The Curvy Black Fashionista: Ten:10 Edition 2: NS1463 Clothing Co.

NS1463 have been in the game for a while now but I had to feature them on my Ten:10 because of the waves their making in the industry. If you haven't heard about them its time to clean your ears...I'm going to go out on a limb here and say they are the pioneers of the Nigerian T-shirt design industry. By using the Nigerian/African culture as a source of inspiration for their designs, NS1463 was the first to fill this cultural void in the fashion industry and set the standards that we now see so many following.

I got an exclusive interview with the NS1463's Olumide

Enjoy!!

1) Who is NS1463 Clothing Co.

“We are all Ns1463. It’s for the people by the people, just so happens that we are the guardians of the Brand.”

Ns1463 is Clothing Co. started back in 2003, we moved to Nigeria in 2008 and opened our first store. Ns1463 came about because of a need to fill out the void in the global fashion industry. I will go on a limb here and say when the major clothing manufacturers run their collections, Nigerians and Africans are usually not the source of inspiration and if at all we are, it’s on some save the people tip. We are not saying this isn’t needed, we are just saying Nigerians/Africans culture are rich enough to inspire more creative designs that can be marketed globally and first and foremost they are fashion forward not charity inclined.

2) How did you start your company?

Well I was tired of seeing Nigerians in the states wearing t-shirts with Brazil or Italia on it... I was thinking would you ever see it vice versa?

3) What are your future plans for the Brand?

Well to be a nationwide brand and eventually be a lifestyle company that becomes the industry blue print in Nigeria and Africa.

(look who I found wearing NS1463)

4) Who is your ideal customer?

You!

What we have come to realize is our customers come from all works of life and age group. The positive thing about the brand is for so long Nigerians weren’t considered when it came to designing process., nothing wrong with us taking a fashion queue from the states and UK but why can’t I rock an Ik Dairo tee shirt as suppose to a Beatles tee?

5) Who is your creative designer?

The people, like I said earlier we are just the guardian of this brand but the people are really the ones directing the creative process of the brand. It’s a case were the sculptor says his job is to just carve out the work of art that is hidden in the block of stone. That’s really how I see this. The inspiration comes from the people.

6) How/Where do you manufacture your products?

Production is sourced around the world to make sure we are providing the best quality products.

7) What inspires your designs (t-shirts)?

The people and the need to serve the people

8) What roles do you and the others behind NS164 each play from the creation to the selling aspect of the clothes?

I create the designs and my associates Bayo and Bassey rate the designs, It goes like this. I get an idea, spend time coming up with a design then I send it to Bayo and Bassey they grade the designs on a scale of 1-10. if the design is above a 7 , I bank the design and figure out where to put in a collection. If the design scores low I will either curse them out or put my tail between my leg and say they don’t know shit.

(I got Bayo to answer this question as well)

"Olu wouldn't admit it but I am his ears on the streets, I am his motivator, I am his go- to- guy, you ever watch the Godfather? Well I am his Tom Hagen. As per business wise, I basically do everything needed, organizing shoots, to creating an online presence, to marketing, to looking for models in the club lol!"

(Bayo seen organizing a shoot in London)

9) As up and coming (Nigerian) Designers what are your biggest challenges?

I don’t like the term designers. For one it’s been used so freely nowadays and two, I don’t really think I am a designer I definitely don’t qualify to be one so I shouldn’t lie to myself. To answer your question, parts of our challenges are the production processes needs to be streamlined, and we often find ourselves playing catch up. The government policies, work force and the business culture of Nigerians can be rather challenging as well.

10) What advice can you give to people that wish to pursue a career like yours?

Truthfully, passion should come first; monetary gains should be the last thing on your mind. Plus open your mind up and understand your weaknesses and focus on your strengths.