Agomo Okem is an upcoming fashion designer known for his trendy styles in the Nigerian fashion industry. He developed his passion for fashion at a very young age and recently launched his fashion line ‘Syrus Stitchez’. In an interview Okem spoke on his journey so far.
On his background
My name is Agomo Okem also know as Syrus. I was born on the 19th day of January, 1985. I am the second child out of four children. I was born and raised in Lagos. Spending most of my life in Lagos has helped me to learn both languages which are Yoruba and my native language which is igbo. I am a native of Nri-ukwu Amimo in Aboh Mbaise local government of Imo state. I did my university education at Lagos state University where I studied educational management.
On his early days in fashion
I ventured into fashion at an early age. I can remember vividly when I was a little younger I used to make clothes for my sister’s dolls, which I always had fun doing. As I grew older, I began to sketch patterns to give my dad’s tailor to sew for me. Until one period there was a very long strike for months while I was in the university. I decided to enroll in a fashion school to build up my passion for making clothes. I got enrolled at Trend Vivi Fashion house where I was taught to make female clothes. While in school, I started developing more skills in men’s wear rather than the female wear I was taught. I would say I built most of my skills myself. I can also remember asking question from tailors around and also from professional designers when I had problems either cutting or sewing.
On his inspirations
My fashion sense I would say is stylish, outstanding and modest. I love trying out colors and the use of floral prints. I always loved looking good when it comes to dressing which is part of the reason I ventured into fashion designing and tailoring. The errors I saw whenever I gave my fabric to my dad’s tailor when I was much younger inspired me to learn the art of fashion designing and tailoring. Also, the fashion sense of one of my mentors inspired me whenever I watched him on television acting. Some of my mentors are Jim Iyke, Uti Nwachukwu and Roberto Cavalli.
Aspirations
I see myself as a top fashion icon people can reckon with and seeing my label ‘SyruStitches Clothing’ brand most Nigerians would be comfortable wearing. You all should expect more of my creative work and my own fashion show. I intend to push my career by attending more fashion shows both locally and internationally, learning more difficult styles and pattern and working with professionals in the business, and publicizing my works to the extent it will be worn by both the elite and the typical average person. But if I was not a fashion designer, i would have been as an educational administrator or a business man.
Embarrassing moment
My most embarrassing moment was when I was so confident about some clothes I made. On getting to the clients place for testing and fitting, it tore as the client put it on. I felt very embarrassed.
On the current state of the fashion industry
Well, I believe Nigerians are yet to totally accept wearing Nigerian made clothes. But with the rise of good designers and tailors, I think the fashion industry would soon take a positive turn in the economy by providing employment .
On his background
My name is Agomo Okem also know as Syrus. I was born on the 19th day of January, 1985. I am the second child out of four children. I was born and raised in Lagos. Spending most of my life in Lagos has helped me to learn both languages which are Yoruba and my native language which is igbo. I am a native of Nri-ukwu Amimo in Aboh Mbaise local government of Imo state. I did my university education at Lagos state University where I studied educational management.
On his early days in fashion
I ventured into fashion at an early age. I can remember vividly when I was a little younger I used to make clothes for my sister’s dolls, which I always had fun doing. As I grew older, I began to sketch patterns to give my dad’s tailor to sew for me. Until one period there was a very long strike for months while I was in the university. I decided to enroll in a fashion school to build up my passion for making clothes. I got enrolled at Trend Vivi Fashion house where I was taught to make female clothes. While in school, I started developing more skills in men’s wear rather than the female wear I was taught. I would say I built most of my skills myself. I can also remember asking question from tailors around and also from professional designers when I had problems either cutting or sewing.
On his inspirations
My fashion sense I would say is stylish, outstanding and modest. I love trying out colors and the use of floral prints. I always loved looking good when it comes to dressing which is part of the reason I ventured into fashion designing and tailoring. The errors I saw whenever I gave my fabric to my dad’s tailor when I was much younger inspired me to learn the art of fashion designing and tailoring. Also, the fashion sense of one of my mentors inspired me whenever I watched him on television acting. Some of my mentors are Jim Iyke, Uti Nwachukwu and Roberto Cavalli.
Aspirations
I see myself as a top fashion icon people can reckon with and seeing my label ‘SyruStitches Clothing’ brand most Nigerians would be comfortable wearing. You all should expect more of my creative work and my own fashion show. I intend to push my career by attending more fashion shows both locally and internationally, learning more difficult styles and pattern and working with professionals in the business, and publicizing my works to the extent it will be worn by both the elite and the typical average person. But if I was not a fashion designer, i would have been as an educational administrator or a business man.
Embarrassing moment
My most embarrassing moment was when I was so confident about some clothes I made. On getting to the clients place for testing and fitting, it tore as the client put it on. I felt very embarrassed.
On the current state of the fashion industry
Well, I believe Nigerians are yet to totally accept wearing Nigerian made clothes. But with the rise of good designers and tailors, I think the fashion industry would soon take a positive turn in the economy by providing employment .
