Trendy Fashion Spotlight: Washington Roberts

We are so excited to profile Nigerian-born designer Washington Roberts who has been making quite a splash in the fashion world as of late. Judging by his recent collection it’s not hard to decipher why he is becoming trailblazer in an industry that is continuously evolving at rapid speed.

Washington Roberts convincingly demonstrates the significance of making a woman on the go look her best no matter the circumstances of her fast paced life. He has mastered the art of producing vibrant versatile pieces and stunningly structured gowns that are seamlessly functional with that added element of edginess and quiet sensuality.

We caught up with this emerging talent and convinced him to divulge the secret formula behind his growing success.

MTB: Can you describe how your unique background helped shape your brand to be as accessible as it is today?

WS: I believe having grandmother who was an impeccable seamstress with ridiculous attention to detail, steady hand and highly coveted seamstress skills has definitely helped shaped into the designer that I am today. Working for different brands has definitely helped, because I went from interning at showrooms to learn how to speak to buyers also see what they respond to. Worked as an Assistant stylist to Kithe Brewster, interned at William Rast, Paris 68, J.Lindergberg, then I worked as a denim designer for American Rag for like 3years, which was sold in all Macys, and shall I say it was the most profitable brand Macy had. After I left American Rag I worked at Tory Burch, Adrienne Vittadini, and Victoria’s Secret. Working at all these companies have certainly shaped me into the designer that I am today. Learn what to do and what not to do. It’s not how fast or quick we get to our destination, but it’s the experience we acquire along the way in the journey that matter the most.

MTB: Designers aim to develop a signature look that distinguishes them from the rest of the tribe. What would you say your trademark imprints are?

WS: Certainly, I think for me one will be my signature WR Blue that I use for my lining. There are some design elements that tend to reoccur in my collections, like the sleeve detail and I love to play with lines. I think overall it more so the aesthetics of the brand that set you apart.

MTB: The fashion industry is quite chaotic and competitive. What are some of the challenges you have encountered as relatively new designers on the scene?

WS: I will have to say establishing distribution channels with retailers and storeowners, but every challenges and obstacles are meant to be overcome.

MTB: Apart from your obvious African heritage, where else do you draw inspiration for your designs? And how would you describe the process of interpretation?

 WS: I don’t really have a specific way that I used to draw inspiration. Anything can inspire me, from nature to movies, magazine tear sheets. I do a lot of people watch, to see what everyday woman wears. For the most part it all about what I’m in the mood for and what my eyes are ready for.

MTB: How do you feel about the keen global interest in African fashion and where do you think Washington Roberts fits in this expanding portfolio?

WS: I think the global interest in African fashion is great for the growth of the continent’s fashion industry. The fact that African designers are re-defining styles that are coming out of the continent as also helped defy stereotypes of how Africans dress. As for where do I fit into the forever-expanding portfolio is a question I don’t really think about.

I try to do the best I can while growing as a designer and I keep my Nigerian flag flying high, so where ever that puts me in the expanding portfolio I’m fine with it.

MTB: What is the ideal forecast for Washington Roberts in terms of expansion and creativity?

WS: Well the ideal forecast for the brand will be to be available in all the major city exclusive boutiques around the world and Barneys New York. There have been demands for menswear collection; I will be adding that in the near future. I believe in building the brand brick by brick and lay a solid foundation first with a loyal follower then you can expand into different avenues.

For more information visit: www.washingtonroberts.com