New designer, Abbiee Oyewole recently launched her fashion line, Qétura, with a show themed symbiosis. The show, co-sponsored by FashionAfrica, featured an art exhibit of paintings by HauTe Magazine’s Osione Itegboje and a runway show of Qétura’s premier collection.

FashionAfrica had a sit-down with Bimbo before the show to figure out her plans for women’s fashion.

Abbiee’s full name is Abimbola Oyewole. Her Nigerian friends call her Bimbo, but her Non-Nigerians call her Abbiee, go figure! She came to the U.S when she was 16, completed her undergrad degree in 06 and currently works as an auditor at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world (hint hint). When she’s not at her day job, she’s at school working on her Master’s degree. Whatever free time she has is spent creating designs for her line.

Favorite quote: I don’t design clothes, I design dreams… Ralph Lauren

FashionAfrica.com: Hello Abbiee, How are you doing lovely?

Abbiee Oyewole: I’m fine. Just nervous about the official launch of my line in the next few days.

FA: So, what’s with people in finance that end up finding their way into arts, fashion designing most especially, is the financial world that daunting?

AO: (she laughs) I wouldn’t say it’s daunting. I think it has to do with how we were raised in Nigeria. Growing up, you had to pick a professional career; the artsy stuff is not considered a full time career. So a lot of us satisfy our parents first, and then pursue our dreams later.

FA: I see, it’s been some kind of struggle?

AO: Well, It’s been a little hectic, considering I have a lot of things going on at the same time, but I think I’m able to find some kind of balance.

FA: Qétura. That’s quite a peculiar name, how did it come about?

AO: As much as I would like to give you an exciting story about how the name came about, I have to tell you that it’s my Christian name given to me by my grandmother.

FA: Any background in Fashion, how did you know or what made you feel you could choose this career path?

AO: The truth is I don’t have any formal training in Fashion; however I live, breathe and eat fashion. I know people might think what makes you think you can be a fashion designer without any type of formal training? To those people, I say “fashion is a state of mind!” Growing up with a stylish mom, I developed an eye for the finer things. I have always been interested in fashion, but never had the guts to try it until now.

FA: How did you come about Symbiosis as a theme for your premier show?

AO: The focus of my line is to empower young women with designs that blend Western style with traditionally African culture and style. Symbiosis is meant to represent that perfect match between the two different cultures.

[Show as slideshow]

Photos by timcoreyphotography

FA: Where do you source inspiration?

AO: A lot of my inspiration comes from unknown designers like Nanette Lepore, Although not so famous, they inspire me to challenge our (African) regular traditional outfits. The patterns of some of our (African) fabrics are so amazing, that they also inspire me to create beautiful designs that display well.

FA: What would a muse be for you? Do you have one?. If not, if you had to choose who will be your muse?

AO: My muse….I don’t think I have one yet, but if I had to choose, It would be Tamara Solomon, an upcoming model in the Dallas fashion scene (check her out!)

FA: What’s so unique about Qétura?

AO: Qétura is unique for many reasons. The simplicity of ready-to-wear. The boldness of the design palette. And, most importantly, the availability for all women are few of reasons why Qétura is unique.FA: Your signature look(s) will be?…

AO: Yellow Jacket dress. It’s simple, yet edgy, and showcases the confidence and playfulness I want to bring out in women.

FA: After your launch, what’s the next task for Qétura? How do you plan to get it in peoples closets?..

AO: The next plan is to get Qétura’s website up so fashonistas can place orders for pieces they can’t live without. As far as having it readily available at stores to buy, we are working on that and if there are any buyers out there, please contact us.

FA: Do you have a 5YR plan as well…?

AO: 5yr plan?! Sounds like a job interview…. In 5 years, I would like to see Qétura has not only a well recognized line within the African Designers but also globally recognized line.

Great! We can’t wait to hear some more news from you. Best wishes in this endeavor and have a lovely day!

- Wadami.