NSFDW Season 2: Fast Rising Designer 'Couture Royale'

With over 48 student/aspiring designers and 30 exhibitors from across Nigeria expected at the event, fashion enthusiasts wait to be treated to a glimpse of the future of Nigerian fashion.

Students Pulse brings you some of the fast rising designers who will present their works to the world.

Name: Utejiro Gregory Ogbo

Brand Name: Couture Royale

Utejiro is sixth child in a family a large family of thirteen. He comes from Delta State in Nigeria’s South-South region. Born and raised in Warri, he studied Microbiology at the University of Benin for his Bachelors degree and studied for his MSc in Safety, Health and Environmental Management at the University of Southwales, UK.

The fast rising designer connected with his creative side from childhood.

“I always was in love with ART, not necessarily sewing but the idea of creating something just from my thoughts was amazing,” Utejiro told Student Pulse

Utejiro says his Couture Royale is a lifestyle brand engaged in the design and manufacture of fashion products

“We specialize in urban designs at the moment but quickly branching out into formal wear, dinner dresses and eventually street and sport wear,” he says.

Utejiro has big dreams but does not ask for too much.

“I want people to recognise that Nigeria has got talent and the skills.”

He is also walking the talk.

“I am now into designing and developing the creative direction the company takes for each season and have employed a few tailors to do the actual sewing. We intend to over the next few months double the number of tailors we currently have.”

At NSFDW 2014 Couture Royale will showcase “a little from our 2014 urban look and a taste of our sexy couture side” in designs that mix and match materials, textures and colours.

NSFDW organisers say the yearly showcase “aims to discover new talent and give opportunities to those that would not normally be able to afford to participate at the major Nigerian Fashion Weeks.”

The 2014 edition will hold at the University of Lagos from Thursday 5th to Friday 6th of June.