Urban Nectar, a new collection, by one of HauTe’s favorite designers, Ugoma Ebilah of Zebra was launched on 19^th of April in Lagos. As we expected, the ambience and overall experience of the event was excellently executed. We sit down our dear Ugoma, and ask her how and why she does it, and does it so well. . .

Wadami: Zebra Woman! Indeed. I remember when it all started, do you?

Ugoma: I do. It’s dream-like. In 2006 I was my own model, driver, advertiser, pr consultant, messenger, accountant, and photographer, and HauTe saw it all first…

I remember vividly…heck it was just 3yrs ago.

 

W: Wow, 3yrs. Seems like you’ve been in the business longer. Especially, with how you have packaged the image of the company. Did you go to Fashion School?

U: I didn’t go to formal fashion school no. Packaging the company has been pure heart and I learnt that raw and direct by just getting out and doing ‘fashion’ and being emotional and pure about what I saw and wanted people to see.

W: Fabulous! That explains the “shopping experiences” you have created. Take us on a shopping experience with Zebra.

U: It starts with my universe and I. It is really simply being, feeling and creating pieces that I personally think are gorgeous, classic and cheerful. Finding interesting ways to verify my ideas. What better way to do that than to recreate the path to the physical fashion design which is ultimately life and love and a few of their agents (music, food, community and commerce)

Our trunk shows are a great way for us to meet our customers and share Zebra’s ‘fashion art’ and a few other highlights like champagne (lol) and most importantly each other and our union…through fashion.

When I moved back to Lagos (from London) saw the gap in alternative things to do and proceeded to fill it. Sorry for the ramble but you got me started…

W: Lol. Please no need for apologies. It’s good you put so much thought into it. How did you get into designing clothes?

U: I fell into it really

W: What do you mean?

U: I was busy with my finance career but I always cheated – I would style my friends and was always the one who could find regular pieces at H&M or Topshop and morph them into fabulous outfits. I was encouraged by friends to explore my left side and I found something amazing so I am glad I tripped and fell.

W: Hahaha. Good to hear/read. How much have you grown since then?

U: We’ve grown a lot.

We’re now stocked in 2 boutiques in lagos with a growing clientele and still no formal advertisements/PR campaign to date.

We’ve gone from a 2 man team to a 6 man team and growing every quarter.

We are doing our first London show this year and have already been approached by buyers in London and South Africa interested in our collections.

We’re launching a vintage line and a maternity/kids line in a few weeks.

We’re opening our first boutique at the end of the year

…We’re very very busy.

W: Busy is almost an understatement, but please tell us about this collection about “Urban Nectar”.

U: Urban Nectar is a city tale in fashion. Elements of the various cities I love Lagos, London…bits of glam, bits of sun, bits of colour, bits of function. A collection that takes you from the office to a beach holiday in vibrant style.

W: You a very right when you say busy! Maternity/Kids? Now, these are just the different things under Zebra Living right, including doing interior and what else?

U: We do quirky and accent furniture and other story filled home accessories. We also have collaborated with another company (DaYoga- a full spectrum wellness company) for the last 2years to organize yoga workshops and retreats. All in keeping with offering true lifestyle services.

Zebra is also very involved in charity work using our annual Zebra Ball to raise money for causes in need – we want to be able to offer services in all aspects of life. Once again it’s all about experiences! That’s our guiding mantra and the core of our mission.

W: Congratulations on your endeavors thus far! All this hard work indeed describes the Zebra Woman! What other characteristics does the Zebra Woman have?

U: Lots of heart, independent style, adventurous, can-do attitude, playful, happy, in touch with all aspects of her being, keen on both inner and outer beauty. That I think sums up the Zebra Woman…and of course she is a woman’s woman and quite girly.

W: Fabulous! Well. It was pretty fun chatting with you. Zebra deals for our dear readers, and most important, parting inspiring words?

U: It was fun talking to you. There’s always a deal for the Ladies. Watch out for the next zebra trunk show and you’ll be in for a treat of an experience.

Inspiring words Hmm! Live life and be happy by any means necessary! Fashion is only one of my ways…find yours!

See Zebra’s latest collection is the designers section on FashionAfrica.com 

- ‘Wadami.