Jasmine Cynthia Obaseki is a model cum fashion designer. For the multi talented and resilient young woman, fashion had always been her passion. The University of Benin graduate of History and International Relations upon graduation never left fashion but continue to pursue her dreams gradually till it came into fruition.

Nine years down the line, The creative director of Jasmine King Couture is dishing out lovely outfits with great designs for her esteemed clients. In this interview, she shares her journey into the fashion world, the recently held Fashion Finest Africa FFA Epic Fashion Show event and other issues.

Why did you choose to go fully into fashion designing?
Fashion was always something I had liked and was interested in right from when I was younger. I am very creative with my hands.

I did a lot of painting, drawings and loved to mix and match colours among other things. I was really art inclined. I was a model. So, I focused on that but my mind never left fashion. I had decided to start a ready to wear line in 2011 and it was difficult to find a small quantity production team in Johannesburg. My friend had suggested that I learn to sew and a seed was planted.

Did you attend any fashion school to hone your skill?
No, I didnt go to fashion school. I was a new mom when I started sewing (although I had been designing dresses for a while.), I didnt have anytime to go to school then with a baby. I’ve been a model and in the fashion industry for many years. I’ve been around fashion designing and knew this was what I wanted to do. It is my calling. I learnt everything I could, every way I could and just dived in. On very few occasions, I only sought advice and guidance from an old Indian female tailor in my neighbourhood. The interesting thing is that I never went for any special training but learnt on my own from Youtube.

So, I’m self taught. Youtube was a lot of help but I always attribute my sewing knowledge to the Holy spirit. That was my source.

What makes your fashion outfit different from others?
Jasmine king couture is different in that we cater to the ‘feel good’ and confident woman who likes to stand out from the crowd. We make pieces that make a woman feel like she has come into her own. And we are different also in our client relationships which is very dear to my hear. Making a woman feel beautiful isn’t just in our clothing but cultivating real understanding and business relationships.

At Jasmine King Couture, we care about our clients and give them value for their money. We make outfits that suits our clients personality and class. As a fashion designer, giving my clients top-notch service and seeing them satisfied gives me great joy. So, whenever I get positive feedbacks, it makes me fulfilled and pushes me to do more. At Jasmine King Couture, quality and customer satisfaction is our priority.

How has the journey been so far?
It wasn’t easy initially. I took baby steps and today I am so glad I followed my dreams. My brand is going places. I am proud of the success story so far. It is growing and going smoothly. It has been an exciting journey and it was worth it. I have great satisfaction doing what I have passion for. I will continue to strive to be the best in my chosen field. Forward ever, backward never.

Who are your clients?
My client is the woman who is confident in her femininity. Who is willing to try something new. A woman going places to happen.

Your fashion outfit participated recently in the Fashion Finest Africa’s annual FFA Epic Fashion Show . What was the experience like?
Jasmine king couture took part in the annual Fashions Finest Africa, Epic Fashion show to showcase their stunning latest collection. The show was held on the 2nd to 3rd of June at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. The epic fashion show included a list of other established and emerging designers from all over Nigeria.

The event attracted guests including fashion insiders, celebrities, and style enthusiasts in attendance. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the models hit the runway in a stunning array of outfits, each one more impressive than the last. The Jasmine king couture collection drew inspiration from both traditional Nigerian fabrics and international prints, with a twist that made each piece unique and contemporary.

The designs were bold and vibrant, with a focus on flattering cuts and silhouettes that celebrate the female form. From fabulous midi dresses to well tailored sleek evening gowns, the Jasmine king collection had something for every occasion and every style. The colours ranged from earthy browns and greens to bright reds, with intricate detailing and embroidery adding a touch of luxury to each piece. The models exuded confidence as they sashayed down the runway, showcasing the collection to its full potential.

The audience was mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of the designs, with many taking notes and snapping photos for their own fashion inspiration. The show was a testament to the talent and creativity of the Jasmine King team, who is quickly becoming a force in the Nigerian fashion industry. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship was evident in every piece, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices was also apparent.

Overall, the Jasmine king fashion show at the FFA Epic fashion event held recently was a resounding success, leaving guests in awe of the brand’s stunning collection and cementing its place as a major player in the global fashion scene. With such incredible talent and vision, it’s clear that Jasmine king couture will continue to make waves and bring Nigerian fashion to new heights.

Are you working on any new project?
We are a work in progress. All hands are on deck to deliver the best. We are working on great stuff which will be unveiled later.

What is your advice to younger ones who would like to go into fashion designing?
Set a goal for youself and start from where you are with what you have. Ask lots of questions and surround yourself with people who are doing better than you. You will fail but keep going.

Where do you see Jasmine King Couture five years from now?
We will be going even more global. And also branching out into the international ready to wear sector. We are excited about that.