British born from the eastern part of Nigeria, Dorothy Tosy Ogwuru, is the brilliant designer behind the House of RG fame . A graduate from the University of Liverpool where she studied BSc Pharmacology , she has been practicing pharmacology for 12 years and yet is still very much in the game. Juggling fashion and pharmacy, Dorothy recounts how her parents wanted her to study a Science/medical-related course because they felt Art and creativity might not earn her a highly profitable job. Today Dorothy’s delicately hand -beaded, crisply cut and custom-crafted blazers are the rave of the moment .
Established in 2017, House of Regal Gold is a contemporary fashion house celebrating growth, elevation and status with each piece designed to make the wearer feel unique, strong and powerful. House of RG was created to put the spotlight on the wearer and their achievements during their journey hence defining their success story .
In this exclusive interview with Tribe & Elan , Dorothy takes us through her career transition and coming out at the top shining bright like her Luxury pieces of fashion art
T & E– Give us an insight on your transition from Pharmacology to Fashion designing
HOUSE OF RG – Well, I ran my own Consultancy for 12 years and counting providing medical writing services to top pharmaceuticals but was never satisfied with any achievements in the industry. I kept veering into and dabbling in fashion designs as a hobby which I did a lot off as a child but my parents encouraged me into the science/medical field as a more lucrative, respectful and professional career to follow. It was always an unspoken understanding that Art and Creativity would not get you a good job so at the time , I abandoned that love and focused on my studies.
T & E– Your brand designs are quite unique. What served as your inspiration?
HOUSE OF RG – I have come to realize as I have grown into adulthood and worked in the industry, I have a very british work ethic but a mix of Nigerian / British morals, values and an overall outlook on things. This trickles down to my designs and what I love. I adore the Nigerian traditional wear, rich fabrics and custom finishes especially intricate beading. Our style and traditional wear screams opulence, extravagance, wealth with its vibrant colours and heavy embellishment but I also love the more western style and my inspiration has been a blend of both Nigerian and Western worlds for me. My Achilles heel has always been bespoke, hand-finished craftsmanship and embellishment , with jewels, pearls, crystals, sequins and so on, the workmanship speaks for itself when seen and you can’t beat it nor duplicate it and that with a more western structured garment is my inspiration for my designs.
T & E– Does your brand only deal in the designs of blazers and bomber jackets or are there more?
HOUSE OF RG – I initially had in mind to only deal in blazers and bomber jackets as statement pieces for my audience but my SS21 collection I am currently working on has morphed into me creating eveningwear i.e. red carpet gowns and dresses added into the mix which has been a new turn and something exciting i delved into.
T & E– Through your brand, you create opportunities for undiscovered black talents and creatives. Would you refer to yourself as an advocate for black people?
HOUSE OF RG – Most definitely! Be it an unknown black model, black MUA, hairstylist or wardrobe stylist, if I see your potential I will work with you and most importantly pay for your services. The industry can be ruthless and take advantage of outstanding talent especially black talent and creatives but choose not to pay for their services on the basis they are ‘too insignificant’ or just ‘not known’ so it should be free, I find it distasteful and exploitative seeing as everyone’s time should be appreciated. Any and every opportunity I have to give a black creatives a chance to showcase their talent, gain exposure and create more opportunities for themselves, I take. I can’t stress enough how much talent black creatives have but don’t have the opportunity, tools or knowledge at hand.
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T & E– What is the most daunting task of your job?
HOUSE OF RG – Designing. Many believe it’s the easiest but for me I find it can be a tug and pull mental activity, in the sense that I do not have a fashion design background or degree, I do not follow fashion trends or forecasts most huge retailers and designers follow so I have found myself experiencing imposter syndrome. I can create a whole collection and choose not to release it based on convincing myself it is not good enough or worthy to be released.
I am learning to continue designing what i love with the hopes my audience will love it as much as I do.
T & E– Your designs are intricately designed crystals and beads embellished on black fabrics. Is there a reason you only make use of black fabrics?
HOUSE OF RG – My current AW20 collection I went with a monochrome black/white theme with the designs, in other upcoming collections a different theme colour will likely be showcased.
T & E– Who is your target clientele?
HOUSE OF RG – Typically, women or men with residual income they love to spend on luxury, bold, statement garments.
Usually entrepreneur’s with an eclectic, bespoke yet timeless look that desire exclusive, limited garments with glamour.
T & E– Looking at where you are now, can you say that indeed you have done well by your standards?
HOUSE OF RG – I still have a long way to go so can’t say I have done well yet, my journey has just begun and I am not naive to the bumpy road ahead but I’m excited for it and willing to embrace it all with the notion I will learn for the growth i want and require.
T & E– If you’re not caught designing, then what would you be caught doing?
HOUSE OF RG – I’m an introvert so usually if I’m not designing/working I am spending quality time with my family and 3 little girls or travelling the world.
