Colossium Magazine September Issue_2019 | Page 39

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