Fashions Finest kicks off tomorrow and we chat to Jessica Odi, fashion designer, and founder of The Mena Odi Collections on her creative background, new collection, and insight into the fashion industry.
The Mena Odi Collections is a womenswear brand established by London born designer Jessica Odoi in 2016. Jessica has studied in London and Paris. She successfully graduated from Kent Institute of Art and Design and her graduate collection featured in Graduate Fashion Week in London.
The Mena Odoi Collections is a new label that believes in providing a ‘feel good, look good’ style to all women. The designs are stylish, sophisticated and sensual. The choice of colour and fabric determines and dictates the direction of the Mena Odi Collection. It is an integral part of Jessica’s design process and contributes to her inspiration. The collection enjoys being playful with colour and texture but maintains its signature look, the classic silhouette.
‘Here I am’ is the theme for the first womenswear collection by The Mena Odi brand.
Tell us your three standout traits?
My creativity, determination, and passion are what makes me standout most.
How do you think is the fashion industry evolving?
The fashion industry is evolving much quicker due to social media. It’s not only fashion-conscious adults that are following trends but also young adults and I mean very young people are now very engaged with fashion.
What are the biggest challenges in your career?
The biggest challenges are staying motivated and keeping up with this fast and ever-changing industry.
What can we expect from you/your brand throughout the rest of 2017?
I am already working on a new collection inspired by my passion for dancing. So expect to see more colour, more intricate designs and more emphasis on the female form.
Describe where your inspiration comes from?
My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. I consider myself to be an artist, therefore, I can visualise an idea from the most random of things. However, as I mentioned earlier, I love to dance so my next collection takes its inspiration from my passion for the art of movement in that sense. I also like plays and the theatre so who knows; my following collection could be based on a play or story.
How did you get into being a fashion designer?
This may sound corny but I have always wanted to be a fashion designer since a very young age. This dream came from designing a simple elasticated skirt that I made in Primary School.
What drives you?
What drives me is my desire to be successful in the industry that I am most passionate about which is fashion. My faith and belief allow me to keep focused on my ambition.
How has your personal life influenced your career?
My family is very supportive and motivational. I would say that aspect of my personal life has helped and inspired me rather than influenced me.
What was your greatest success in the past few years?
As I don’t have any greatest success yet to report on, I am hoping showcasing with Fashions Finest will be the start of something big for The Mena Odi Collections.
Do you have a muse you wish you could see wearing your designs?
I would love to see Beyonce Knowles in one of my outfits. I think she would be a good muse for my designs.
Do you have a story you are particularly fond of, from the early years of your career?
The story I am fond of is how I became interested in fashion in the first place. At school, we used to have a skill based choice afternoon. This particular half term I was learning how to sew. And as I mentioned earlier, I made an elasticated skirt. The Queen Mother was visiting Primary Schools in our area and our teachers decided that as we had made some garments, we should put on a fashion show for the Queen Mother. So not only did I make my own skirt, I wore it for the catwalk show for the Queen Mother.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to take The Mena Odi Collections to new heights. I plan to exhibit the collection in many different countries gaining inspiration from new discoveries.
