DEWAN APPAREL: Dare to be Unique!

DEWAN APPAREL is a new name to look out for in the world of design. Created by Nigerian-born, and of all things – Engineering student – Chidera Chime, DEWAN is about allowing individuals to remain unique in their personal style and tastes with a twist of Afro-centric flair. And this time, DEWAN does not leave the guys feeling left out.

Chidera was born in Lagos in the late 1980s where he grew up before moving to the United States at the age of 17. The young designer now resides in Whittier, CA. Maischna talks to him for some more insider details.

Engineering studies and fashion design? What inspired you to start designing your own clothes?

Yes, It might be mind-boggling to understand how a nerd like myself ended up going into the world of fashion. The truth is that I had always been interested in style but not so much the ever-changing trends. I am the type of guy who would buy a shirt online and dress it up to my liking and uniqueness because then I felt a little less like everyone else. I always found people who liked my style and so I decided to share it. I always want to be unique, to have something that nobody else on the planet has and I believe there are others out there who feel the same and so DEWAN was born.

What’s the favourite piece you’ve designed till now?

Hope it’s not cliché to say that everything I have created is my favourite. I am sort of competitive in that I challenge myself to do better than my last success story. DEWAN Apparel is about creating unique pieces for unique people. No two designs can be similar and if a design is ordered multiple times in the same colour, each one has to be different from the next. So before passing a design to production I ask myself two questions. One, “Does this rebel against the status quo?” and two, “Is this something I would wear and be proud of?” Once the answers are a resounding “Yes!” I move on to a new piece.

Who have you dressed since you became a big name in fashion?

A big name in fashion? You are too kind. Right now I am working with a hand-picked group of celebrities here in the States, in Europe, and in Africa. I will not be listing names because I’d rather have my clothes speak for themselves. Keep your eyes peeled because if the people in question like DEWAN, they’ll wear it and we’ll go from there.

Who is your target audience?

I’d have to say my target audience is anyone who is unique and brave enough to stand out. Anyone who wants to wear something no one else on the planet has. There is no age bracket, class, or demographic that can define that.

Are you a social network user? Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, etc

Yes, I am but not very good at it because I rarely have the time. Follow DEWAN on Facebook – DEWAN Apparel and on Twitter – @dewanapparel

Who is your role model?

Both my parents. They work very hard to see me and my brothers through school and have been extremely loving as they support my dream. Not a lot of people have that kind of patience and insight to encourage something without any proof of it flourishing. They are the reasons for my success thus far.

Have you taken part in fashion shows in the past?

Yes a few social media and community based fashion shows.

What kind of challenges are you facing in the fashion world?

I think my biggest challenge has been with the status quo in fashion. DEWAN Apparel is about highlighting personalized styles so the hard part is creating unique looks every time but that’s my favourite part.

How does wearing African-inspired fashion marry with the pressure to wear more well-known designer brands to red carpet events?

Well, that’s what I’m striving for. DEWAN is the new brand that will marry the two perfectly.

You spend too much time in the USA, do you feel less Nigerian?

Not even. It doesn’t matter what part of the world I’m in I still hear my “Nigerian heartbeat” which is my love for a beautiful nation filled with beautiful people. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to visit since moving to the States.