Godson Ukaegbu, the author of Fashion A Second Language talks to us about his book, the inspiration, and making it in the fashion industry.
Q: Please tell us a bit yourself, and what led you to a career in fashion, editorial, and photography.
A: I am a writer, photographer, artist. I love fashion. It began at home, my parents gave me an audience when I advised them on what they wore and how to style their wardrobe. Every morning before jetting out to work, my father, especially my mother would seek my approval before leaving the house. It became instinctive. With time and further research, this eye for clothes became the crux of my career as an editor in chief of Nigeria’s premium fashion magazine at the age of 25.
Q: How long have you been in the fashion industry and what is the secret to your success?
A: This year makes it a decade of active years in fashion. As regards a secret to my success, I would say I am on my way to becoming successful. I know I read a lot and I read across board. I ask uncomfortable questions often. I think and try to compete globally with the quality and presentation of my work.
Q: Why was it important to write and publish your debut book Fashion A Second Language?
A: It was important to write this book because I had questions that no one was able to answer. If I had those questions, many before me and after me would share the same burden. The question was- what is the science of fashion and the fashion industry? With this book, there is clearly an entry point into the fashion industry and a reference material for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Q: What is the meaning of the title, Fashion A Second Language?
A: The word Fashion is a double entendre. I used the word Fashion here to mean adopt, learn, acquire. So, fashion a second language simply means, learn a second language and that second language is fashion.
Q: What impact do you hope Fashion A Second Language will have on those who read it?
A: As regards to impact, for starters, it demystifies the fashion industry to the outsider. It intellectualizes the fashion industry and gives Africa and African creatives a seat at the table. It gives the reader a position to comprehend the industry and think of ways to improve the conversations around fashion. It’s a mini-fashion bible. It is worth the read if I do say so myself.
Q: What was the process of writing the book, what did you enjoy the most about the experience?
A: Writing this book was quite hectic and also quite easy. Hectic because I had to put in words things I knew practically. I had to unlearn certain things to be able to see them from the eye of the reader. This is the second draft of the book. The first draft was quite esoteric and embarrassingly ambiguous. The easy part was working with Shoko Press. The professionalism, the courtesy emails, the feedback and the patience. I will miss the emails. I have grown attachments to them these three years.
Writing is a noble work, it is like planting a tree, you may never gain shelter from the tree you plant. You must be satisfied that another would benefit from your wealth of knowledge. – Godson Ukaegbu, author Fashion A Second Language
Q: What was the process of writing the book, what did you enjoy the most about the experience?
A: Writing this book was quite hectic and also quite easy. Hectic because I had to put in words things I knew practically. I had to unlearn certain things to be able to see them from the eye of the reader. This is the second draft of the book. The first draft was quite esoteric and embarrassingly ambiguous. The easy part was working with Shoko Press. The professionalism, the courtesy emails, the feedback and the patience. I will miss the emails. I have grown attachments to them these three years.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A: Writing a book takes time, the joy is in the process and not necessarily in the finished work. Enjoy it because you will miss it. Writing is a noble work, it is like planting a tree, you may never gain shelter from the tree you plant. You must be satisfied that another would benefit from your wealth of knowledge. You write on a tree to become a tree.
Q: What are your top tips for those interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry, where do they start, what do they do?
A: For those who want to start a career in fashion: start with volunteering and with intentional internships. Read as much as you can about your interests in fashion and judge your progress on international standards. Read ‘Fashion A Second Language’, it would save you a few years.
Fashion A Second Language is available in hardback and digital versions, get your copy here.
– The Editorial Team