TO satisfy its teeming fans for stylish headpieces that will stand them out anywhere, Carpe Diem Designs has launched a new collection to the public. The collection comprising fascinators, headpieces, hats, mini-hats and bridal accessories was informed by the need, according to Oluwagbon Oshinowo, Creator Director of the brand, ‘to create unique pieces for the discerning, flamboyant, fashion conscious woman who wants unique designs that will stand her out.’
“It’s a collection to satisfy different needs and taste, from the very simple, subtle and demure designs to the very classic and outstanding. There’s something for everyone,” she enthused.
“There are a lot of feathers, lace, cord lace and other embellishments used in this collection to create the designs that can match any you can find on the international ‘fashion forward’ fashion sene. They can be worn with both ethnic and formal clothes,” she added. Her staple materials include sinamay straw, feathers, silk flowers, crystals, Swarovski stones, tulle, and wearable fabrics like aso-oke among others.
On the inspiration for her designs, she stated: “I get a lot of inspiration from nature like flowers, plants, animals, birds. In my work you find a lot of feathers, anything that has wings, butterflies, the movements of the ocean waves. I also use gemstones a lot as Nigerians love sparkling things. All this are combined with traditional millinery techniques to create beautiful, unique and intriguing headpieces. Our designs are unique and not the generic styles you see everywhere. Every piece tells a story. This year there’s a lot of teal, yellow and purple in fashion and I incorporate these colours in my designs. “
“Some clients are muses who inspire one too, who keep one abreast about what’s happening in the fashion world. They make you think outside the box, they push you.”
The stunning headpieces can be worn to social events such as birthday parties, weddings, christenings/baby dedications, church services, red carpet events even funerals, she disclosed, noting that they are mostly sold online and through word of mouth.
Oshinowo, who studied fashion design at Yabatech and is also an art educator and facilitator at the Zaris Fashion Academy, Lagos, incorporated everything she has learnt in the garment making industry, millinery and observing trends and combined them to create the pieces. “I have worked in the fashion industry at so many levels but found out that making fascinators had evolved from a hobby to a profession. Hats had always been a passion but I had done it side by side with my work in the fashion industry but it was when the demand for these things became very high that I decided to give it the same equal amount of attention,” she said.
Starting officially in 2004, she has today garnered a client base that cuts across different age groups, class, backgrounds and net worth. “Our customers range from the very simple to the most elaborate and flamboyant. We work with clients’ budgets so we have pieces for everyone and not just the rich. I don’t think beauty or elegance should be restricted by one’s pocket,” she noted. Her designs, she pointed out stand out because the pieces are artistic. “We use good quality materials to get the best. Our finishing is also world class as we do quality control. Our products speak for themselves so they have to be perfect. Our products are our best advertisement,” said the designer.
