T&E: You’ve been a women’s wear designer for over 20 years, what has been your staying power? Alero: 20 years is actually not a joke. I would like to thank God for sustaining the business through everything, especially in this industry. I believe what has kept us going is our “cut”. The
Hallero cut is quite different. and that style and method i would say has actually set our brand apart and kept us going . You can ask any of our old and new customers .
T&E: How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out? Alero: When we started, we were very few in the fashion business but as we speak every other person seems to be in fashion -directly or indirectly . Also of course , we have social media , which aids in the visibility of these brands . Apart from having more people in fashion right now, there’s really still no difference. Fashion is still not where I would have expected it to be in the sense that in Nigerian fashion,- we are not united . We do not have a strong voice . I believe that we should be together, having seasons and bringing out collections each season. Fashion has grown larger and we accept that but the unity is still not there.
T&E: There seems to be some measure of pressure for designers to come out with their collection season after season. How do you handle this? Alero: Producing a new collection, trying to get out a look-book… Sometimes it can be a tad overwhelming but we have the capacity so we do not get pressured . It has to do with engaging each department responsible for what needs to be done at the time .
T&E: Would you say your background reflects in your work as a designer? Alero: My background definitely reflects in my work as a designer. I believe our values and beliefs aside from what inspires the collection – are all elements woven into the fabric of each piece .
T&E: How would you describe your personal style ? Alero: I am a very simple person, anybody that knows me knows this and that is why sometimes it reflects in my designs. Simplicity with style has always been my logo. I’m a simple person and I like decent things, I like nice simple things with a huge dose of classy appeal . I love details and I’m simple, I don’t do anything dramatic