• Who is Funfere Koroye? (background, educational history, transition between growing up and becoming a designer)

I am man of many faces, so i have been told. Grew up in Nigeria, still live there and so do my parents. I am the first child with three sisters behind me. I was surrounded by a very straight forward way of life; a lot of church, mindless politics and boarding school. To say the least, i was bored with it and fascinated by the thing people didn’t notice. Being a designer wasn’t so clear from the start, it took up to my senior year to take on that path. My interest in Mechanical engineering and Fine art were definitely influencers in the decision for my current major.

• What was that significant turning point for you, when you realized Designing was the way to go?

I have always been an avid lover of the way things work, that is as art form in itself and i wanted to understand why. I drew what i thought about with vivid descriptions in my subconscious.

• How did you nurture your talent?

I was always drawing and tinkering with toys. Taking apart anything that ticked, moved and rang. In high school i took A.P. Art in hopes of beginning an artist of some sort.

• How did your “fusion kelvar” line come to be?

Fusion Kelvar is a Clothing and lifestyle brand created in September 2008. The name is supposed to represent strength and unity. The brand started off with a lot of logos, mostly related to royalty and pride.

There are many signs of his deep roots in Africa, most especially Nigeria, especially in the early stages and somewhat later phases of the label’s journey.

Drawing influences from all cultures, there is a print for everyone in the line. Starting off small with bandanas, bracelets and t shirts, I drew his fans in with photo shoots and writings on my blog

• You are also an industrial designer; in what ways did it prepare you for the fashion industry?

Industrial design is creating for a user, what better choice of career could lead to accessory design in fashion I asked myself. The meticulous thinking and research helped me to see passed trends and create unique pieces

• What is it about designing that you find fulfilling?

Design is somewhat boundless; you are stuck to a formula. I do what i want and how i want, creating awe in the eyes of others.

• Do you see yourself as a creative person or a businessman?

At this point in my life i would say business man, because i am using unconventional methods to advertise and create capital for the clothing line.

• You are still a student, how do you balance everyday life, studies and Designing

It is tough to say the least; my sleeping schedule is all messed up. Sometimes i make enemies by being caught up in my work and determination to create something of great influence and visual power.

• What qualities do you possess as a young entrepreneur?

I never take no as an answer, i will push till it hurts me or the person on the other end. Sitting around thinking is my first step but getting up and running head first is my second, no time to worry about danger.

• What is the most important thing to you when designing a line?

Pride and Royalty, by that i refer to where you are from and what you align yourself with. I also didn’t want to create and mirror of public trends.

• What edge does “fusion kevlar” has over every other brand?

I can’t say really, but i do try to have a personal connection with buyers and interested parties because the people who make you can break you.

Fusion kelvar has been focused on putting together an outfit, without need for brand names and tags. Minimalistic and unique pieces of clothing and accessories making up the best outfits also matter greatly to me.

• Industrial Design and Fashion designer, which do you prefer and why?

They are one and the same, no favourites. I will say this though, i get more love in fashion but that’s because industrial design doesn’t go with me everywhere i go hanging of my waist or jacket lapel.

• A fellow designer who has the most influence on your life?

Karim Rashid and Johnny cupcakes are two great examples. They are very opposite characters but believed in their work without a need for the corporation way of marketing and capitalistic agenda. If you don’t know these people, well keep buying and don’t bother finding out what goes into the products you us.

• What other projects are you working on? Any other projects you haven’t started but couldn’t pass up?

Currently trying to scout locations for an actual store and working on a full line of clothing, a wearable head to toe look book will be coming soon to get buyers to order.

I will definitely not pass up a more career changing collaboration with the likes of already established individuals who speak to my taste of good morale.

• Your take on style?

Next question please. I get asked this so much, I am tired of telling people this but dress how you want, looking at others is what littering the streets with ghastly inhumane looking specimens.

• Three facts about  Funfere that people don’t know?

I don’t drink

I don’t smoke

I don’t eat pork

• Who is that one person that has the most influence in your life? And why?

My father. He came up from a very life deferring start and has put himself in a position many will try to kill for (trust me they have)

• What are your designing aspirations?

I plan to become a household name, a significant member of my generation.

On a side note I don’t ever want to get too caught up in life to respond to questions from anyone and everyone.

Thank you

Please refer to www.funferekoroye.com and www.funferekoroye.blogspot.com . More images on also on his facebook profile and group for the line.