Fashion is an integral part of the African culture. It has been ingrained in us from a young age to be conscious of how we present ourselves. Nigeria is one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of fashion. Lagos, Nigeria has become a center of excellence for buzzing fashion events. This has provided a hub for the youths to dive into the fashion business.These days a number of Nigerian youths have taken to fashion designing, modeling, fashion blogging and similar enterprise with a major focus on the African attires hence the popular slang of ‘Yoruba Demon’ which in a way has made the Yoruba traditional wear, Agbada to become more acceptable and admired among high-brow events in the country and overseas.
Ore Osoba, CEO and Creative Director Coz Designs
However, there is a sector of the fashion enterprise which haven’t really been explored in the Nigerian fashion scene. It is the LUXURY BAGS sector, most especially Nigerian-made brands. Bags are important accessories which could make or mar your overall outfit. Oreoluwa Osoba of COZ Designs seems to notice this particular area which haven’t caught the eyes of many hence making him a unique fashion icon in the Nigerian fashion scene.Ore Osoba is the CEO and creative director of Coz Designs. He is a 21-year-old graduate of Computer Science from North American University, Republic of Benin. Ore hails from Ogun state, Nigeria and he is the last child of his family.
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- Coz Designs’ Works
While in his final year in the university, he decided he didn’t want to work for anyone and wants to start his own brand. Ore, who has always been a fashion lover knew anything he will do would be fashion related though. According to him he decided to go into bags because he noticed there aren’t a lot of bag brands in Nigeria and bags are very important fashion accessories as they play a big role in fashion .
Ore talks on life as being the creative director of a leather luxury brand. Ore says, “Being a creative director is not an easy job. I design all of our bags . Before I design I imagine the person I am designing for. I want every design to make a statement and play a role. I want my designs to give my customers confidence.”
On his goals and aspirations, Ore says, “I want Nigerians to believe in Made in Nigeria products. I want my customers to carry my designs and be confident that they are rocking Made in Nigeria.”
Currently, Ore won the best entrepreneur of the year at the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award Ceremony. The award is the biggest and most respected Nigerian entrepreneurs award. He was handed the award by the governor of Kano state. He was also nominated for the ‘Best Youth Company” at the African Youth Choice Award. Ore was also named the future of Nigerian business by Natasha Nobles, an American based blogger. Ore says, “I hope to inspire youths that you are not too young to be successful or to know what you want. Your life is your boat and you are the captain. You are not too young to take charge.”
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- Models rocking Coz Designs at the Africa Fashion Week
Ore attributes his drive for success to his mum and his passions. “I grew up with my mom. She is a very hard working woman. She worked three jobs to send me to school , so she is one of my biggest drives. And I love what I do. Fashion is my passion. I love to see my customers happy and satisfied.”
Ore hopes to expand Coz Designs all over the world. Currently, the brand is selling in 16 countries. He hopes to expand to more countries and more outlets. The brand will be launching its new collections soon. These will be posted on the brand’s IG page @coz_designs. Coz Designs is currently making big waves in Nigeria and a number of the Nigerian celebrities have been known to rock the brand.
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- Simi
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- Mr.2kay and Beverly Osu
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- Nedu of Wazobia
