Tosin Anne Olugboye, a fabric designer, is  the Chief Executive Officer of Tosanne Vogue at Oluyole Estate, Ibadan. The Accounting graduate of Bowen University, who also invests in professional shopping business, in an interview with Tesiwaju Adejumo, speaks on her love for fashion among other issues. Excerpts:

Foray into the fashion industry
BEFORE I gained admission into Bowen University to study Accounting, I  always dreamt of studying Mass communication, but I later found myself in the accounting department. However, by the time I was in 300 level,  I knew that I  did not want to end up as an accountant because I knew I was not cut out for that profession. At 400  level, when  we were rounding off in school, I became worried and started thinking of  what I would do after  school. On  January 1 , 2008 , precisely, I sat down and was thinking  of what to do.  I took a pen and a book, and started drafting out something.  Before I knew it,  I realised that I had sketched  some designs that turned out to be  beautiful. It was from there that I picked  up  an interest in  designing.  After I left school that year,  I went to learn about dress making . At first, I learnt about ladies clothing but later I picked up men’s designs too. I am into both corporate  and native wear as well as accessories.

Inspiration
As earlier said, I was not really interested in my course of study.  I had always  preferred working with my hands because  I know that creativity  adds values to one’s perso-nality. So I made a prayer request to   God that I would not like to work as an accountant, but would like to start my own business, and He answered my prayers.

My designs
What distinguishes my designs from others? Nothing much,  I do appreciate beautiful casual outfits. You know designs are many dimensions, some times, you see designers  who are interested in outrageous designs  or  those who are into the ethnic. As for me, I believe in casual outfits, I mean  dresses that can be worn at any time, to anywhere and not the ones that would always be for  a particular occasion.

Though, I  also make special outfits for occasions like weddings, but I am very particular about fittings because, I believe fitting matters. I make sure I sew clothes that best fit each of my customers.
About professionally shopping

It is all about visiting the market to get things. There are some busy people who have no time to go to the market. People like this make a business deal with me, I get things for them  in the market and they pay me for it, especially those preparing for their weddings or those in need of  home accessories, kitchen appliances and so on.
Coping with competitors

It is not easy  to convince people  to patronise someone who is just starting a new business especially since there are many people already there with similar things to offer. When I started this business, most of the clothes I made, I did for free just  to advertise my service. Also, it was easy for me to catch the   attention  of people because I am also young, I am one of them. But for adults, they are one way traffic and not easy to convince about the latest trend or to have a change of mind. This is why most of my customers are youths.

Favourite fabrics.
Yes, I know  you will want me to say ankara which is proudly Nigerian. I love ankara, but then, I work with other fabrics like chinos, European, Asian and American fabrics. I don’t stick to African fabrics, though it gives  me more space for creativity.

Definition of style
It is a thing of the mind. Your mind reflects on your outer body. It doesn’t matter if  you have copied  what is in vogue, if  you do not  add your own touch, it is not a style. Style is a personal thing, and one thing I believe about style is that every designer should work with people’s taste in designs.

Fashion Icons
Youths, why I chose the youth is that they are more creative when we  talk about designs. They are very conscious of their outfits to always blend with the trend.

Accessories
I keep it simple and nice. I am not into accessories per se. My  choice  of   accessories depends on what I am putting on. The only thing I love using that I can not do without  is my brooch, which I love and believe it brings out the beauty of my outfit. Sometimes, I don’t put on earr-ings when  going out.

Indecent dressing
You see, many people argue about this but I believe your body is your pride. Most of what I design are not indecent. Personally, I don’t like sleeveless or whatever  opens my cleavage or shoots out my shape. I appreciate fitting in dressing  and not  tightness. Though, some customers do request for it and because they are always right, you have to respect their wish. My belief is that when your body is covered with a dress , it makes you look more beautiful . It is true that if you have it, flaunt  it, but there are still some parts that one needs to hide.

Advice to youths
Embrace your fashion sense and don’t dress shabbily in the name of fashion or religion. Your  dress sense will open doors for you. Try to look good and appropriate always.