The Curvy Black Fashionista: Ten:10 edition 7: Adjoa Osei

There is nothing like a designer that pays the oh so important attention to details... in my opinion it's what makes all the difference... a shirt is a shirt but when you add some creativity and inspiration from the likes of things as abstract as an"...underwater shot of fish" that shirt becomes fashion....or in Adjoa Osei's case..."Experimentally Classic".

I was lucky enough to get an interview with the new designer and learn more about the person and the label Adjoa Osei.

I really enjoyed this interview and I hope you guys do too

....enjoy xxx....

1. Who is Adjoa Osei (the person and the Brand)?

I’m a 27 year old Londoner. I think my friends would discuss as outgoing, bubbly and straight talking. My background is in Political Sociology but I’ve always been someone who’s had my fingers in many pies. In the past I have learnt how to barber hair and play the piano and bass guitar. Right now I’m working hard to carve out my niche in the fashion industry. While I am getting this brand off the ground I am trying to learn as much as possible about all aspects of the industry (everything from pattern cutting to buying and web design). The brand is a projection and embodiment of my personal style. I describe the brand as ‘Experimentally Classic’. People have asked me what that means and I would say that is about creating a look for people who appreciate well placed accents of colour and detail without compromising on their simple, clean lined staples.

2. How did you start your company?

Over the past two years I have become increasingly involved in different aspects of the fashion industry – dabbling in everything from styling to visual merchandising. Now felt like the right time to move from ‘dabbling’ to actually putting something out there that I could be proud of.

3. How long have you guys been selling online for?

We have actually only just launched our website www.adjoaosei.com It has been a real learning process. Incorporating the business in mid April to launching the website 12 weeks later has been a real roller-coaster!

4. Who is your ideal customer?

The brand is for anyone who likes clean lines, little unexpected touches and attention to detail.

5. Who is your creative designer?

Myself J . I do a bit of everything at the moment but am building up a strong team to work on future projects.

6. How/Where do you manufacture your clothes?

London. And proudly so! I am particularly proud of the hand-woven, hand finished elements on the majority of our tops.

7. What inspires your designs?

A lot of my inspiration is posted on my Tumblr account – It could be a colourful picture, a pose in a fashion magazine or even something abstract (I have a great underwater shot of fish!) I love the excitement that comes from finding those little unexpected touches and attention to detail - think an Ozwald Boateng suit, that amazingly bright lining in a Ted Baker coat and the intricacy and history of Kente. (anything Ozwald is inspiring ...we are soo on the same fashion page girl!!)

8. What roles do you or your employees/ partners play from the creation to the selling aspect of the clothes?

Again, this is mainly me at the moment – however, I am bringing in fresh talent from other areas of the industry (everything from pattern cutting to styling) so that I can concentrate on designing and growing my business.

9. As an up and coming Ghanaian Designer what are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is to learn as much about the industry as possible. It is not enough to be creative. Along with creativity you need good business acumen, a great team around you and a huge amount of determination.