My designs are inspired by life’s experiences, Duru

Gloria Duru is the Creative Director of Fashion De Glory poised to create made to wear piece that are of standard in today’s world of fashion. According to her, “A Fashion De Glory woman leads a modern life, multitasking, and of many part throughout the course of the day – a mother, professional, life partner, a creator of her own life and experiences. She can only accomplish all that with a good sense of self, simplicity and beauty. I design the skin this woman lives in. My clothes tell her story.”

Duru who has spent the last 19 years in the fashion world is inspired by life, beauty and elegance, which speak to her through a book, journey, mood or conversation. “I do not seek inspiration from the work of other designers, but I strive to stay open to life, and create from that.”

She ventured into fashion having realized she had an eye for beautiful things and so she is living her dreams of creating designs and details that make women stand out. Her use of Ankara to make both traditional and English ready to wear designs suitable for office use and other formal events makes her commitment to changing the trend. “We want to abolish English wears and make do with our Ankara designs turning them into English outfits for the office; African women want to dress African.

“My work is to create life through the moods and experiences my clothes bring forth and so the most rewarding part of being a fashion designer is getting calls and messages from my clients telling me of how great they felt in a dress I just made or knowing my works made it through the closet cleanup year after year. One of them told me once that a good deal of her life happens in my creations. I cannot think of a better reward,” she smiled.

If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be? “I would probably be drawing all day long or painting, but since my work has always been about making beautiful pieces, I would probably find myself designing something in no time.”

While describing the fashion industry in Nigeria, she said, “Honestly, the business is growing quite far and beyond. It’s no longer like in the past when women go to Italy and Spain to shop for designs, it is done right here. In fact, all those Italian and Spanish women currently get their designs from us. Our fabrics especially the Ankara is the best in the world,” she affirmed.

Her greatest challenge has been human resource management, for Duru, it is because one cannot be everywhere at a time, “you need people to help you achieve your design and get the job done in due time, but then getting people who are as passionate and dedicated to work has been a challenge.”

Commenting on the difference between a tailor and a fashion designer, she noted that while the latter comes up with the pattern and cuts for a dress, the former is charged with the responsibility of putting the pieces together. On her advice to upcoming designers, she said that it is important to get educated which will enhance their knowledge of the skill, that way; they are sure to come tops.