I’m happy to share with you all in “Designer Spotlight” fresh new upcoming labels that not only peak my interest, but I’m sure will peak yours also.  I think it’s important to support one another, as bloggers, designers, and models, in an industry that is ever changing and highly competitive in order to gain success.   With that said let me introduce you to Parfait.

I was recently introduced to Parfait an eclectic African line started by a passionate woman who by her family history in design, was destined to take the fashion industry by storm.

Esosa. C. Imasuen the designer, who breathed life to the label, let me in on her first official collection; what inspires her, who the typical parfait woman is, and what to expect from her upcoming projects.

When and why did you decide to start your line Parfait?

My Parfait line officially started this spring. It debuted at my University, University of Maryland, College Park’s African Student Association Spring Fashion Show. Prior to then, I had a couple of designs made in Fall 2008 to test their popularity, and most of them sold which encouraged me to make a full collection in Spring. I chose to start Parfait because there is a high demand for unique, daring, colorful and beautiful contemporary African print clothing, but a low supply. I also realized that designing was becoming more of a passion and less of a hobby, and I was defenseless against the attraction.

I always like to know more about designers on a personal level, it helps me understand a designers line all that much more by understanding where they come from and what they’re about. Is there anything about yourself that you’d like to share?

I was born in Houston, Texas to Nigerian parents, who then moved me to Nigeria when I was still very young. I spent the next 12 years of my life there, and then moved to London for over a year before coming back to America, where I now permanently reside. My mother is an interior designer and my grandmother went to a fashion institute and designed clothing for huge departmental stores. Therefore, it is safe to say fashion is in my veins, and I am not surprised that I am now into the fashion business as well.

Most people do not know that I do not attend a fashion institute and I am not a fashion major. I am actually a Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics major currently applying to get into Medical school in 2011.

Where do you draw your fashion inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from my diverse background. Having lived in both London and Nigeria, I tend to have an appreciation for both the European and African style. My fashion is a culmination of the two, mixed and sewn together with blends of who I am as a unique individual. Most of my designs portray a feminine yet strong woman.

How would you describe the typical “Parfait” Woman?

A Parfait woman is not any woman, she is one who appreciates her body be it curvy, slender or slim. She has high self-esteem, she is bold, and she knows she is beautiful. A Parfait woman has an appreciation for the African culture and is eager to expand the imagination of other fashion onlookers, as she struts her stuff in Parfait. A Parfait woman is not confined by the rules of the fashion world and she does not apologize for this.

African prints seem to be making huge waves this season, what makes Parfait stand out from the rest?

Apart from the vibrant and wearable materials, what makes Parfait stand out is its combination of femininity and strength. Parfait isn’t the typical line that creates simple plain dresses. Parfait is not for the simple minded, there is always an edge to all the pieces, either there is a zipper where you do not expect it, a cut out back with an elaborate design in the front, or there are fake buttons embellishing the clothing. There is always something obvious to a Parfait outfit that makes it stand out from the rest. There is always something that will make anyone wearing Parfait stand out, therefore only the bold will take up the challenge and dare to be different in Parfait.

What can we expect from your Fall collection?

I am not going to be traditional, because I do not like following the trends nor do I like being cliché, so my next collection will not be in Fall I haven’t told anyone yet but your readers, but I do plan on releasing what I call a sneak peak collection sometime in the summer. I just cannot wait till fall to create a collection that will be too long. This collection will comprise of a few – maybe 5-7 very edgy wear with vibrant hues. There will be less individual pieces i.e., skirts and jackets and more dresses and overalls. As always each piece will have its own personality and one or more twists to it.

Make sure to check  out her website: www.parfait4u.tumblr.com to see the rest of her collection, and contact information.

Images courtesy of Parfait.

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