The Vintage Colette Woman Series Photoshoot

The Vintage Colette photo shoot was inspired as a form of tribute to celebrate female entrepreneurs as every day women. We wanted to bridge the gap and allow our customers to relate well with our brand. We decided to start with entrepreneurial women from a vast range of businesses who understood what it meant to run a business within Nigeria. It took four months to prepare for this photo shoot from day one to the day of the photo shoot. Even though I had initially been advised against the idea as this was contrary to what any Nigerian designer had ventured into, I chose to go ahead because I was a woman, a designer and an entrepreneur. I knew that I could be as contrary as I wanted to be because otherwise, I would be in a constant state of collapse whenever I innovated anything.

I wanted to celebrate these women who are realistic, strong, focused and determined to excel. They motivate me and consistently keep myself and other women true to their core. Each fabric, style and color was designed for the persona and style of the female entrepreneur wearing Vintage Colette. The looks are different, but the souls are the same, as are the things and people that constantly inspire me in life. That is the true persona of the Vintage Colette woman. 

This photo shoot is a celebration of personal style that ignores the demand from the outside, a carefully followed and well researched journey, one that I hope would serve me for many more years ahead. 

- Binta Shuaibu

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The Vintage Colette Woman Series: Laylah Ali

Laylah Ali is an interior designer who is on a mission to bring all her projects to life. 

Everything I Produce is Made in Nigeria
I have been an interior furniture designer for over 10 years. I started making furniture in Nigeria and everything I produce is Made in Nigeria. I actually studied English in school, but I chose interior design because that was what I was attracted to. Like others, I have also tried other businesses including selling clothes, owning a salon, etc., but interior design was my passion. And because I wanted to really do well in interior design, I took some design courses in Dubai and I am currently working on my Masters in Design. I want to be a professional designer who brings projects to life.

It’s Difficult for Women in Nigeria to do business
It’s difficult for women in Nigeria to do business. Women are very vulnerable because we are more exposed to those who want us to exchange our bodies for business opportunities. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “….meet me at this hotel if you want to get that contract.” It’s really disheartening sometimes, but women should know that seriousness pays off. Women should never give up. We are stronger than what we think we are and stronger than what a lot of people think we are.

If We Had Light, Products Would be Cheaper
At L and N Interiors, we face electricity challenges 24/7 when trying to produce our furniture. If I could talk to the Nigerian government, I would tell them to give us light *laughs.* If we had light, products would be cheaper and costs would go down. Also, we often have to import certain wood items and upholstery that aren’t available in Nigeria, and that can be extremely costly.

The Vintage Colette Brand
This photo shoot was very exciting for me to be a part of. I liked the fact that it was about empowering women and motivating others. We need that sometimes as women. I have to be honest and say that I didn’t know how nice Vintage Colette clothing was until recently. I love the clothes! They are extremely comfortable, decent for me and stylish for everyone.

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