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I have a new tailor I’m working with, her name is Vivian. Vivian is Togolese and Ghanaian, what does that mean? Her fashion cents and style is different from the typical Nigerien. She has flair and good ideals. Ghana and Togo are up to date countries, they’ve experienced different cultures and have some American influences, YEAH!!!!

Normally with consultations you tell the tailor what you want and they attempt to make the item for you, even if they are not comfortable with the design. They will often make changes without mentioning it to you and sometimes the finish product looks nothing like what you wanted.

I have given her four projects to start 2 blouses, A Skirt, and an African style skirt set. I didn’t give Vivian any ideals to what I wanted; I wanted her ideals for me.

Vivian took the lead during the consultation, showing me photos and adding her own twist and ideals on what she thought would look nice and what she didn’t.  Most Nigerien tailors are uncomfortable with this style of consultation they won’t give recommendations or lead in any way .Vivian work is very modern and she even takes from American and European styles and incorporate it with traditional African wear. I’m very excited to see what the finished product will look like.

I will post photos as soon as I receive my clothes, she told me the last week of March which is pretty long. Normally two weeks is the turnaround time. I’m hoping she will “make it work”

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