What inspired you to become a designer of
men’s wear?
ROD: People expect you to be responsible
after school by getting a job which is hard to
come by though. I had an interest in fashion
but I wasn’t certain whether to settle for a
regular job or venture into my own business.
Well, I thought to myself if I want to start my
own clothing line I will need start-up capital
which I don’t readily have. I applied for a job
at the Kotoka International Airport to acquire
some managerial skills and earn some money.
While I was there my wife and I started the
Legend Bespoke brand. I had no office then
but I did have some few Nigerian customers I
supplied to on their demand. My mates from
school, friends and families also in a way
supported by buying from me. My wife and I
later acquired an office at Labone in 2017.
Did you make everything from scratch as a
starter?
ROD: No. I didn’t have the capacity to set up a
factory to sew the suits so I sourced them from
already existing well-known brands; more
like a retail business. Anytime I had my three
or four off-days from work, I traveled to Italy
or Turkey to buy from my dealers. But as time
went by I felt the urge to partner companies
who could produce my own designs being it
suits, shirts and shoes which will meet the
demands of both Ghanaians and Nigerians.
Well I couldn’t possibly meet them in Ghana
so I started attending trade shows in Italy and
Spain who are well known worldwide for
their success in the fashion industry. My effort
paid off. I got some designers who bought into
my ideas. I do the designing for the suits, shirts
and shoes; choose the fabric I want then they
produce them in their factories.
How did you compete against other brands
after coming out with your own line?
39 | Colossium . September 2019