Credit
Elah Ajene
Reves exclusive: Oghosa Saria aspires; therefore, she is.
Creative director and designer behind Oghosa Saria discusses her unique ethos, inspiration, and the importance of daring to aspire
Both fashion and culture are undergoing a transformative shift with younger creators pushing the conversation forward with awe-inspiring audacity. In an exclusive interview with Rêves, Oghosa Victoria Ize-Iyamu, the creative behind fashion label Oghosa Saria (est. 2022), invites us into her vibrant universe — where she proudly embraces her Nigerian identity to create a tapestry of innovation and cultural expression.
The designer’s love affair with fashion began at an early age, nurtured by parents who instilled in her a profound appreciation for self-expression through style. From the streets of Lagos to the corridors of her high school in Benin City, fashion became her constant companion, a canvas upon which she could articulate her identity and aspirations.
“Fashion has always been that constant in my life. That has been something that I’ve always known that I just wanted to do,” she said.
For Oghosa, fashion is more than just garments; it is a medium through which she communicates her values and beliefs. With Oghosa Saria, she seeks to defy conventions and redefine the boundaries of creativity. From statement bags to bespoke clothing, each piece tells a story, a narrative woven from threads of tradition and innovation.
“I’m doing what I can to send a message to anyone that cares to listen or anyone that sees,” said Oghosa.
Her creative process often commences with a single spark of inspiration, often derived from unexpected sources. Whether it’s a person who ignites her imagination, a bustling city that evokes a sense of wonder, or even a mundane object that captivates her attention, she finds herself drawn to these fleeting moments of inspiration — finding that there’s something worth exploring further.
“There’s some things that I see that I just kind of latch onto,” she explained. “Whenever I just see something or I think about something that I want to share, that’s where it comes from. It’s like if I feel like this needs to be looked at a bit more, then that’s when I try and work on it.”
When she encounters such moments, Oghosa feels compelled to delve deeper, to unravel the threads of creativity and bring her vision to life. This innate urge to share and amplify these ideas propels her forward, driving her to refine and hone her craft until it resonates with the world around her.
Oghosa’s latest collection “ETIN” —an Edo word for strength— pays homage to the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian culture. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Benin City, she captures the essence of her homeland in every stitch, infusing her designs with the rich hues of coral beads and traditional rhythms.
Oghosa recounts her inspiration behind the collection. In 2023, when visiting Nigeria from Canada for her brother’s wedding, stepping off the plane in Lagos, she found herself immersed in the vibrant chaos of the city’s streets. She couldn’t help but notice the throngs of hawkers lining the roads, their colorful wares displayed with pride.
It was a sight she hadn’t seen in years, she explained. A reminder of the bustling energy that permeated Nigerian life.
Oghosa watched as the hawkers navigated the crowded streets with determination, their resilience a testament to the spirit of the Nigerian people. In that moment, she decided to capture the essence of Nigeria’s street culture through “Etin”.
In her previous collections, Oghosa embraces a consistent approach to her designs. Her ethos — You Aspire. Therefore, You Are — consistently reinforces this.
Her inaugural release, the “Lughian” bag, symbolized her commitment to crafting pieces that stood out from the crowd. Explaining the name’s significance, Oghosa elaborated, “Lughian” means unique or different.
“I just wanted to make something that was unique, something that was different. I feel like that’s kind of the first step of trying to create your own path,” she said.
Her summer 2023 collection introduced heat-reactive and color-changing materials, seamlessly integrated into the iconic Lughian bag, and the Ash set.
Collaborating with Nigerian multimedia visual artist Ayanfe Olarinde, the Oghosa Saria campaign featured Nigerian multihyphenate Ashley Okoli.
Oghosa describes Okoli as the quintessential “Saria girl,” epitomized by her uniqueness and fearlessness, embodying a spirit of authenticity that resonates deeply. Oghosa found working with the pair to be both inspiring and empowering, bringing a dynamic energy to the creative process.
Envisioning what’s next for the brand, Oghosa offers a sneak peek to Rêves into what lies ahead. She teases forthcoming projects that are bound to captivate audiences even more. The designer envisions further exploration of corals and coral beads, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Edo State.
In traditional fashion, coral beads hold a significant place, symbolizing status, beauty, and tradition. Oghosa believes that the world underestimates the potential of these adornments, overlooking their intrinsic value and cultural significance. Nonetheless, she aims to challenge this notion — infusing her designs with the timeless allure of coral beads. Through her creative ingenuity, Oghosa ultimately seeks to breathe new life into this age-old tradition, reimagining it in a way that reflects her personal style and artistic sensibilities, and pays homage to her roots while forging a path that is distinctly her own.
In Oghosa’s world, fashion is not just an art form; it is a celebration of identity, culture, and unbridled creativity. With Oghosa Saria as her canvas, she invites us to join her on a journey of exploration and self-discovery, where every stitch tells a story, and every design reflects the kaleidoscope of human experience.
