Exploring inclusivity with Nancy Udegbulem, Spazio Label

We loved meeting Nancy at Pure Origin in February. During this difficult and ever-changing period, we’ve been in touch with Nancy to find out how she’s been navigating the current circumstances, as well as to revisit her time with us at Pure Origin.

How do your Nigerian roots influence your designs?

My designs are majorly influenced by the women who wear and love the pieces. As a young lady from Nigeria which happens to be the birth country of my label, I am aware that women from here are quite curvy. This aids in my design process which is generally conservative yet flattering to each customer’s beautiful body.

"Nigeria is blessed with diverse cultures and is rich in both human and natural resources. These are projected in the bold and bright colours and patterns used in my designs because what is beautiful should not be hidden."

I also take into consideration the style preferences of the average Nigerian woman who loves to be elegant, stylish or avant-garde and still be comfortable. The climate being really warm also plays an important role in the design process from fabric to colour palette selection.

Nigeria is blessed with diverse cultures and is rich in both human and natural resources. These are projected in the bold and bright colours and patterns used in my designs because what is beautiful should not be hidden.

What has been your biggest challenge during the lockdown period?

I would say the lockdown in itself, as everything took a global dramatic turn and business came to a standstill. We had just concluded the AW20/21 Pure London show and were hoping for a follow-up on the leads from the 3-day show. All the investment in terms of the total cost of attending the show was lost due to this pandemic. Secondly, there was a backlog of inventory as sales came to a halt. It was a bad 3-month period. Thankfully things are gradually getting back to normal and hopefully this too passes!

How are the current conversations around race and equality affecting you?

"I am very pleased that our voices are being heard and changes are being made; it might be slow but it’s a step in the right direction."

Being a woman who is black, this topic is very dear to me. It is a sensitive but necessary conversation which affects everyone and more so black women because we bear the brunt of the negativity. I would say I am very pleased that our voices are being heard and changes are being made; it might be slow but it’s a step in the right direction.

What does inclusivity in the fashion industry mean to you?

"Inclusivity goes beyond having one or two token black models on the runway; it’s about having greater representation and participation in the entire value chain process of the relevant aspect of the fashion industry."

Inclusivity as a core value and diversity in general mean a lot to me. Inclusivity goes beyond having one or two token black models on the runway; it’s about having greater representation and participation in the entire value chain process of the relevant aspect of the fashion industry. Diversity is also important as it includes older persons, persons with physical challenges, plus sizes etc.

Do you have any words of positivity to share with the Pure London audience?

I really would like to encourage everyone reading this to continue staying safe, practice social distancing as much as possible and let’s beat this pandemic together. This too shall pass!

Discover the Spazio Label story here: