KM: Qu’est-ce qui vous a motivé à coudre votre carrière de styliste ?

FN: Eloli was created in 2012 by me and my two sisters, Sume and Dibo. We shared a common goal of building a brand that depicts the richness and complexity of our culture. I enjoyed other hobbies, but fashion design caught my interest and allowed me the flexibility to explore my creativity. It became apparent I wanted to make a career out of fashion.

KM: La mode est dynamique, mais quelle influence les réseaux sociaux ont-ils sur les créations actuelles ?

FN: Before the advent of social media, trends existed. I consider social media more of a tool for designers. It allows young designers to be easily discovered. However, aspiring designers must be conscious that having a social media platform and knowing how to sew does not make you a designer. A designer should have marketable ideas, unique designs, and the ability to conceptualize based on inspiration and an understanding of business. Designers must have integrity. Copying another designer’s work is unethical and taboo in the fashion industry.

KM: La plupart des designers du monde recherchent des models uniques, pouvez-vous nous décrire le vôtre ?

FN: Our designs are fresh, modern, and relevant to our Cameroonian heritage with aspects of global inspiration. We use a mix of materials considered avant-garde, infused with traditional influences in a unique manner that makes our designs relatable.

KM: Le Cameroun a plusieurs tissus à offrir. Mais dans le rayon de l’industrie de la mode, il n’est pas assez visible. Que faudrait-il pour que la mode camerounaise habille le continent africain et le reste monde ?

FN: People have a unique power in social movements, one in which purposeful citizens have the determination and courage to stand up, speak out and seek change in issues that matter to them and their loved ones. The fashion industry is worth billions worldwide and should not be a neglected sector in Cameroon. Designers should have a collective voice and a duty to shed light on the value of the fashion industry.

KM: Parlez-nous de votre schéma créatif et vos sources d’inspiration.

FN: Our inspiration comes from everyday life, observing what happens worldwide, observing people we meet on the streets, in restaurants, or clubs. A book, a film, a song … everything! We must ask ourselves if our ideas align with the rest of the world. It is not necessary to be too avant-garde because you risk not being understood. You need to be ahead in the game just enough to have what people want in shops when they want it.

KM: Vous avez collaboré ces dernières années avec plusieurs stylistes et même des personnalités publiques, racontez-nous ces expériences.

FN: I have years of experience working with many actors in the national and international entertainment industry (music and film). We understand the importance of visibility and collaboration in this industry. Artists or actors will contact us when needing original and edgy African fashion for a music video, film, public appearance, or personal use. Sometimes we reach out to artists who inspire us. The objective of these collaborations is to elevate the individual to a level of African elegance deserving of their person. Artists often represent the culture of a people. As an African brand, I ensure effective collaboration to create designs our clients can identify with and enjoy.

KM: Comment dessinez-vous vos cinq prochaines années dans le stylisme?

FN: A considerable percentage of our clients are in the diaspora. We intend to increase the promotion of our men’s and women’s collections internationally. In addition, we plan on relaunching our accessory line. Eloli started as an accessory brand. In 2014, our bags caught the interest of Vogue, and in 2015, we won the award for Accessory Designer of the Year at the African Fashion awards. We should have new and exciting pieces for you in the next few years.