MEET RONKE OLUBANJO, FASHION DESIGNER WHO CLOTHES CELEBRITIES

Mrs. Ronke Olubanjo, the Chief Executive Officer of DGV Styles also doubles as the brain behind Ibadan Fashion Academy. She doesn’t need any introduction when matters pertaining to fashion are being discussed in the city of Ibadan.

In this interview with Abiodun Adeniyi, Olawale Awe and Pelumi Ajayi, the Communicator turned fashion designer spoke extensively on how she ventured into the industry, her happiest moment and why she feels the government should invest in the fashion industry in order to alleviate poverty which is ravaging the country among other salient issues:

Can we meet you ma?

I’m Mrs Oluronke Olubanjo. I went to Sacred Heart Private School for my primary education, I proceeded to St. Theresa College for my secondary education, in my quest to have more knowledge I studied Mass communication at The Polytechnic Ibadan.

When and how did you start your organization?

I started my career in 1999. After my training, I established and started operating at home in 2003 because I was single then. But when I got married, I officially established my own organization in 2010.

Mrs Ronke Olubanjo posed with set of her designs

You studied Mass Communication but you are now into fashion designing, what was your parents’ reaction then?

You know the mentality of Nigerian parents; they always want their children to either become doctors, lawyers, or bankers. So, that was what my parents also projected for me. When I was growing up, I told my mum that I wished to be a fashion designer but she first refused and told me that I should have another job asides fashion designing but later on I had to convince her that I can make ends meet in the fashion industry.

...Posing with her supportive Husband

Many fashion designers prefer to be in Lagos, why did you choose Ibadan as a base?

I was born and bred in Ibadan. Ibadan is my heritage and it is my duty to give back to the society. I don’t subscribe to the idea of if you don’t establish in Lagos you cannot make it.

Mrs Ronke Olubanjo Instructing her students during the lecture....

African designers are lagging behind their contemporaries in the world. As a fashion expert, what do you think responsible for this?

Let’s be realistic, African fashion designers are good but I think there are some factors that are affecting the job, money issue is one of them and lack of machineries. For example, when you are outside the country, you have access to the computerized machines at affordable prices but it does not happen like that here in Africa. If you are not highly connected in Nigeria, you would be able to have access to loan in the bank. So, many things are wrong but I believe everything will be alright soon and things will work well for African fashion designers.

Another set of students...

Is your Union making any efforts about getting help from the government?

To be frank, the association is struggling to make the vision work out. As an adviser to the association, I have raised many ideas but a tree cannot make a forest. It’s a collective efforts but I’m sure things will take shape in the nearest future. If government could come to our rescue, I think this industry will alleviate the poverty that is ravaging the country.

Students listening to Mrs Ronke during the lecture...

Fashion means different things to people, how would you describe fashion?

To me, Fashion is all about putting on trending designs. For example, if an Oba walks in, you will identify him because of his fashion style, if you see a nurse or a doctor, you will quickly recognize them because of their outlook. Fashion is a means of how you want people to recognize, perceive and address you in the society.

Mrs Ronke amidst her Students....

Skimpy dresses are common nowadays, what’s your view about this?

My take remains the same. They have low-esteem and low vision for the future. As for me, I believe in dressing in a good manner, the reasons why I like dressing good always is that if I am opportune to meet the President, I will surely get a handshake from him. To be frank, if you dress skimpy, people won’t take you serious. There are many things to be considered before putting on any dress. You can dress casual and still be responsible.

Do you ever think of exporting some of your products abroad?

That’s my main mission. I’m praying for more connections. It’s part of my dream to showcase my products to the world. By the special grace of God, I will soon get there. Although, it is not an easy task due to the money factor and so on. Through exporting, government can generate revenue which will boost the economy of our nation. Do you know that millions of jeans get imported into this country? If you travel abroad and you dress in Yoruba attire or you put muffler round your neck, the white men will want to take it from you because they love and cherish it; but the government did not help the local tailors to get all these things done. If our products flood stores abroad like their own products do here, Nigeria would have been competing with her peers by now.

Who are your role models?

I have many; some of them are Great Mudi, Yomi Casual and lots more.

Can you share us some of the celebrities that you have designed for?

They are too numerous to mention, I have designed for Muyiwa Ademola, Funsho Adeola, Toyin Aimakhu and crème-de-la-crème in the society.

Assuming you are not in the fashion industry, what would you have been?

I would have been a Disk Jockey (DJ) or a professional photographer. It might sound funny but these are the jobs that I have passion for.

Can you share some of your happiest moment?

I’m always happy when I see my students doing great in their career. My happiest moment was when one of the students that passed through my college sent me a mail about her colleagues who also happens to be my student that she is doing great in Port-Harcourt. This so-called lady was from Southern part of the country and during her training here, she was very tough and naughty. But today, I thank God for her life because I don’t think she could quickly rise to that status because of her background.

How do you manage your job and marriage?

t’s not easy being a married woman and a successful businesswoman, but God has been very good to me. I also thank Him for giving me a supportive husband.

What’s your advice for the upcoming designers?

My advice for them is to work hard and lay a good foundation. They should also work towards having their own brand and they should exercise patience.

As a busy person how do you unwind?

I don’t usually relax. I only watch movies when I get the chance, I love reading and listening to good music, I don’t like driving, so whenever I embark on a journey, I use the opportunity to sleep.