Africa Fashion: An Example of Pelma Fashion Brands in Nigeria

African fashion designers are poised to make a statement in the world in terms of fashion and designing, as African fabrics are also trending with its uniqueness and attraction.

One fashion and designer in Nigeria that is currently making waves with her unique and attractive designs is the CEO of Pelma Fashions House, Ayotamuno Peace Okorite, hailed from Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State in Nigeria. She studied food science in Rivers State University of Science and Technology and later became data analyst.

Okorite, has said that her focus was to stay innovative by embracing creativity and stay ahead of trends include networking and collaboration to connect with other fashion industries in a bit to master the basics of fashion.

According to her, what inspired her to go into fashion was shortly after she gave birth to her daughter Mabel, adding that fortunately in her NYSC days in 2016 government introduced a skill acquisition programme and entrepreneurship( NYSC-SAED) and she seized the opportunity to key into it during the one year service sponsored by NYSC.

In 2018 in a bit to get more knowledge, she decided to do a three month course on pattern drafting from Annaire Art and fashion academies.

In other to be more creative in bridal she further did a course and internship with Zihalima grazioni brand in 2021, where she specializes on mother and daughter clothes.

“I want say that after the birth of my daughter Mabel, I got inspired to make mothers and their daughters look unique so I started making cloths for kids which gave birth to the mothers and daughters brand.

“The brand continued to gain prominence and acceptance from various quarters and I added the teens and adult designs. Consequently, I owe a lot to my adorable daughter who is my first model as she showcases my designs which attracted people. That actually encourages me to continue.

” My dream is to build a healthy and sustainable fashion brand while maintaining its unique identity of fusing African style into contemporary designs in order to reach a global audience, she said.

The Nigerian born fashion designer Okorite has gained prominence and recognition locally and internationally following her unique designs recently she showcased her lastest collections at the lafrique fashion feast 2023 that made her to stand out.

She said; it was such an amazing experience I dressed wedding couples numerous to mention and also celebrity, just last month, I also dressed the Nigerian representative “Queen” Sokari West at the Miss Teen Eco world pageant that took place in Egypt. Also I exhibited my brand at the fashion fusion Uk pop-up sales at Birmingham.

The feat has gotten so many referrals from friends living in Nigeria and abroad as a result of her quality and unique designs” she stated.

However, she is still need assistance in the area of equipment’s and technology, as they posed primary hindrance for fashion development in Nigeria.

She is of the opinion that very soon African fashion brand will dominate the world because Africans are becoming more creative in terms of designing.

The CEO of Pelma Fashion House use the forum to appeal to foreign fashion industries to assist the upcoming ones mostly on equipment’s and technology.

By: Tonye Orabere