Today we’d like to introduce you to Ese Azenabor.
Esé Azénabor’s designs are inspired by the arts and her culture. They are daring, luxurious, extravagant, and shows her artistic side through her beading and attention to detail. As the saying goes, Nigeria born Canadian transplant Esé Azénabor got to Texas as fast as she could. Her arrival on the fashion scene, however, required a few additional detours. But we think you’ll agree her creations were well worth the wait.
Hailing from a family who considered fashion design more of a hobby than a career, young Esé had to sweep her creative urges under the rug. The Azénabor name was grounded in the fields of medicine, law, and engineering, and she, in turn, attended the University of Windsor in Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and majored in accounting. A move to Dallas followed, to pursue a Master’s Degree at Southern Methodist University, detoured to following her dreams and started designed handmade dresses for herself, friends and family.
In 2012, without any financial assistance, this self-taught designer traded predictable college life for the wild world of fashion with the launch of her self-titled ready-to-wear line. At her sewing machine, she conceptualized her fascination for heavy hand beading, crocheted lace, exquisite fabrics, and embroidery. Inspired by a combination of vintage, African, Egyptian, and contemporary European influences, she merged cultures to create her debut of her Haute-Couture and Ready-to-wear luxurious collection.
In 2015 this Nigeria born designer debuted her 2015 Fall/Winter collection inspired by Henry VIII as well as her Spring/Summer 2016 Collection with the theme of The Garden of Eden during New York’s Fashion Week and proved herself to definitely be one to watch in seasons to come. Esé has produced a total of 8 collections. Her latest collection also known as the Woman X Power Collection which also debuted her first bridal couture collection has been her most elaborate and celebrated collection so far.
Her goal is to empower women through the art of fashion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Fashion Design is not a very glamours industry. One NYFW we created 30 garments in 3 weeks I believe we only slept 3 hours per night during those 30 weeks. Then as a Nigerian National, I was expected to be a doctor, lawyer or at least engineer. I chose accounting as an industry which let me to SMU pursuing my MBA, I dropped out and followed my passion. Then financial struggles in the beginning.
It takes some time until a Fashion business becomes profitable. So I was hustling as a hairstylist in the beginning in order to be able to finance my passion. We use very high-end materials which come with a premium price tag. It was very hard to find a good team I can trust then you also lose friends along the road of success.
Please tell us about Ese Azenabor.
We create custom Couture and Bridal. We are known for our one of a kind intricate beadwork, custom fabrics and embroidery done in-house. We are also known for really understanding a woman’s body, designs, and materials that will flatter her shape. Our goal is to make women so confident and empowered through our garments that they almost seem intimidating.
Pricing:
- Custom Couture starts at $1,500
- Bridal Gowns start at $5,000
- Second dresses (Bridal) start at $2,000
Contact Info:
- Address: 100 Cole St, Dallas, TX 75207
- Website: eseazenabor.com
- Phone: 469-285-4811
- Email: info@eseazenabor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eseazenabor/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eseazenabor
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/eseazenaborbride/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Runway Tulsa
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