Ronke Ladipo, the model turned image consultant turned fashion designer is another of my talented friends. Even before she began her modelling career, Ronke always had drive and determination. She did what she wanted to no matter the obstacles and this attitude is what has brought her this far. She recently launched her fashion line, ROUCH, which showcased at the African Fashion week in New York. So, I sent here a few interview questions, so you all could get to know this determined young fashionista.
How did Rouch come about?
I got motivated after looking back on when I was about 5 years old. My grandfather used to make me these beautiful dresses in ankara. I had so many of them and I loved them. Recently, I visited the lace factory in Austria, where they produce different kinds of lace materials and immediately fell in love with it. I saw how designers used these laces to sew lovely and different designs and I was impressed to see how lace could look so glamorous and chic With this recent inspiration and being the fashionista that most of my friends call me, I decided to pick up designing and come up with my own brand.
Tell me about Rouch?
Rouch by Ronke is simply for the classy and confident individual. My first collection,which I showcased recently at the African fashion week New York (AFWNY), is a mixture of both African and lace fabric. My summer collection was inspired the beautiful natural colours we have here in Africa. Like the ocean, the grass, the earthy brown, the sun, the animals and of course the beautiful tough black skin. Rouch by Ronke is mostly vintage and retro and a bit modern and it’s for the age range of 15-50.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years time, I see myself being able to have established ROUCH in different countries and also dressing up the big celebs in New York, Paris, Milan etc. I hope I can sit back relax and see what I have accomplished
Tell me one thing you do to constantly improve yourself?
What I always do to improve myself is take corrections and take constructive critiques. I also love to read a lot of high fashion magazines and old school videos where I get my vintage ideas. I watch a lot of project runway and I like to see myself as a perfectionist.
Do you have any other projects in the works?
I am working on making a wardrobe for a TV soap opera and also getting ROUCH into different stores.
Any advice to anyone trying to make it in the fashion industry?
I would advise anyone trying to get into the industry to really have a passion for what they are about to get into. Because everything is not as rosy as it looks on the outside. There’s a lot of hard work to it and it takes a lot of determination. They should never force anything. You either have it or you don’t. And like I always say image is everything! You need to work on yourself before trying to work on others.
Thanks Ronke!
N thats it folks! Check out the ROUCH website on http://rouchbyronke.com/
ooh the dresses are fierce! :)
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