As far as Ejiro Amos Tafiri is concerned, fashion is a creative tool for expression. The delectable fashion designer is the originator of the Ejiro Amos Tafiri (E.A.T) brand, which was established to meet the fashion needs of a modern woman.
“I see a lot of people wearing different clothes, patterns and styles; that for me means they are trying to express themselves and personality through what they are wearing. Although they must be conscious that what should be worn depends on mood and occasion,” she says.
The proud mother of one reveals that her love for fashion started at a tender age of three through the influence of her grandmother, who was then her tailor. Then, she was expected by her parents to study medicine, but she opted for clothing and design at the Yaba College of Technology.
One day, we went on an excursion to YABATECH and I was thrilled with what I saw. I saw that fashion was part of science, a bit of technical drawing and creativity, too. It was everything I loved to do in one. Since the YABATECH trip, I could no longer think of any other thing, but fashion designing
Tafiri recalls, “One day, we went on an excursion to YABATECH and I was thrilled with what I saw. I saw that fashion was part of science, a bit of technical drawing and creativity, too. It was everything I loved to do in one. Since the YABATECH trip, I could no longer think of any other thing, but fashion designing. However, I found it difficult to tell my parents and friends about my new-found passion.
“My parents knew I was quite creative, but they didn’t understand why I wanted to be a designer. I told them the right thing for me was to do what I wanted to do. It was difficult to convince them, but things became better gradually.”
As a designer, she likes her clothes to move in a certain way, describing herself as cosmopolitan.
Tafiri started her brand in 2010. In the year 2015, E.A.T brand called “The Madame,” a collection of her masterpiece, was showcased at the Native & Vogue Port Harcourt Fashion Week, Dakar Fashion Week and Kenya Fashion Week, respectively.
Speaking about her designs, she says, “I like to tell African stories in international ways with my designs. I see regular things and use them in a way people will appreciate. You will see a lot of things in my store that are delicate.
When we make dresses, we think
about the comfort and climate, because we don’t want things that make people to sweat at all times.”
