Filed under: Interviews
When the word "luxury" is mentioned, brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent often come to mind. These European labels have been the precedent for years. But African designer Alexander Amosu is setting a new standard with his collection of luxury goods that range from gold iPhones to his bespoke suits and shirts.
BV on Style sat with the designer minutes after his runway show during ARISE Magazine Fashion Week to talk fashion, working with Alicia Keys and African style.
BLACK VOICES: Your long list of accomplishments is inspiring and intimidating all at the same time, especially for someone your age - congratulations!
ALEXANDER AMOSU: (Laughs)Thank you very much!
BV: As far as your array into fashion, what inspired that? Why did you decide to make it your next project after everything you've already done?
AA: Well, really, it was about trying to create something different, something that was going to challenge me a little bit more, something that will have longevity in the fashion industry - but not just the fashion industry. It was about creating a luxury brand that can compete on the same level as Louis Vuitton and Versace. That's what my goal is, and I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge.
BV: Your client is obviously someone who enjoys high-end goods, but that's not what you're all about. You're also involved in a lot of charities. You designed the Key of Life charm, and Keep a Child Alive is the organization benefiting from the sale of them. How did you get involved with them?
AA: Charity has always been a passion of mine. Any way I can contribute to help raise money makes me feel good, and one of the key things I spoke to Alicia Keys about when we discussed me making the key was my need to design something people would be able to buy and, at the same time, be able to help people.
That was very important to me when creating the key. Alicia bought number one and Queen Latifah bought number two. And all the money from the sales goes toward saving lives. It's always a great feeling when you help people out.
AA: Absolutely.
BV: Are there any specific charities you plan on working with next?
AA: Any charity I can help out that's in line with what my vision is for philanthropy, I'd love to help out.
BV: What can you tell us about the AA Trust?
AA: The AA Trust is something I've been putting together for a while now. Our goal is to encourage and help entrepreneurs in Africa who don't have funding to start their businesses and enable them to grow. There are a lot of entrepreneurial individuals in Africa, and in general, that just don't have that basic capital needed, so we hope to fill that gap.
BV: You're targeting people between the ages of 16 and 27 to help them start their businesses. Aren't you starting a mentor service?
AA: I am, yes. I hope by the end of the year to have that up and running and build that up.
BV: Great! Now - going back to fashion, you're a fantastic designer and dresser. You have great style!
AA: Thank you (laughs)!
AA: I think African designers are ready to show the world that we're a force to be reckoned with on a global scale. We've been growing the brand for a long time. For me, my message out there for anyone who's trying to make their dream a reality is to understand that there are always going to be obstacles. It's a fact of life; deal with it.
If you already know you're going to hit a brick wall on the way and you're already prepared for it, you know you're going to walk around it, climb over it, dig your way underneath it or break it down, but you're going to get through. At least you have to try and make the effort.
BV: That's a great motto for life!
AA: Thank you!
To learn more about Alexander Amosu's work, check out his website www.alexanderamosu.co.uk
What do you think of Amosu's collection? Tell us!