Besida founder and designer Sophia Danner-Okotier.
Fan Expectations for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2018 black panther The film reached $202 million at the box office, securing $1.4 billion worldwide and earning the title of “14th highest-grossing film of all time.”
In the second edition of the Black Panther franchise, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, According to Forbes, the film made $800 million worldwide, an additional $5 million from the three-day weekend over the Christmas holidays, and about $3 million early the following week.
With writer-director Ryan Coogler at the helm of the production, coupled with an outstanding cast and crew, they all worked together to bring African aesthetics into the mainstream, sparking a surge in interest and purchases of African-inspired fashion. I was allowed to.
Costume designer for both films, Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter, drew inspiration from various African nations and tribal groups to create a variety of Afrofuturistic costumes for the characters in the action-packed films. invented an ensemble. Carter and her team created Dora’s mirage outfit, which was inspired by traditional Maasai costumes, including spears, necklaces, her rings, and metal bangles. The headdress of Queen Mother Ramonda, played by Angela Bassett, is based on Zulu cultural innovations. Ukabi, Daniel Kaluuya’s character, who wears a unique blanket known as the Basotho Blanket that Carter borrowed from the people of Lesotho.
According to The Exchange, the retail industry in sub-Saharan Africa is worth around US$31 billion, according to a Euromonitor International report.
Besida founder and designer Sophia Danner-Okotie is capitalizing on the wave of support for African fashion. She recently released a collection as part of her Elevate grant and mentoring program for Stitch Fix. Danner-Okotie saw a significant increase in sales of ethically crafted Nigerian-inspired styles, Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverDanner-Okotie is also the first black panther The movie debuted in 2018 and saw a 40% increase in online sales.
Besida’s new Elevate collection.
Stitch Fix’s Elevate program provides black entrepreneurs like Danner-Okotie with financial backing, data, mentorship resources, and the opportunity to reach new customers by selling her designs, allowing Stitch Fix to Providing a platform for her latest Elevate collection through Fix.
Yolanda Baruch: How did you get involved in Stitch Fix’s Elevate grant and mentorship program?
Sophia Danner-Okoti: I applied to the program in October 2021. After being selected as a finalist, she received a second submission and an interview with her Elevate team at Stitch Fix.
Balluff: Can you describe or give examples of how Stitch Fix’s Elevate program helped with financial support, data, and mentorship resources?
Danner Okoty: I received a $25,000 grant and guidance from Stitch Fix to help grow my business. Through Elevate, we were also able to access resources, data insights, and arts and sciences approaches to bring our collections to Stitch Fix’s clients and expand our offerings at Besida.
Balluff: Sales of Nigerian-inspired styles have grown nearly 60% thanks to their popularity. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. How important is it to you that members of the African Diaspora connect with their African roots?
Danner Okoty: When people connect with their roots, there is a powerful transformation within. This connection builds confidence, a clearer sense of direction, and a deeper sense of pride. When a woman wears a becida, she becomes more self-conscious, learns about her roots, and eventually plans a visit to an African country. We have expanded our commitment to this cause by sponsoring it. [this past] December for one black woman.
Balluff: Did this film help show that African fashion is a lucrative field?
Danner Okoty: Online sales surged about 40% during the initial launch. black panther movie. The public was thrilled with the film, supported it and wanted to wear the most stunning African-inspired styles, plus sales increased by nearly 60% (from Oct. 17 to Oct. 31 he to). We saw an increase in rush orders to California and messages from customers wanting to wear something to the premiere in Los Angeles on October 26th. Interestingly, it proved that there is a market for African-inspired fashion.
Model is wearing Mpho Multi-Way Kaftan.
Balluff: How do you communicate the importance of African clothing to consumers, such as the meaning of colors and designs?
Danner Okoty: We spend a lot of time educating our consumers about how our clothes are made and our commitment to making clothes in Africa. We have found that our women are more invested in learning about the impact we are creating.
Balluff: Can you talk about how your fashion line is helping create jobs here in the US and in your home country of Nigeria?
Danner Okoty: As a result of the Elevate program, we were able to quadruple our team growth with grant funding. Along with expanding my team, the grant has enabled me to purchase equipment to expedite production in my in-house workshop in Nigeria.There is a vast pool of well-trained tailors in the country. but needs better quality work. The grant allowed Besida’s workshop to employ a further 13 members of his team. A team of 5 at the beginning of the year has grown to 18 today.
Balluff: Are there any plans to open manufacturing plants across Africa and the Diaspora?
Danner Okoty: We currently make all Besida garments in my hometown of Benin, Nigeria. In the future, we plan to partner with other manufacturers on the continent.
Balluff: Will your line expand into footwear and other accessories?
Danner Okoty: We experimented with footwear in the past, but discontinued the line due to production constraints. We’re expanding into home accents, so you can look forward to Besida in your living room soon.
Balluff: How do you overcome challenges such as intellectual property protection and counterfeit import flows from China, Turkey, Europe and the US?
Danner Okoty: Besida is a trademark of apparel, accessories and home accents. We intend to protect our name and image, but I am not concerned with imitators. Our customers appreciate what, why and how we create. shop with us. They understand that Besida is more than an apparel brand. Besida is a movement, an opportunity to wear clothes made by the original creators.
Balluff: How would you like to support African fashion designers?
Danner Okoty: Shop our products, share our brand story, and invite friends and family to our pop-up experiences.
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