Ezinwa Oghenenyore is not just a fashion designer, she’s a force of creativity, exclusivity, and passion in the Nigerian fashion industry.
As the founder and creative director of Eccentric Nyore, she has carved a niche for herself with her distinctive designs, particularly in Akwa Ocha fabric.
From crafting beaded accessories as a teenager to building a brand that attracts clients from across Nigeria and beyond, her journey is one of dedication, innovation, and staying true to originality.
In this interview, she shares her story, challenges, and vision for the future of Nigerian fashion.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Ezinwa Oghenenyore. I am the founder and creative director of Eccentric Nyore. I’m from Eku in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State.
How long have you been in the fashion industry business?
I would say at least eight years, since 2018. Fashion has always been a part of me. I was always drawn to creativity, beading, sketching, and crafting with my hands but the idea to make it into a career came to me after my JSS3 exams.
In 2015, I got into the University of Benin to study International Studies and Diplomacy and eventually trained in fashion design with Lady B International in Asaba for about a year (particularly during school breaks).
I later saved up ₦20,000 to afford my first manual sewing machine. After getting the machine, I started practising in my room off campus.
In 2018, I officially entered the industry. That was when I also opened my Instagram account and started engaging with social media. I also attended a couple of fashion runways.
How has it been since then?
When I first started this work, many of the things that are trending now were not popular. However, I have been able to evolve and learn. I’ve also welcomed criticism, which has allowed me to develop.
I truly entered the limelight in 2022 after I graduated from university and started practising at my father’s house.
What made me stand out during that period was that I understood what women wanted. I wanted my work to be different and unique, which inspired the name “Eccentric.”
I’ve been able to establish my niche, especially in Akwa Ocha fabric, because of my origin. We’ve had numerous clients fly in from Lagos and even from outside the country to fit their dresses with us. In turn, we’ve shipped a lot of clothing out from Asaba to different places.
Initially, we made dresses for birthday occasions and wedding guests. However, when we fully embraced the bridal market, we began to understand the emotions of the bride and the theme of the event. When a bride looks back ten years from now, I want her to remember how beautiful she felt on her big day.
You seem to place a strong emphasis on originality in your designs. While stylist copying has long been a trend, there have recently been instances where stylists have faced litigation for imitation. Have you ever encountered situations where others have copied your styles?
Yes, many people have taken inspiration from my designs, some even recreated them exactly. But I don’t believe in strict copyright enforcement. Fashion is a vast space, and we all draw inspiration from different places.
I’m not a fan of copy-and-paste designs, but recreating a piece still requires skill. That said, I prefer originality. No designer can claim they’ve never been inspired by another. I might see a dress and think, “I can take one or two elements from this.”
When clients want exact replicas, I guide them toward something unique that suits them better. Inspiration comes from anywhere, nature, architecture, even everyday objects. Fashion evolves fast, and relying solely on copying won’t keep you in the game for long.
What are some of the challenges in the fashion industry, particularly in Nigeria and specifically in Asaba, Delta State?
There are many challenges. For one, the lack of power supply is a longstanding problem, not just for me but for other entrepreneurs as well. It significantly affects fashion designers because we need constant electricity for around 12 to 13 hours a day. We operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during that time, we require constant light.
Another challenge is the limited availability of resources. We often have to import the actual fabrics we need, as Nigeria, and particularly Asaba, does not provide the type of fabrics required for the standard I aim to set. This process can be time-consuming.
Have you considered leaving the state or the country to access these resources?
Yes, I have thought about relocating to Lagos because most of my client base is there. Many of the people who reach out to us are usually in Lagos, and while some clients still come to us regardless of our location, we do have potential clients who decline simply because we’re not in Lagos and don’t want to incur the cost of flying in for fittings.
However, I wouldn’t leave the country. I believe that even designers abroad recognise the quality of Nigerian fashion. People from the US, UK, and France come to Nigeria to have their dresses custom-made because Nigerian designers are highly skilled.
There is often a stereotype that fashion designers are unreliable when it comes to delivering on agreed projects and timelines. What do you think contributes to this perception?
I wouldn’t say that the “what I ordered versus what I got” narratives are entirely false. Clients need to know where to invest their money to receive value. If a designer’s price is significantly lower than what is realistic, or if their social media presence does not reflect their ability to complete the job, then it’s essential to reassess the situation.
Additionally, if a client’s budget does not align with a designer’s prices, they may need to adjust their expectations. As designers, we must be transparent with clients about what we can and cannot deliver.
In the process of making a dress, which part do you find most enjoyable, and which do you find the toughest?
I don’t usually enjoy the actual dress-making process, particularly the sewing. Sometimes you reach a crossroads, unsure which colour of bead will look good on the dress. What I enjoy the most is seeing the result, the joy on my clients’ faces when they wear the dress, and when it goes viral on social media. It reminds me why I do this.
There’s a common saying that “fashion is pain” with modern dresses containing elements that inhibit breathing, and movement. Do you think fashion should be relative to pain?
Yes, it’s related. Fashion has evolved, and we now incorporate elements like beads, wires, and sequins into dresses, beautiful, but not always the most comfortable.
Take corset dresses, for example. They need to be fitted just right to create the perfect silhouette. You can’t wear something that structured and expect to move around freely. Even celebrities have people on standby to keep their outfits in place.
At the end of the day, fashion isn’t magic, it’s handmade. Some clients want a corset dress but dislike back folds. Well, it’s not liposuction; the flesh has to go somewhere. Couture fashion comes with a bit of discomfort, but that’s part of achieving the desired look.
What has been the most fascinating project you’ve undertaken?
My Olowo Aso Oke project last July was a bold step. I wanted to prove that being from Delta didn’t limit my ability to create with Aso Oke. It was my first time working with the fabric, and I embraced the challenge, of learning, experimenting, and bringing my vision to life.
The project was huge. I flew in a team from Lagos, collaborated with vendors, and worked with about seven models. It was a vibrant, exciting, and educational experience.
What are your goals for your fashion career?
I have always wanted to be a well-known celebrity fashion designer, making dresses for celebrities. I aim to establish a strong international presence and attend fashion-related conferences focused on women.
Have you made dresses for any celebrities?
Yes, I made a dress for Chomzy from Big Brother Naija, Season 7, but I haven’t worked with any other celebrities that come to mind.
Where do you see the Nigerian fashion industry heading?
I believe everything I envision for the Nigerian fashion industry is already coming to life. However, I want more international celebrities to recognise our work and collaborate with us.
Who are your role models in the fashion industry?
Some of my role models include fashion designer and founder of Tubo, Sandrah Tubobereni, Couture by Tabik, House of Mavee. I also admire Veekee James.
Do you plan to expand into ready-to-wear clothing?
Not at the moment. I primarily focus on custom dresses. However, I’m waiting until I have a larger workforce to properly diversify into ready-to-wear.
Lastly, what advice would you give to upcoming fashion designers?
Know your worth and charge accordingly. It’s essential to communicate the value you offer to your clients. You must be captivating in your storytelling about your designs.
Be consistent; don’t expect immediate results after just a few months. It can take years for your efforts to bear fruit.
Finally, remain open-minded and innovative. Don’t limit yourself; see creativity for what it truly is. There is no finish line in this industry; you must continually strive for improvement and growth.
