Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure Boss, Chioma Olivia Ezeamama, Speaks on her Inspiring Journey
Mary Nnah
From the early age of five, Chioma Ezeamama, a Fashion designer and Creative Director of Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure, already knew what she wanted to be in the future.
The desire, she confessed, was kindled in her mind by her nanny who was a professional tailor.
“I was often left in her care so I used to follow her to her tailoring shop after school hours and holidays.
“I started picking interest out of curiosity about how a long rectangular-shaped fabric could turn into a beautiful piece of art.
“I would pick pieces of these fabrics and try to imitate her and create beautiful outfits for my Doll”, she noted as he recalled what stirred her interest in fashion.
Consequently, after completing her primary education, while waiting for her result to be admitted into high school, she didn’t want to be idle so she learnt how to crochet from a security man’s wife.
“I quickly realised that it was more fun and the materials were easily accessible and affordable for me as it doesn’t require a machine or any other equipment I couldn’t afford at that stage of my life’, she added.
Then in 2015/16 after attending a fashion school and working briefly for other brands and cooperate companies, she decided to set up Chiviaxclusive_ Couture Fashion House and it has been in existence to date.
Based in Lagos but originally from Imo State, she studied History and Diplomatic Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Giving an insight into what Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure, represents, she noted that, “Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure, is a female fashion brand that has been in existence since 2015. Initially, I started with a crochet piece and in 2017 I incorporated female apparel mostly Couture and bridals.”
The fashion creative also spoke about the highlights of her fashion career.
“Highlights of my fashion career are numerous, the fact people get to wear my outfits and then refer me to their families and friends when being asked who made their outfit is exciting enough but my greatest highlight is seeing my works in diaspora and worn not just by Africans but also other races is fascinating. I have always wanted the brand to be known at home and abroad.”
Speaking further, she said, “I have been featured and tagged in various fashion blog websites, so it is something that leaves me speechless and grateful for the gift of talent.”
On her role model in the fashion industry, she said, “As the day goes by I tend to understand fashion is versatile, I watched Spice TV a lot and had numerous fashion role models some I don’t even know their names because I was quite young to take note but now my fashion role model is Leoalmodal.
“I always get fascinated by his masterpieces and always wondered if they went through a rigorous process to come out that perfect.
“I also love Lakkimy Fashion and Somobysomo. These are designers that do extremely so well that I see myself in them as their crafts interpret my likes.”
Speaking on her dreams, the Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure boss said, “There are no limitations to dreaming big and I always believe the Sky is so big for all the birds to fly.
“I see myself overtaking the present top fashion designer now as I believe in times and seasons.
“I aspire to go international someday and this has always been my Affirmations. Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure has been in existence for 7 years though it was birthed previous years before but more like a hobby. So, in five years I see Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure going international.
“With the way we ship abroad it seems as though my niche has been craved to accommodate my diaspora clients to make my outfits easily accessible around the globe”, she noted.
On giving back to society, Ezeamama stated that the company has produced free school uniforms for school pupils in Onitsha Anambra State.
“I’m proud to say that Chiviaxclusive_Coutoure has produced free school uniforms for pupils in Louisville Academy in the Eastern part of Nigeria (Onitsha) as it’s my place of birth”, she said.
