AfroCosmopolitan had the opportunity to interview the creative and lively personality behind the Loving Your Curves and Kemi Boutique brand, Kemi Farquharson. In this interview, Kemi talked about growing up in Nigeria, her challenges, her journey into the world of fashion designing, her recent project, the Loving Your Curves fair that will be taking place in London (September 2013).
We were very excited to carry out this interview with the plus size designer, Kemi Farquharson because she is organising the first ever bridal event for curvy women. Speaking about her passion for plus size bridal apparels, Kemi said,
I did not want anyone to have the same experience as me. And so, the core of Kemi Boutique is great customer service and creating a fabulous wedding dress experience.
Read below, our exclusive interview with the designer, Kemi Farquharson.
AC: Tell us about yourself.
KEMI: I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and lived in Ikoyi where I went to St Saviours School and later to Atlantic Hall before moving to London, UK. I established my first career in Business and Finance but really had a passion for creative elements. Not sure what I wanted to specialise in, I simply followed my passion for creative elements undertaking a number of projects in my early twenties in events planning, pre-production of a TV programme and operating a camera for a Christian cable channel.
AC: Before becoming a designer, you started your career in Business and Finance. Why did you choose to go into fashion designing?
KEMI: At 24 I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and took some years to embrace my curves and redefine my syndrome. So, when in my late twenties, i grew really frustrated with the lack of options in Plus Size Fashion in London and knew I wanted to design for women in my same situation. I then decided to take some time out for health reasons and travelled to Jamaica where I was inspired by life, love, travel and the raw beauty of the Caribbean. Then then, I began designing my collections. Over the next few years, I prepared for self-employment and went back to college to study professional sewing, pattern cutting, draping, fashion illustration and tailoring at Morley College & Newham College.
AC: Before launching Kemi Boutique, did you work for anyone else after graduating from Morley College, London?
KEMI: No, I did not work for anyone, but I did undertake some internships. I find they are a great way to gain experience whilst working out what area within an industry you want to focus on.
AC: How did you get started as a fashion designer?
KEMI: I went to college, sourced a business mentor within the fashion industry and combined my experience in business with my new found skills in fashion.
ALSO SEE: Knowing And Loving Yourself Is A Real Art – Eva Believer.
AC: Why did you choose to specialise on bridal apparels?
KEMI: It was a personal experience. When first looking for wedding dresses a few years back, I did not have a great time. The dresses came up really small and as a size 18, I was offered dresses in size 22. Not a great moral booster!
I also found that a lot of the shops did not have larger size stock dresses, or were not friendly to Plus Size brides-to-be. I did not want anyone to have the same experience as me. And so, the core of Kemi Boutique is great customer service and creating a fabulous wedding dress experience.
AC: In your opinion, what is the most important trait of a bridal fashion designer?
KEMI: Care and Passion – the passion for creating the dream dress for the bride within her budget, and the care to make the whole experience memorable for all the right reasons.
AC: How do you balance creativity with managing your brand?
KEMI: I have a team of staff that work with me, from sewing to events & PR. Having a team is important. No one person can undertake all the elements of a business and maintain a high level of excellence.
AC: Tell us more about your new project, Loving Your Curves.
KEMI: Loving Your Curves is a great and exciting event coming up in September at Battersea Arts Centre combining a Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo with a Wedding Fair for the lady with Curves.
With leading experts in Beauty, Fitness, Nutrition, Fashion and Bridal presenting workshops and giving top tips and industry insights, runways shows and our very own beauty lounge offering complimentary treatments sponsored by CSG Makeup & Beauty. This is going to be a very exciting weekend.
AC: You have exhibited in several bridal exhibitions, why do you feel there is a need for the Loving Your Curves fair?
KEMI: There are hundreds of wedding fairs throughout the year in London, from Vintage to Luxury to Cultural – however, when looking for a show that catered exclusively to the bride to be that might want a size 18 or 20 wedding dress, or size 8 or 9 wedding shoes there was nothing exclusively for the bride with curves. I also wanted to incorporate Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle and as these are not elements that you would associate with the wedding fair, it was a great opportunity to create a new and unique platform.
AC: What kind of feedback have you been receiving from other plus size designers since LYCurves was initiated?
KEMI: The feedback has been great with renowned bridal designers like Lillian Mayro and Carolyn De La Drapiere confirmed for the Wedding Fair. Also, Dea London and Morts & More have confirmed for the Fashion Expo, to name a few.
AC: What are your expectations for the event?
KEMI: With the fabulous businesses and designers already confirmed, we are expecting to deliver a great Fashion Expo and Wedding Fair with a focus on Bridal, Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle.
AC: Where do you see Loving Your Curves in the next 5 years?
KEMI: I see Loving Your Curves becoming a platform that international designers can engage with Ladies of Curves. For our attendees, I hope that we can both bring established and new designers from the US to EU to Africa that may not have showcased in the UK to our runways shows and vending lounge.
I also hope that the Expo will not just grow in terms of Fashion & Bridal, but that we will be able to continue to bring Beauty, Lifestyle and Health to the forefront of our Curvy Community in a fun and enjoyable environment.
AC: If you have to describe Loving Your curves in three words, which would you use?
KEMI: All about Curves
AC: Who inspires you the most in the fashion industry?
KEMI: The designers that inspire me are Vivienne Westwood, Christian Lacroix and Elie Saab. I love dramatic romance in design and inspire to bring that into my bridal wear.
AC: Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
KEMI: I am inspired by Life, Love and Travel. I love to incorporate colours and cultures into my designs.
AC: What would be your advice to anyone who wants to go into fashion designing?
KEMI: Follow your passion, be realistic and have fun. It is also important to pick where you showcase your brand and keep on top of your costs.
ALSO SEE: 55 Ankara African Print Styles For Plus Size Women 2016.
Please Complete The Sentences Below,
What I love most about Twitter is … the instant connection with people.
When I am bored, I … love to play dominoes or pool with my husband.
I see cooking as … an enjoyable experience sometimes. I like trying new things when I have the time.
The thing I love most about myself is … how I have come into my own in my 30’s. This by far has been the best years of my life as I have grown in confidence and self-awareness.
For me, friendship means … loyalty and support.
I am always happy when I … travel; I love the sun, sand and sea.
The one thing I cannot leave my house without is my … mobile phone; it is a personal and business essential.
The one thing I love most about my culture is … our community. Nigerians have a great sense of family and community.
My dream holiday destination is … Necker Island. A private Island with my closest and dearest would be perfect.
When I want to relax, I … play board games or pool with my husband.
ALSO SEE: The Most Beautiful People Have Curves And The Male Attention Is Much Better – Fritha Lambert.
To know more about the Loving Your Curves Event, visit here. To register for the event, visit here. Follow Loving Your Curves on Twitter: @LYCurves Like Loving Your Curves on FaceBook
