1.Please can you introduce yourself, your work and share a little about your background?
My name is Omolara Cole Chiori I was Born May 1, 1987, A Nigerian businesswoman and the CEO/Founder of ElanRed Store (A Unisex departmental Store and Amarelis Atelier (A fashion designing brand).
I attended the University of Lagos, where I bagged a BSC in Biology Education; and later proceeded to study Fashion & Merchandising at the FIT (Fashion Institute), New York in a bid to pursue my passion in fashion.
After my Studies, I moved back to Nigeria, set up my brands and has since then launched Fabulous pieces, Hosted Pop up Sales, worked with the Crème de la crème in the industry and created a market for local designers to sell & advertise their products.
I am happily married to Peter Cole Chiori & blessed with Three children.
Amarelis is a fashion brand which I initiated in the year 2012 while Elanred was initiated in the year 2014. Amarelis design is an indigenous lifestyle brand which was launched in 2012. It embodies my personal style and sensibility. Its collections are known for colour, print & eclectic details, which includes ready to wear, couture, shoes, handbags, accessories, beauty & home.
2. Does your Brand name, Amarelis, has a meaning?
Yes it has a meaning. Amarelis was derived from Amaryllis and Atelier means studio.
You know how Flowers are precious goods surrounded by exciting stories and are praised for their symbolic meaning for centuries?
So are most of my collections: each collection are surrounded by exciting stories in a studio where my collections can be displayed. This was what inspired the name Amarelis Atelier
3. Please tell us about your latest collection.
“SHE BORN” is a collection featuring elusive details and vibrant colours which is a pristine blend of this present time femininity and urban allure. it’s basically a mix of elegance and functionality.This was inspired by each facets of a woman’s life, there were times when a woman would just pull looks together to look lady-like meanwhile, there are times she would want to look classy and stylish. “SHE BORN “is about giving women a perfect blend of class, simplicity and elegance.
4. Do you strictly use fabrics from Nigeria or source elsewhere?
Hmm I won’t say I use fabrics strictly from Nigeria, but rather I would say I often use fabrics from Nigeria, and few times I source from elsewhere, it all depends on the story am trying to create as a stylist.
5. Amarelis is stylish & elegant clothing, as well as being eco-friendly and socially responsible. How do you do it?
I would just say I do me; that makes it easier to keep up. Also, I try not to get distracted.
6. What would you say to someone looking to start a sustainable Brand?
It’s not going to be easy at first so many things would come up but hey, don’t stop being you, in other words, don’t stop being you, continue doing what you love and surely your passion would take you far.
Its basically time management. When I am at my studio I forcus on my designs and all I have to do making sure I use up all the time I allocated for work effectively and while at home try not miss business with family , this is very important in achieving productivity .
8.What are your personal values?
Consistence
Since people pay attention to my brands, credibility is critical, and I have a lot to live up to. Therefore, this core value reminds me to integrate humor, the Awesome Experience, and all my other lessons into my life and work, every single day.
Creativity
I do remind myself that I need to take that extra step to make my collections compelling so I can intrigue and connect with my audience.
Impact
Like most entrepreneurs, I see potential everywhere. This value reminds me to disregard when my brain is saying: "I can do that!" and instead ask the question: "Should I do that.”
Some of my personal traits like passion, integrity, and energy don't qualify in my mind as core values because I follow these instinctively without consideration. They are unnecessary in my decision-making process.
8. Some international brands are being called out for cultural appropriation. What is your opinion regarding this topic?
This is a sensitive topic I really don’t like the word cultural appropriation because different tribes and races influence me as a designer so I would rather say they are drawn to our rich African culture and they use this inspiration in their works.
9. How would you define your Fashion Workshop?
My fashion workshop is more like a space where every detailed processing starting from the sketches, through the choice of the suitable fabric and the modeling stage, to the proper sewing of the piece is done.
Get in touch with Omorola
Website: https://amarelis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmarelisAtelier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amarelisatelier
Vanity Afro, 13/09/2019
Be happy, do the best you can, be good and kind. X
