Samantha Cole won the award for Best Woman’s Wear Designer (Spring/Summer 09) at the Mecca of global fashion, New York Fashion Week, in 2008. This year, when she took part in the inaugural Arise African Fashion Week in Joburg, she teared up.
“I cannot put it into words” said Cole after her show in Johannesburg received a standing ovation. “Before I went on I literally had tears in my eyes (I was in the toilets)” said Samantha. “For me it’s more than just being part of this event. For me, it’s saying; I am a Nigerian, I am an African and I am proud to be here”.
Samantha Cole, best known for her outspoken opinions, translates these into her unique garments. “It’s about having something to say and it’s so important as a designer to have an opinion in your clothes. Don’t do something just because it’s popular, because everyone else is doing it, or because it’s in trend. Do it because you’ve got something to say. What purpose does it serve, what do you want to say? Is there something interesting in what you are doing? If not, then don’t bother.”
In fact whilst swimming against the tide, Samantha Cole’s brand is known for drawing inspiration from modern day culture and lifestyle as well as direction from the classics of the past.
For her latest collection Samantha Cole looked to Edwardian influences as a remedy for the explosion of “flower power” that has taken over fashion.
Check out her collection and interview in our video below…
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