APiF: Please introduce yourself.
Okoro Emmanuel: My Name is Okoro Emmanuel. I am the creative director for the fashion brand Emmy Kasbit.
APiF: When did you start Emmy Kasbit and what motivated you to launch the brand?
OM: Emmy Kasbit was launched in January 2014, the brand was birthed out of my passion to clothe the unconventional man and woman who believe their outfit is deliberate and not accidental.
APiF: How would you characterize your brand?
OM: Emmy Kasbit is an ethical fashion brand
APiF: I assumed you are using Kente in your collection but you just corrected me that it is Akwete. Can you elaborate why you used that specific textile/fabric?
OM: We used Akwete fabric for our recent collection because it was an ode to culture. Akwete is an indigenous fabric belonging to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria and that’s my tribe.
APiF: What is your professional background?
OM: I’m a self-taught designer with a lot of internships under my belt. That has really helped me. I have worked under established designers and production houses so I had the experience before starting my brand
APiF: How does your heritage inspire you and influence your designs?
OM: I grew up in a remote city and was basically surrounded by just natural environment. That has really helped me with my inspiration each season.
APiF: Any tips for young / emerging entrepreneurs?
OM: Don’t stop believing in yourself and keep going. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Find out more:
w: https://www.emmykasbit.com/
i: https://www.instagram.com/emmykasbit
