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Meet Evans Akere , The Man Behind – Vanskere

@tribeandelan@tribeandelanno commentafrican mensweatevans akereluxurymenswearTRIBE AND ELANvanskere
Evans Akerer
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Evans Akere is one name that is not quite as popular as his Luxury menswear brand – Vanskere . A brand name that has traveled the shores of Nigeria and flown the flag of creativity ever so proudly .  His designs and signature style has had a transformational impact on menswear fashion not just in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole . With years on his sleeves and a strong presence ( quite intimidating ) in the Nigerian fashion industry  , the multiple award winning Law trained designer has been able to create a design aesthetic which fits perfectly and  syncs African  traditions with western standards yet defined by international style with his instinctive use of colour, cut and fabric thus presenting the best of Afropolitan wears with a high  taste for modernity.

In this interview with Tribe and Elan , we get to know the man-  Mr Evans Akrere ,the man behind the brand beyond his profession as a designer .

T & E .Where do you find the inspiration for your pieces?
EVANS – My inspiration comes from God. I also get inspiration from nature, fashion trends and things that I see around me.
T & E. Can you remember one of the first outfits you made? What makes it memorable?
EVANS- Of course, I can never forget, It was a black trad (buba & sokoto) with an exquisite hand made embroidery. What makes it memorable was that I made it for my elder brother, so inadvertently he became my first client.
T & E. What are the challenges you face in your business?
EVANS-The challenges I face in my business are bascially the same things every entrepreneur in Nigeria face. Which are lack of steady power supply, lack of basic infrastructures, lack of skilled workers and lack of funds for expansion.
T & E. Do you have any regrets venturing into this line of business?
EVANS-I have no regrets. I’m happy and fulfilled. I enjoy what I do, not everybody can say that. Fulfilment isn’t about money, it’s about joy, peace and contentment.  I look forward going to work everyday, simply because I enjoy what I do
T & E. To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work.
EVANS-Sincerely, I don’t think I draw enough of my African heritage for my work. Vanskere is an Urban African Contemporary Brand, therefore the brand designs and aesthetic should represent our African culture and heritage. So far we haven’t done badly, neither have we done enough, so I’ll say we’re still a work in progress
T & E. What is your most popular Collection?
EVANS-My most popular Collection right now is the Afropolitan 3piece collection. It became popular because we invented it. It’s a three piece set that consists of two tops and a single pant, which can be wore interchangeably. It’s cost effective because our clients don’t have to buy an additional pant, they can wear the two tops at different times with the same pant, giving them two different looks.
T & E. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
EVANS-I don’t think there is any? I believe over the years I have disclose almost everything about me in my various interviews. Although I’m still surprised when people ask me if i’m married? So I guess it would be that I’ve been married for fifteen years with three children
T & E. What profession would you be in if you weren’t in the fashion industry?
EVANS-I believe I would have still been in the creative industry. I would have probably been an architect or an interior designer
T & E. If you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own business, what would it be?
EVANS– My one and only advice would be ‘Do what you enjoy most and while you’re on it, develop your skills.’

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