understand and learn. Don't be self centered, think of your partner always. If you put them first they will put you first eventually and if not learn how to manage it. Do not condone domestic violence. Most of all pray together always.

What should come first, career or your family? Please explain why?

Family first always!!!

Has your work affected your family life or relationships in anyway?

So far No… although I get carried away sometimes but never to the extreme...

Isi, we hear that your have a new fashion line.

Tell us briefly about it and when you hope to unleash this creation.

Yes I do have something cooking... It’s a denim and t-shirt line... It will be launched by April and available for purchase and order immediately after.

ON Lighter Note

What was your most embarrassing moment ever?

There are so many, i can't even think of one

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

When I was selected by Wowcracy/vogue Talent to showcase my designs for pre-ordering and sales on their Website.

If you could only save one thing from your house, what would that be?

My Child!!

If you could retract one lie you’ve told, what would that be?

I try as much as i can to tell a vague version of the truth so that i can avoid lying altogether... I have haven't told any dangerous one yet… lol

Photography by Ellis Mbeku for EMSTUDIOSng

www.emstudiosng.com

#Marionettecollection #IsimemeCollection #IAFL #IsiAtagamen