Men and Their Wardrobe Need

Most men always take a sober time to reflect on life and plans but they fail to turn around and look back at their wardrobe. The wardrobe needs of men are often neglected, especially when they assume

they are no longer boys.

 

We've rounded up a few of the most important wardrobe needs of men...

A 3 Piece suit that is well tailored and perfect fits: There are no more excuses anymore. You're an adult now. You need at least one tailored suit or two with perfect fit, preferably black and navy or black and gray.

Really, you should have both by now. What have you been doing all this time?

A nice blazer: A nice blazer will make sure that you don't overwhelm the room with a full suit when the occasion doesn't call for it. But it can also separate you from the crowd a bit.

Wristwatch: Even if you're not a watch guy, you should realize the importance of wearing a watch on some occasions. Drop a few thousands to get a timepiece that you can call your own.

A durable leather belt: Instead of going through belts every year like usual, invest in an expensive one that you can wear for years.

The perfect T-shirt: The perfect T-shirt is not a myth. You just have to find it. Probably get a good tailor, a Nigerian tailor or fashion designer if you are Nigerian base to sew to your measurement.

There is no better feeling than to wear a perfect fit shirt or best fit for any type of clothing. 

Becoming A Fashion Trend Setter

Trends are powerful demonstration of how social influence motivates people. People follow trends out of a desire to fit in. Trends are typically started by celebrities and superstars because on some level people think looking more like them will give them some of that prestige.

If you have a penchant for looking great and want to be ahead of the curve, you may want to become a trendsetter. Just how easy it is to be a fashion trend setter as a fashion designer!

Make a lot of friends. It will be easier to set trends if you have many friends who are popular and well-liked in their own right. This gives you more social capital and influence on the rest of your peer group.

Don't make friends with popular people just to be a trendsetter. Make sure your friendships are genuine.

Be charismatic. If you are confident and fun to be around, people will want to be more like you.

When people want to be more like you, it becomes easy for people to want to copy your every move, including your clothing.

Avoid being overly serious. This doesn't mean you have to the society clown. 

Be genuinely interested in People. Being kind and compassionate will go a long way. Express genuine interest in others. Doing this will make others feel good about themselves and they will attribute these good feelings to your presence.

Once you're known as a likeable person, others will want to be more like you. Without even noticing it, they may adopt some of your style.  In other words, they will follow the trends that you set.

Get noticed. You won't be able to set a trend if other people don't see and follow it. Start by trying to be more "seen." Make people notice you and cultivate a presence. Learn how to be the center of attention

If you want to start fashion trends, try to dress well in general. While positive attention is great, don't be too loud or obnoxious. Make your outgoing personality seem effortless.

Fashion Sketch Book

Fashion Journal is one a great way of sharing your style and thoughts on fashion.  It is always a great idea to have a journal of your own which can act as a means to show your creativity and your interest in fashion.

In my thought, I would advise every fashion designer to have and keep fashion sketch book where they can make sketches quickly when ideas comes to mind. Fashion journal can be regarded as part of your fashion portfolio.  

Fashion journal is a documentation of thinking process of the fashion designer.  It demonstrates quick

drawing skills, color, fabrics sensitivity etc.

If you aspire to become a great fashion designer in future, you will need to start now to keep a fashion sketch book or fashion journal, because any great fashion designer is expected to be a fashion trend setter. 

Fashion trendsetters are people who can spot new trends early on and spread these fads to new locations and social groups. Sometimes they even create their own fashion trends for others to adopt. 

Fashion trends are the most common type people follow. And, a simple act of keeping a fashion sketch book or fashion journal can go a long way to setting you up as a fashion trendsetter. If you have a penchant for looking great and want to be ahead of the curve in fashion, you need your own fashion journal because inspiration comes anywhere and at any time.  

Nigerian Tailored Suit for Perfect Fit

As far as I’m concerned, there are far too many guys walking around in suits that don’t fit them and there’s no excuse for it.  I attend wedding occasions and I see men-on-suit, men-in-suit, men-by-suit, men-at-suit and so on. Hahahahaha! It’s funny though, but these names were coined according the fit of the suit on the men.

Ill fit can make a very expensive suit look tardy and trashy. I have also observed that

suit made in Nigeria are relatively less expensive to foreign suit or off-the-rack suit collection, the only different is that you will have to have a little patience to have your suit specifically sewn to your measurement.

Tailoring can make a relatively inexpensive suit look expensive, so for the guys out there who think that looking good in a suit is out of their price range – you’re wrong.

Off the track suit is already made with a client in mind, necessarily not you but when you meet Nigerian tailor or Nigerian fashion designer, they measure and sew to your specific, at the end of it, the jacket will fit you in the shoulder, it will hug your shoulders and encourage you to hold yourself upright.

Furthermore, the trousers fit you in the thigh rather than at the waist.

To help demonstrate what tailoring can do for a suit, my fashion designer at Dr.Legendclothing on 25, Fadunsi Street, Ogba Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria offered us to come and try on a few suits, and then get one tailored to our needs.

Nigerian Tailored Suit for Men

Personally, I think a man will look better than he does when he wears a suit. It can be worn at a variety of occasions and locations without ever looking out of place, all the while enabling the individual to look and feel truly stylish.

Hence, off-the-track suit that we call foreign suit or ready-made suit in Nigeria, will never be best fit even when it’s altered by a tailor to your specification. . Be it high street or a fashion designer, suits are all cut from a precise block in order to fit the specific sort of clientèle the brand is after and unless you are that client, which is very slim that you are, then forget about fit or perfect fit.

Of course, you don’t need me to reiterate the perfect fit factor to you. You already know that the most expensive and best quality clothing will mean nothing without a perfect a fit.  A good fit should always be your first priority when purchasing new clothing.

One way you can guarantee that a suit will fit you is if its tailored to your specification. And you can only get that when you have a good Nigerian tailor or Nigerian fashion designer sew to your measurement. That is if you are a resident of Nigeria. To be continued…

Creating Your Personal Style

Start your personal style journey every day by giving a damn about who you are and what you represent. If you don’t care how you look, you’re never going to look good. Attitude is everything, in style and in life.

It all starts here. Dress everyday like you care, of course you care if you are reading this article. Let it show as your dress up every day that you care about how you look. This is how...

Be ready to Explore

Don’t be scared to be the best-dressed guy in the room. As long as you don’t take all the attention from the celebrant of the occasion.

Though you could feel overdressed initially because it’s a habit you are just forming. It’s not a bad thing.  Learn to embrace it. Trust me, people will start treating you differently and it will all yield to positive reception by people. Our clothing does that. It opens doors for you; people start respecting you and trusting you more. Be ready to explore from the trend you were to an adventurous you.

Understand Clothing Fit

Fit is everything, probably the most important in style. If you don’t have the right fit, everything else

is wasted effort.

A good fit should flatter your body. Take the time to get to know your body, get a tailor or a fashion designer help you get accurate measurements.

Buy Clothing That Will Be Style Ageless

Focus on a “timeless style,” while creating your personal style

Always buy pieces that are both classic and associated specifically with men: suits, blazers, sports jackets, and trousers, both dress and casual. Buy the best quality you can afford and practice wearing your best.

Good Design Is Innovative, Great Design Inspires

Some days you just don’t feel like spending an hour or more at the mirror or take your time to find the right outfit. I understand. Some days are potentially like that. This is why I advise that you go for the exclusive designs when you are shopping, meeting with your fashion designer or at your tailor’s. When your wardrobe is filled with simple but classy designs, be it casual tops, etibo, nativewear, shirts, agbada or suit. You will always be at your best no matter the time you spend dressing.

Always be prepared for the unexpected when you leave the house. You could run into an old flame, or meet someone new, always look your best. Make sure your outfit is complete and that you have a neat appearance.

A potential employer or talent scout may be out looking for a specific look. You could be approached by a potential employer anywhere,  or be offered an interview. 

Even if you are not in business attire, displaying confidence through a completed outfit and overall look shows others that you can be trusted.

When you have your look for the day together, you will feel better about yourself. A boost of self-confidence on a day when you are feeling less makes a great impression. It shows that you understand the importance of always looking your best and making an impression no matter where you are.

A lifted spirit does wonders for accomplishing goals. You have confidence and a will to succeed no matter what the day has to throw at you.

How Social Media Has Transformed The Fashion Industry

Social media has totally changed the face of fashion today and the way we shop. The beauty of social sharing sites is that you can be inspired by such a wide range of people, from your friends, bloggers, celebrities and family.

As social media has made fashion and style more accessible than

ever, it drives how we shop and what we wear. 

Fashion news often breaks exclusively via Facebook, twitter, blogs and instagram. This boost of social influence is inspiring people to explore their own personal style and create their own unique looks to share and receive likes and great comments. 

On social media everyone is unique and individual looks are celebrated and shared. Social media platforms enable us to express ourselves freely and showcase our personal style.

Social media has gained relevance that it’s now the number of followers on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter, rather than your experience necessarily, that can secure you a top job.

Any fashion designer can gain audience and even attain relevance with building a social media presence. It’s obvious that, any fashion designer that doesn't have social media behavior is heading towards oblivion state. 

No matter how good the fashion designer may be, he will soon disappear in the industry. The future is in social media. 

Fashion Forward Facts

Shiny suits or shirts can look loud and somehow cheap for men, quality men’s garments in lush fabrics, cashmere, linen or fine wool make much more ostentatious statement than a lot of glitter.

Ironing your clothes is key.  When you take a few minutes to iron your clothes, you will always be eager to step out and hit the town in style. Looking like you slept in your clothes isn't fashion forward. Your tailor will regret his effort, your fashion designer as well won’t be impressed, and neither will your date fall for it.

Go for quality over quantity. A well-made jacket or suit in a quality fabric may cost you quite a bit more than one that is cheaply made, but it will look better, fit better, and last longer than the inexpensive version.

It may seem superficial, but clothing makes a statement about who you are and where you want to go. Since people tend to judge us (consciously or not) at least in part based on how we look, why not look as if you’re ready for a promotion?

Dressing well, sometimes, doesn't necessarily mean wearing a suit and tie every day. Sometimes subtle details can make a distinct impression, especially on fashion-conscious folks.

When in doubt of what to wear, imitate your boss or leader not a runway model of magazine model.

ATTRIBUTES OF SUCCESSFUL FASHION DESIGNERS IN NIGERIA

Designers have certain traits that those who choose a different profession don’t have, or aren't motivated to acquire or learn. I’d like to share with you characteristics that I've repeatedly seen in fashion designers from all over the world.

•   Designers know that they’re surrounded by design, and they just can’t stop their minds from unearthing lessons, ideas, and solutions through the things they see and experience.
• Fashion designers will see design outside of their own interests. They understand that design is everywhere and in everything, and fashion designers have the tendency to look at it instinctively.
• A fashion designer cares about the details. He goes beyond being detail- oriented to identifying the details matter and carefully giving them the care and attention they deserve.
• Designing means to make it better than it original state, so every good fashion designer is committed to solving fashion problems. 
  
  
  
  
  

·         Great fashion designers constantly search for new ways to innovate and make things better than they are.

·         Fashion designers don’t work alone, they work with a team, and hence they have team spirit.

·         A good fashion designer knows how to communicate his concept to his team.

·         Fashion designers are flexible and very passionate people

·         What makes a fashion designer good is his creative ability. Quite obviously, you’ll need to be creative to be a good designer. You have to be resourceful, you have to be able to look at and see things in ways that may not be as readily apparent to your peers. Creativity also means developing new designs from old trends

·         Fashion designers also must be able to put their ideas on paper.

·         Fashion designers have a flair for the artistic. A sense of how colors work together and an eye for complementary fabrics are musts.

• Fashion designers need an aptitude for graphic art and design.
• Fashion designers should be able to visualize an outfit before sketching a single stitch, possess a sense of style and have the ability to constantly dream up fashion ideas.

Standards for Fashion Designers

We have a lot of persons who go by the name fashion designers in Nigeria, but very few names stand out in the industry. Such names as mudi Africa, Yomi Casual, Dr.Legend Clothing, Vanskere, Vicky Legend clothing, Climax, Victor Okoros.

Here are some of the qualities you'll need to succeed as a fashion designer

1. A good fashion designer understands how fabrics move, drape, breathe, react even when worn.
2.  Any good fashion designer knows where to source materials from.
3. Good fashion designers know every  current fashion trends.
4. Have a good eye for anticipating what your audience will respond to next.
5. Build your sewing skill to enable you to construct the garments you design.
6. You understand what materials work best in the designs you are developing.
7. Develop your drawing skills, so that you can easily sketch your ideas onto paper to start the production process.
8.  A great fashion designer has a great sense of style and is constantly coming up with new ideas for fashions.
9. He has a healthy sense of competition. He strives to do better than his peers in the industry by creating quality innovative designs just in time.
10.  A good fashion designer has a strong visual ability. He sees the finished product  well before the production begins and can put his ideas in words and paper for others to grasp 

Signs You're Meant To Be A Fashion Designer 101

Skill can be acquired by anyone but there are people born to lead in different spheres of life. When you discover your place, you will not struggle to excel or to stand out from the crowd.

You know you're destined to be a fashion designer if you find yourself always doing most of the following;

If you see design in everything and you just can’t stop your mind from unearthing lessons, ideas, and solutions through the things you see and experience.

If you spent most of your childhood making clothes for your Barbie dolls instead of playing with your friends.

If you always catch yourself studying design in things other people don’t think is possible.

If you are a good student of fashion magazines instead of your school books.

If you probably ran a boutique out of your basement at age twelve. 

In other words: if you want to be the next Dr. LegendClothing, it helps to be completely and utterly obsessed with fashion. 

This Is Exactly What Makes A Successful fashion Designer In Nigeria

The fashion industry is exploding and becoming more intense than it has ever been in the history of fashion. However, there is no rule that says if you don’t have a formal education or certification, you can’t become a successful fashion designer in Nigeria, but that doesn't make the feat any easier. 

To become a good fashion designer in Nigeria, you will need to have a combination of drawing, sewing, and design skills, knowledge of the fashion industry, and unparalleled perseverance. You'll also need to create a strong fashion portfolio and strengthen your knowledge of business and finance in general.

Learn more. If you can, it makes good sense to get a diploma or degree in fashion design or a related program. 

Another way you can learn is by giving yourself to be trained by a fashion designer who has conquered the industry, either as a formal apprenticeship or internship program. 

Enhance your skills. Successful fashion designers have a wide array of skills, including drawing, an eye for color and texture, an ability to visualize concepts in three dimensions, and the mechanical skills involved in sewing and cutting all types of fabrics.

Decide which designing field is your principal interest. You may need to start at the bottom but you do need to have some goals in mind as to the type of designing you want to undertake lifelong.

Fashion Answers For Every Nigerian Fashion Designer

Unless you haven’t been paying attention for most of your life, you would know that fashion is a giant part of our lives. Clothing have not always been as influential a ‘tell’ of our personalities as they are today. We need to acknowledge the relevance of having some basic information about one of the primary needs of man irrespective of our gender. 

Being a successful fashion designer in Nigeria not only requires talent and creativity, it also requires a sound knowledge of the business and history aspects of the fashion world.

Let’s Look At Few Answers

Questions	Answers
Who invented fashion?	Charles Frederick Worth
Who discovered shirts?	Flinders Petrie
Who invented Pants?	Jacob W. Davis
Who invented suit?	Beau Brummell
Who was the first fashion designer?	Charles Frederick Worth

Starting Out As A Fashion Designer In Nigeria

The “I am not a tailor, I’m a fashion designer” is one conversation I’ve heard one-too-many-times. I think because of the connotations of the Nigerian people about tailors, even tailors do not want to be called tailors again. Everyone now go by the name “Fashion Designer”. 

I don’t see anything wrong with everyone changing their profession to fashion designers in Nigeria, even though being a tailor should also be honorable. 

I think it will be best we get to know what the role of fashion designer is and how one can successfully become a fashion designer in Nigeria. 

Fashion design is a form of art. To work as a designer, you should have an artistic and creative personality. You also have to be good at drawing and able to express your ideas in sketches. 

You don't necessarily have to be a great artist, but you must have some special skills for combining colors, tones and shades. You also have to be able to work with fabric and use textiles in a creative and original manner.

A fashion designer is the creative mind behind any item of clothing, be it a high fashion runway garment or your regular pair of jeans or tee shirt.  They conduct research, develop a concept and vision for the type of person they would like to dress, create a visual image of their concept through sketches and oversee the various design and production processes that bring their sketches or designs to life in the form of a three dimensional garment to fit their intended market.  

The tailors on the other hand, directly take measurement of the client and stitch the clothes according to the design given by the client

.

Now, it doesn’t mean that a tailor cannot be a fashion designer. In fact, it makes the whole process easier, if a tailor also has the skill of fashion designing.

To become a good fashion designer in Nigeria, you need to leverage on these rules;

Develop your skills. Successful fashion designers have a wide array of skills, including drawing, an eye for color and texture, an ability to visualize concepts in three dimensions, and the mechanical skills involved in sewing and cutting all types of fabrics.

Decide which designing field is your principal interest. For example; 

·         Women's wear

·         Men's wear

·         Sportswear/fitness/leisure wear

·         Outdoor, adventure, outerwear

·         Bridal wear

·         Accessories

·         Casual

Ask your customers what they need.  Keep it simple and realistic. Extravagant sketches are nice on paper, but great native wears, casuals, shirts, pants or suit are better simple and classy. Simple designs remain the ultimate sophistication.

Assess your skills and personality honestly before pursuing a career in fashion design. You may love clothes but clothing is only part of the story when undertaking fashion design. You'll also need excellent communication skills, a willingness to work very hard, an ability to cope with stress, openness to having many different clients and/or bosses, an acceptance that there will be loneliness or isolation on occasion and an ability to be a self-disciplined self-starter.

Get educated about the business side of fashion.  Being a successful fashion designer not only requires talent and creativity, it also requires a sound knowledge of the business and marketing aspects of the fashion world.

Look for fashion design jobs. Or start your own fashion label but be prepared to be financially astute.