5 things Nigerian designers are getting wrong in their presentation [Pt. 2]

olamide olarewaju

January 26, 2017 4:34 PM

See more of the top reasons most Nigerian designers are getting lookbook presentation wrong in the concluding write-up.

Iconic Invanity 'Rhythm' collection

In recent times, Nigerian fashion brands have been on a lookbook releasing spree but they keep missing the point (They keep getting it wrong with presentation!) and that is bad for business and sad too (a whole lot of creations won't see the light of the day and it hurts to think some talents will go to waste just because people aren't smart enough to present properly).

ALSO READ:5 things Nigerian designers are getting wrong in their presentation [Pt. 1]

From unexciting photos, overly busy shots, playing down designs, over processed photos and more mistakes the Nigerian fashion designer makes on a daily basis, see five more mistakes they make:

1. Barely there Images (A lookbook of 7 photos!)

A lookbook of 5-7 images tells me at first glance that you are lazy! You had all the time in the world to come up with and create pieces you want to sell, want to show people you are talented (and are worth spending hard earned money on and you present me a 7-piece collection? That has "I can't be bothered with anything, let me just show you something maybe you'd care to see and buy if you have money to waste" written all over it! A 7-piece collection? Who's the joker huh.

There's a difference between a campaign and actual lookbook, campaigns for lookbooks are 'teasers' some sort of 'appetizer' to anticipate the actual lookbook/collection which should be thoughtfully presented.

2. Check your model

The models ultimately decide how the lookbook come out. Use models that complement your pieces, they represent the muse you have in mind for those pieces (before you think of other clients).

Nigeria based brands undefinedand Iconic Invanity has a forever muse (at least for now) in Tansey Coetzee-Shodeinde and that works just perfect for both brands' lookbook presentation.

It's the best time to show off your work, do this as close to perfection as possible.

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3. Hiding the details

Amplify every detail as much as possible. If you have to shoot unconventionally, do just that to emphasize details on pieces do just that afterall it's your creation.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri employed this for her 2015 'The Madame Luxury' Resort and 'Rustic Fairytale' collections to show off the details on pieces in the collection this shows people (who are potential clients/buyers) the beauty of the outfits and the details that can get them shopping in no time.

4. No progression

Create your lookbook in a way that the pieces in the collection progresses from one into the other. There should be a rhythm from hue progression to fabrics, prints etc pieces should not NOT follow a progression. The images shouldn't be all over confusing each other or the potential buyer.

ALSO READ:Do Nigerian fashion brands have to be pricey to be taken seriously?

5. Give all creative credits

Give creative credits where due. Shooting a lookbook is a process that involves a lot of creative people (except one person does it all which is not advisable) credit everyone involved; it's what they get out of it which goes a long way.

DO NOT lay claim on the entire process if it's not solely your idea (not even when you've paid all of them) that's theft!

olamide olarewaju