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Kartièr Black: Defining Nigeria's Fashion Commentary

A few voices have captured the essence of Nigerian fashion like Kartièr Black. Known for his candid and insightful commentary, Kartièr is carving out a unique space in the industry, showcasing homegrown talent while challenging the status quo. During an interview with the Clearly Invincible team, Kartièr shared his journey, motivations, and the future he envisions for himself and Nigerian fashion.



When asked why he chose to focus on Nigerian fashion, Kartièr’s answer was straightforward: it was an organic progression. "Initially, I thought about covering Western fashion—Gucci, Louis Vuitton—but there are already so many people doing that," he explained. His real passion lay closer to home, in the vibrant and often overlooked Nigerian fashion scene. “I’ve always been interested in art and fashion. I would always talk about Nigerian fashion with my friends, and I found that they would always listen.”


Kartièr's entry into fashion commentary wasn't something he planned. "Honestly, it just happened. I stumbled upon some fashion commentators on Instagram, and I thought, ‘Am I wasting my talent by just talking about this with my friends?’" This realisation led him to test the waters, and his first video on Funke Akindele’s fashion choices garnered an astounding 23,000 views. "I didn’t even have 200 followers at the time," he shared, confirming the significant audience eager for his perspective on Nigerian fashion.



As the conversation shifted, it became clear that the Nigerian fashion industry faces challenges that extend beyond individual commentary. Designers like Roosevelt Amase, known for his work with Victoria's Secret via Ashley Okoli amongst other things, embody the potential often overlooked in favour of established names. “We need to give space to new designers; their fresh perspectives can redefine our industry,” Kartièr emphasised. The curator from Clearly Invincible added, “Fashion is not just about pretty clothes; it’s about the story behind them.”


Many brands currently focus primarily on social media presence, particularly on Instagram, often neglecting the storytelling aspect that defines serious fashion houses. Kartièr remarked, “If we want to elevate our industry, we need to prioritise storytelling and embrace new generations of designers.” He noted that while personal brands can shine, transitioning to a fully-fledged fashion house requires strategic brand management. “A personal brand can only take you so far; you need structure to grow into a fashion house,”

our curator pointed out.


As they discussed the current landscape, both Kartièr and our curator recognised the need to establish unique fashion seasons tailored to the African climate and culture. “We can’t keep mimicking Western fashion calendars; they limit our creativity,” our curator argued. This sentiment resonated with Kartièr as he considered the absence of cohesive narratives around fashion shows, which diminishes opportunities to celebrate local talent.


The idea of appointing creative directors to guide these transitions emerged as crucial for the long term plans of the Nigerian fashion ecosystem. “We need fresh perspectives that enhance storytelling and creative direction,” Kartièr suggested, while discussing brands like IAMISIGO.


Kartièr stressed the importance of creating an African version of Haute Couture, stating,

“We produce couture-quality work naturally; we just need to define it within our own context.”

As they explored these themes, it became evident that both established and emerging talent must be nurtured to maintain professionalism and authenticity in the industry.


Kartièr’s work is influencing not just individuals but the broader Nigerian fashion ecosystem. “I think my work contributes to the fashion economy because people get to see, 'Oh wow, this is from Nigeria.' It not only creates a community but pushes Nigerian fashion forward into the limelight,” he explained. He remains committed to honesty in his reviews, acknowledging that, “Sometimes, I see a designer I really like, and if they have a bad day, I still have to be honest about it.”


Despite challenges in the Nigerian market, where a stable fashion infrastructure is lacking, Kartièr’s influence continues to grow. Recently surpassing the 10,000-follower milestone on Instagram, he candidly shared his journey, stating, “I didn’t think I would get to 5,000 without any blogs reposting me.”


Kartièr is determined to expand his influence beyond fashion. "I want to become a bigger force in the entertainment industry, not just fashion," he said, expressing a desire to explore endless opportunities. His journey may have started by chance, but his future is anything but accidental. “There’s so much to explore, and I feel like I’m just getting started,” he concluded.


As the interview wrapped up, Kartièr left with an important thought: “One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of people don’t have an open mind when it comes to fashion. Especially in Nigeria, we shouldn’t try to predict or limit fashion. It’s all about creativity.” This call for openness and innovation will be vital as the African fashion scene continues to evolve, bridging generations and redefining its identity on the global stage.



 

Looking to realise your fashion vision or seeking expert guidance in navigating fashion entrepreneurship? Clearly Invincible will help you realise your fashion vision. Our fashion consulting agency offers specialised consultations and a range of fashion services tailored to empower fashion entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to fulfil professional illustrations, collection planning, project/operational management, or curated business consultations, we're here to support your journey.



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