The curiosity to understand what makes Italian shoes with its quality & simplicity tick inspired my brand - CEO Abike Redefined

By Kemi Mobuse - Sunday, October 29, 2017

The First Time I bought an Ankara palm slipper,was during my service year in 2010, even though; the guy had to do a lot of sweet talking and cajoling, I eventually caved and got myself one cute one. I fell in love with it and it became my constant companion for close to two years 😜😜😜 {Yes, I keep shoes that long}.

When the slippers eventually got tired of all the abuse I put it through, it angrily committed suicide, 😭😭😭😭by then; I was soooo in love with it but, the foolish thing broke my heart and there in begins my search for a suitable replacement which led me right to why KMB came to be!

Coming across Abike style Vogue brand on IG reminded me of my beloved palm slippers, in that; she understood the craft the right way and have the know-how to interpret exactly what resonates with her customers. She spoke at length about her brand and its impact on Nigeria and the Global world as a whole... Read below:

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Can you tell us about yourself?

Abike Vogue Style: My Name is Folake Odidi, I am a Lagos based Shoe and Bag designer. An Accountant and a Footwear and Handbag Designer. Being passionate about Shoes and Bags, I decided to go back to my skills learnt way back at school.
I started as Vogue Style Fashion 3years ago, but now, I have carved a niche for my brand with my Native name ABIKE. I also run a channel basically for young ladies trying to find their Voice and Life Purpose and I have greatly impacted many lives through that platform.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: How did you first get involved in fashion and design?

Abike Vogue Style: Right from childhood, I love fashion but I first got involved officially in early 2014.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: What attracted you to footwear and bags specifically?

Abike Vogue Style: My Aunt abroad usually sends me Italian Footwear and Bags. I loved the quality and simplicity, so, most times I wonder how it’s been done and why can't we get such quality here in Nigeria instead of buying abroad.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: What do you feel you bring to bag and shoe design that sets you apart from your contemporaries?

Abike Vogue Style: Like we all know there are Many Shoe Makers and Bag Makers in the Market, What sets me apart is that I focus on delivering results and tremendous value for our customers globally in terms of Quality and Affordability.

I make sure I exceed customers’ expectations, not necessarily looking at the fee paid.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Can you talk about the process of creating one of your bags from the first idea through execution?

Abike Vogue Style: Design based on Customer’s choice of Fabric or Leather>Accessories needed to design the bag->Cutting>Assembling>Neatness in sewing and Gum usage>Good finishing and Finally Nice Packaging.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Have you faced any challenges maintaining such high level of craftsmanship?

Abike Vogue Style: Of course yes, there is no business that there are no challenges. Getting good helping hands to assist is a major issue - improved Machines for scraping leather flesh and Hair on Skin leather are expensive, so we tend to use a knife as alternative which makes productivity slow.
Also, some tend to price made in Nigeria item low but its improving gradually compared to what it is like before.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Your designs can be spotted on a wide array of people, why do you think your work resonates so strongly with them?

Abike Vogue Style: Well I think because of the Quality and Simplicity and I also build a relationship with my customers not just them Buy and Go. I get close to them to know what picture they really have in mind. And finally, I go extra lengths to please my customers in getting what they really want.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: What inspired you to create your designs using Africa Fabrics? Who do you see wearing them?

Abike Vogue Style: When it comes to fabrics - Aso oke and Adire are my best option. I just make sure I am creative at using it for my designs. Anyone can wear them.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: What do you see as the future of Abike redefined?

Abike Vogue Style: I see my Brand giving birth to other brands, I see my brand employing both blacks and white artisans to work with; in creating the best of quality shoes and hand bags like Lennard or Bata and other Notable designers like Kate spade, Coach,Louis Vuitton,Christian Dior's, Alexander McQueen,etc.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Abike Vogue Style: Yes, Do what you love not because others are doing it, what works for another might not work for you. Find where you belong, find your Purpose, Be Focus and always strive to be the Best at what you do.

Kemi Mobuse Blog: lastly, how can you be contacted?

Abike Vogue Style: Email: Customercare@abikeredefined.com
Call/WhatsApp+2348020697861 Bbm:D1FF9A3E
IG: official_abikeredefined 80sbags
Facebook:@abikeredefined

Kemi Mobuse Blog: Thanks for your time dear.

Abike Vogue Style: 🌝 Thank u