NAOMI NDUBUEZE
Lovers of exclusive statement fashion pieces are in for a great treat with the opening of House of GYMT on Sunday in Lekki Phase one, Lagos, Nigeria.
Owned by top model and fashion entrepreneur, Princess Kelechi Romeo Oghene, the fashion house offers stylish dresses made from African prints, chiffon and other exquisite fabrics.
Oghene says the new store is inspired by high-end fashion companies and their sense of style matched with creativity. According to her, the fashion house is a multi-purpose fashion and beauty complex, House of GYMT.
The new outfit located in the upper-class Lekki, Lagos houses the couture, academy, salon, bespoke tailoring, garment, interior, events and modelling services, and it was unveiled on Sunday 18 December with a lavish bash.
Oghene, a brand ambassador for Orange Drugs for almost a decade, says her dream began some years ago at GM Events Modelling, a platform which offered models a chance to achieve their dreams. The modelling agency has grown into a one-stop fashion store where bespoke fashion products are made for lovers of high end fabrics and dresses.
Interesting designs at the store
Her brand has finally come full circle as a result of her love for vintage prints, African fabrics, cultural diversity and heritage incorporating them into world class design made from simplicity. She says what stands out her brand is the use of vintage fabrics to make her pieces.
“I like vintage fabric and I like to make them look different from the normal vintage fabric which is the Ankara. We use Hollandis which are mom use back then like the horse, ABC, the butterfly etc. which people know us for but if you give GYMT your Ankara, you won’t see it as the normal Ankara because of our finishing.
“If you are holding an outfit we make here, you will know it is from House of GYMT. I just feel our parents did not appreciate the Hollandis, they just did two wrapper and blouse but this is the modern age. I don’t like wrapper but I feel we could do more with vintage promoting even African culture. So, if you see my finishing, you will know cause it’s not the regular one. My finishing makes me stand out from others.”
A combination of beauty and brain, Princess Romeo is a graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the Lagos State University.
She has always been a visionary individual and has always found a way to give back to the society by paving the way for aspiring fashion designers which prompted her to launch an academy called GYMT Skill Acquisition Academy.
The academy is a well-equipped fashion school with modern equipment and teaching aids to assist students to have a better understanding and insight into the fashion world.
She plans to build the capacity of 1,000 youth and women by 2017.
The event was well attended with captains of industry, entrepreneurs, top models, notable entertainers and top media personalities. The exquisite Eboni Band was on hand to serenade the guests.
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