I like to believe my random searches on Google have led me to good fortune, and therefore, they have become second nature to me. So, there I was one sunny afternoon googling designers of Nigerian descent, and lo and behold, 10% percent of fashion related media in New York went on about a young Nigerian designer who grabbed the headlines from a top American designer during fashion week in 2000. Fast forward to 2007, it was another top English designer that was the victim of her marketing strategy. However controversial her methods, there is no denying the talent behind the label, and the different barriers Lola Faturoti has overcome since she stepped into the fashion industry in the early 90s in New York City.

Lola Faturoti was born in Ondo, Nigeria {West Africa}, where she grew up with her mother and grandmother, who were both tribal chiefs in Ondo state. She is highly influenced by her family background as I came to find out when I met her for the first time at Lotus on Clinton and Stanton in NY, literally next door to where I was residing for the night. Once she stepped in I could just tell it was her from her lovely mix of prints, which was topped off with a cowboy hat.

Lola’s fashion career started like the average fashionista dreams; she was working in New York’s trendy Charivari boutique and wearing her own designs. Customers started inquiring about what she was wearing instead of the designs in the store, and history began to unfold. Lucky for her she had a humble boss in Barbara Weiser, president of the company who took note, and appreciated her unique style, which Lola credits her jet setting mother’s lifestyle who bought loads of clothes when she traveled to fashion capitals like London, Paris, New York, while Lola stayed behind with her grandmother. Saying Lola has fashion running through her veins would be-meaning just that. Lola’s grandmother was a fashion designer in her prime, who helped Lola understand the basics of threading and mixing materials as she does today. Lola assisted her design traditional Nigerian clothes with African luxurious fabrics such as Aso Oke in the very rural days… “I hated it (designing) because I wanted to be out playing instead of picking out seams! That was my first introduction to fashion”, laughs Lola. This came in handy when Barbara Weiser helped her launch her first collection, ushering her into the international spotlight.

After the approval of her first show in NY, and fast success of it all, she took a four-year hiatus from fashion to awaken and perfect her creative vision to come back in April 1999 with a celebrated show that got one of her designs picked by the prestigious Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She also had a dress showcased in the famous ‘Barneys’ store window, and was recognized as one of the “Best in America” by Amy Spindler of the New York Times Magazine. Of course with all the accolades, you’d think Lola owned the world, and that sponsors and advertisers would practically be banging down her door. You are right - she did and they were knocking hard. Swarovski Crystal was one of her major sponsors who partnered with Andre Leon Talley, and advertising Guru Peter Arnell on her return from her four year hiatus, which produced another, raved about collection. As life would have it for Lola Faturoti, her art director made a mistake that literally cost her. She lost sponsorship from Swarovski, Peter and Andre due to the catty gossip nature of the fashion world. Now with three weeks and no money left before her next show, she did what any regular human being in a desperate situation would, and hit the road!

When I said she hit the road, I meant literally. In February 2000, Lola Faturoti’s designs stole the headlines from Ralph Lauren when she staged her show across the street for the crowd leaving his presentation during fashion week. This led to media frenzy, commending the hustling spirit of Ms. Faturoti. She then decided to relocate to Milan to work on her international presence for another four years. Lola returned to New York City in 2005 launching her comeback collection for Fall-Winter 2007-08. “New York is my city, I love New York. I think when you’re born there’s a city for you, that fits perfectly and I think New York is that for me. The energy, the freedom of New York helps me to be free in my inspiration, to liberate myself.”

The likes of Katherine Hepburn, Miriam Makeba are just a few of her inspirations. She is also influenced by some rock and roll music and she mixes some of her favorite materials like Satin-silk and damask - the African equivalent of which is brocade - like her grandmother did back in the day with various traditional materials. As you see featured in this issue, Lola Faturoti’s Fall /Winter ‘07 - ‘08 collection is another classic. It is apparent that she makes clothes for the irreligious, trendsetting woman, just like her persona dictates. Lola Faturoti is still on a roll and as of September 8th 2007 released her spring/summer 08 line, notoriously of course - as if she would do it any other way - by having a truck displaying a billboard drive around New York City and later stage a presentation in front of Alexander McQueen’s store in Bowery, NY with five models displaying her work. The industry has had its tales of comebacks and rebels, but none stands out to HauTe like this boundary breaking, unconventional, controversial, and extraordinary talent. Don’t call it a comeback! Lola Faturoti has been here, done this, and will definitely be doing a whole lot more.

Transcribed by Yetunde Amolegbe, intern.