APiF: Please introduce your business and your designs.
Vivienne Nwosu: Uzo Vn is a women’s wear boutique brand catering to the trendy and fashion forward, modern women.
APiF: When and why did you start designing with African Prints and Fabrics?
Vivienne: I started designing with African print back in 2004/2005 when I was studying fashion in university. I loved African print, but at the time, all I could really wear it for in London was to parties. But having said that, I also loved the really trendy stuff in Western culture too, so I guess that’s where the combination came from.
APiF: Fashion Finds: What is your favorite piece in your closet or of your collection and why?
Vivienne: I absolutely love this dress (right hand side), because it is simple yet complex. The colors are vibrant, the print is gorgeous and it is ideal for parties and going out to a restaurant or social event – very multifunctional and fashionable. I also love that it gives you curves by taking your waist in. That’s the magic combination for me.
APiF: How do you market your designs and how do you make them accessible to a global audience?
Vivienne: My collection is specifically designed to cater to a global market. Although I use African print within my design, it still caters to a global market. This collection and future collections will be available on my website http://www.uzovn.com/ February 3rd and I will also be selling on a new website called stylesafrik. The Autumn/Winter collection will further expand to more accessible and mainstream websites but I won’t give too much away, as I am still in discussion about that.
APiF: Any tips for new designers/start-ups in the fashion industry?Vivienne: Know your stuff, keep up with current trends even if you aren’t a trend designer and also be confident about your designs. This is one of the toughest industries to break into, so you must be at the top of your game to overcome it.
Find out more:
w: http://www.uzovn.com/
t: https://twitter.com/#%21/UzoVn
f: Like Uzo Vn on facebook