WHEN 26 year-old Emmanuel Okoro established Emmy Kasbit fashion house in 2013, he probably never envisaged that within five years, he would be designing for one of the most powerful world leaders. He set out on a creative adventure in the world of fashion to clothe ‘the unconventional man and woman who like to think outside the box and who are willing to defend their outfit as being deliberate and not accidental.’ He was smart enough to see something beautiful and unique about the locally hand-woven Akwete clothe made famous by the people of Azumini, in Ukwa, Abia State. The top that Theresa May wore to Nigeria was made from this unique authentic African textile fabric.
True to his word, Emmanuel Okoro’s designs were different; he stroke out from the conventional fabric and worked with authentic African fabric. He first showcased his collections in 2014, titled: ‘Definition’ at the Nigerian Fashion Week . His collections showed the world a whole new creative vista and since then, the brand grew, building a clientele base of top celebrities, showcasing at some of the biggest fashion shows in Africa.
Emmy Kasbit showcased at the South African Menswear Fashion Week in 2016 and 2017, he was also featured at number 8th on the BlackNBold Young Designers list of 2016, emerged as one of the top five finalists for Lagos Fashion & Design Week Fashion Focus 2017 and had a great showcase at the fashion week.
His collection shown at the HLFDW 2017 runway was one of the most vibrant and innovative uses of traditional Igbo fabric Akwete which made his stand out.
Emmanuel Okoro got his big break early this year when he emerged winner of the Lagos Fashion Week 2018. Twelve designers participated at the three-day event. It provided opportunity for the participants to showcase their products or brands globally and the chance to win the Fashion Fund Prize, a cash grant of five million Naira ($13,900). Emmanuel Okoro’s Emmy Kasbit won the prize money. He defeated other designers such Imad Eduso, Mo Augusto, Morafa, who were all also part of the 2017 Fashion Focus finalists.
Speaking about the designs of Emmy Kasbit, the representative of one of the sponsors of Lagos Fashion Week, Adebimpe Adejumo, Head, Brand and Corporate Communications, FETS Wallet, said about Emmy Kasbit design: “We found Emmy Kasbit to be the most eligible recipient for the grant. He is an exceptionally talented young designer who represents all the creative values Fets is keen to support. This award will accelerate his business growth which will take him on the path to achieving commercial success.”
Speaking to an online new media through an email, Okoro talked about winning the Lagos Fashion Week best designs: “I feel like I’m one step closer to achieving my vision! The prize will go a long way in boosting my career towards commercial success.”
Okoro’s clothing of the British Prime Minister has made it possible to meet with her and she has this to say on official on her instalgram about the meeting: “I am delighted to meet @emmykasbit who designed the jacket I wore to #Nigeria #UKAfrica #MadeInNigeria.”