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| HOW THEY MADE IT! |
Tell us more about yourself, your background and your brand.- I am Diana Tambe. Born in Yaounde, the capital of the West African country of Cameroon. Attended primary and secondary school in Cameroon before family relocated to The Netherlands where I continued high school education in Dutch. I presently study at the London Metropolitan University. Currently I have the 'who I am, and the 'what I do' how much I am going to make remains to be seen! I am the daughter of God, destined for future Glory! Educated & fashionably qualified. .When, why and how did you come in to the Netherlands? - By Flight. Lol Mum relocated and wanted me at her sides. . Knowing the fact that language is barrier to Africans living the Netherlands, what are the first steps you took towards achieving your goals? - I'm addicted to persuading knowledge. It took me no time to get a degree in Dutch. I now speak 5 languages. How did you get into fashion and designing and as well studying in Uk, how were you able to manage both business and school? - Started as a model. Got in designing for my love in fashion and creative mindset. Studying in the UK is part of my principles of persuading knowledge and a step from developing a side project in [lips-sealed] The Tourism & Travel sector in Africa. Has your educational background contributed to you becoming a fashion designer in any way? -Yes, My personal objectives is to achieve good education, which has given me good prospects in terms of a job in a subject that interests me, to be able to maintain myself & family. My education today will help my personal contribution to the sustainable development of my country, eventually reducing the rate of unemployment and poverty. We all are aware that setting up a business especially in Europe requires capitals investment, how did you raise the funds to start up? - Initially, I chose to invest in education. (When you got the wisdom, ain't no mountain to high for you to climb). Further I invested my time & expertise. Invested lots that now I can't even afford to pay myself. So you’ve gone by the brand name Blackpearls over the years, how did you come up with such name and Why Blackpearls. - Back in them college days, Blackpearl was a nickname given to me by Kash Records because he thought I represented all what Blackpearl stands for. [ A highly distinctive, One that is highly regarded for its Bold Beauty, Elegance & Value.] Your collections clearly show your creativity and you produce great signature and unique pieces. Where do you get your inspiration from? - I get inspirations from anywhere. Streets, fashion magazines & boutiques, latest fashion trend.... But my sublime signature remains a statement! “People always ask me how I start a collection, and I tell them that I just look around. What am I tired of? What am I in the mood for? Real fashion change comes from real changes in real life. Everything else is just decoration.” Tom Ford What is unique about your brand Blackpearls secret?- My Intimate Affair with Fashion: Dress To Kill [Quality, Allure, Class, Elegance] Your label has received high reputation from different media houses since its inception. What factors have led to the success of your brand Blackpearls? - You see I practice marketing strategy In Style. It's all about the choice of which market segments to serve with a tailored marketing mix. If you have the opportunity to collaborate with a prestigious brand which will be a dream come true for you, which brand would it be and kindly tell us the reasons. - Chanel ! Founded 1909 till date, Chanel revolutionized fashion — High fashion (haute couture) and everyday fashion (prêt-à-porter) — by replacing structured-silhouettes, based upon the corset and the bodice, with garments that were functional and flattering to the woman’s figure. Coco Chanel caters to women’s taste for elegance in dress, with blouses and suits, trousers and dresses, and jewellery (gemstone and bijouterie) of simple design, that replaced the opulent, over-designed, and constrictive clothes and accessories of 19th-century fashion. And Blackpearl' being the innovative brand that we all know, to collaborate with Chanel will be Epic! .Who are your favorite designers and What core lessons are you learning from them?- Boss thought me how to dress a man with confidence, style & elegance. - Chanel & Elie Saab are a source of inspiration to my feminism allure in a sophisticated Elegant Haute Couture garment. What are some of the most rewarding and biggest challenges about being a business owner/fashion entrepreneur especially in Europe? - I can't afford to sleep for six hours! How could human beings sleep that much?! I've also learnt that Staying in business is Good Business in this recession. The African Fashion Industry is gradually expanding into international markets has received great and promising news in recent years. What is your general opinion on the African Fashion Industry? - I believe that fashion can be used to Promote our luxury intangible|Tangible culture. AS the founder of Africa Fashion week Amsterdam, what do you have to say regarding the cancellation of the AFWA 2013 event? - It's with deep regrets that we were forced to cancel the 2013 event due to insufficient sponsorship funds as stated on press-releases. I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better... we in full preparations for AFWA 2014. As you all know, AFWA also celebrates Amsterdam's unique and diverse cultural heritage, topped with the flamboyant mixing of Western and African culture through fashion at the same time promoting Africa’s rich ethnic culture and interpreting it into contemporary designs. We aim to keep putting African fashion in perspective on the global stage. You recently won best designer of the year twice at ADMA and The Voice magazine award respectively in a row, what can you say to that and has winning those awards created other business opportunities for you and the brand? - Winning an award is not only an outstanding remark on my portfolio, it's opened doors for more business opportunities, connection & Networking, resources & facilities. I love the fact that you still remain true to your African roots even in your designs. Do you have plans to expand your brand to Africa?- Yes, I clearly do. It's in reaching for the stars that we raise ourselves to the height of our potential. Aside being a fashion designer, what else do you do?- Live out loud & stay humble Would you for any reason quit fashion designing for any other profession?- Too legit to quit! Who are your best clients and can you mention few that you have designed for?- My target group are stores|retailers, Celebrities and anybody else looking for great quality but above all exclusiveness in his|her garment. Just to list a few, 6 respected clients I'm designing for/have defined for are:- 1) The Editor of Topstories Celebrity Magazine, ADemola 2) The Minister Of Tourism Kenya, Mr. Morris Nzoro 3) KAS of KasBeats 4) Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh 5) Multiple Award-winning Nollywood Actor Mike Ezuruonye, & 6) International Soccer Player Tennyson Sonkey Lately we saw your updates on social media like Facebook and Instagram, displaying sexy pictures of yourself at the gym and so on, if you don't mind are you single and searching? - I have a good life, going to the gym is something I do everyday to keep healthy & Fit. And if you too had a hot body, I'm sure you would want to show some of it right? My status remains private for now. . What was the best moment of your life?. - To me, everyday calls for a celebration! You know why, B'cause We woke up this morning. Has there been any moment in your life that you feel depressed and what happened?- I really even don't know that word! How do you spend your time when you are not working?. - Babe, I work hard 24/7. Even when I'm trying to leisure or socialise, my brain ain't. Any advice for young aspiring designers? - Dream Big! Set a GOAL [ Mission + Goal = Vision] Most importantly, Do what you like & Like what you do. GodSpeed! . What Fashion legacy would you like to leave? - Action speaks louder than words. This is left to be Seen! So, Hey I can't go on this long! Time is money boo. Gotta go baby,
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