…Reveals she started sewing at age 12
By Christy Anyanwu
Patricia Onumonu is the brain behind Trish O Couture. Her brand has evolved over the years with a number of top celebrities on her clientele list just as she has garnered a lot of awards for her creativity.
With an undying passion for fashion and the female silhouette, Trish as she is popularly called, talks about her journey into the needle profession and more.
When did you discover your talent in fashion designing?
My journey began as a child under studying my mother as a dress maker. My mum used to have a fashion line called HENRYMORE Fashion House. At the age of 12, I began helping my mum in sewing. I could bead and draft pattern for babies dummy size. When I got into the university my desire and passion for fashion became stronger, at that point, I decided to follow my heart. By 2008, TrishO Couture was fully birthed and the journey has been a wonderful, exciting and fulfilling one.
Tell us what gives you joy as a designer?
Amazingly, my work has been well received outside the shores of Nigeria. My participation in these shows has bagged me a number of awards which I find really inspiring. Some of the awards include ; Glam & Essence Most Outstanding Fashion Designer 2014, Working Moms Awards in Art/Fashion/Style Award 2014,Top Celebrities Female Achievers Award 2014, AFWN Fashion Designer of the Year 2016, CAMA 2016 Fashion Icon of the Year, just to mention a few.
How do works from outside Nigeria influence your work?
My work is a fusion of romance, fairy tales and feminine beauty. The Queenly look of the Victorian era has greatly influenced my designs, with softness of womanhood with the objective of appealing globally to women across border.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your company?
The biggest lesson I have learnt is that patience and positivity are required in the face of challenges if you want to have victory.
What advice would you give to young designers who look up to you?
Stay focused, consistent and persistent. Do not despise the days of little beginnings. It’s not going to be rosy all the way, but your passion will push you to aim to be the best. Keep your head up and aim for positive outcomes. Do not let challenges bring you down; the most important thing is to learn from them.
Are there any type of clothing that you avoid wearing?
I love wearing clothes that speak of feminine class, beauty and elegance and are not revealing. If outfit does not have any of these listed qualities, I simply avoid them.
What’s your motto in life?
My motto in life is “always keep your head up, dust your shoulders and focus on positivity”.
What advice would you give to the government as a fashion designer to favour your industry?
The fashion industry is revenue generating arm for any country and Nigeria is not an exception. I would advise the government to set up policies and regulations to guard against copy right of works in this industry. The government also needs to give us tax breaks and electricity. These are really important to moving the fashion industry forward.
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