Cutting Edge: Molly Brown’s Ophelia Parle – “Our African fabrics makes us stand out!”

by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Molly Brown runs the fashion label called ‘Ophelia Parle’, which literally means ‘The Helper Speaks’. But it is her well-crafted pieces that speak volumes about her talent.

What is the origin of your label?
‘Ophelia Parle’ meaning Ophelia Speaks(Parle means ‘speaks’ in french). Ophelia is a Greek name that means help. It is my late mother’s name,the best way for me to keep her alive in my heart. So am basically saying ‘The Helper Speaks”. I intend to make a difference in all I do.

What was the first piece of clothing you ever designed?
A short flay dress

What are the fabrics you like working with?
High target, Holandis and Vlisco ankara

Which international designer would you like to work with?
Vivienne Westwood

What matters to you most as a designer?
My Finishing, Colour Combination of fabrics and Customer Satisfaction

What are your accomplishments as a designer?
I haven’t really done much because the road has been tough, but I’ll like to say I came through last year when I made some outfits for the Miss Heritage Abuja 2011

What inspires your designs?
The colours and patterns of my fabrics

What are the problems you face as a designer in this part of the world?
Communication of designs to clients and my staff, underpricing of hard work and Bad workmanship((finishing).

How would you rate the Nigerian fashion industry?
Exceptionally avant garde, our african fabrics makes us stand out

If you were not a designer what would you have been?
A microbial analyst on environmental pollution and waste water management in the oil and gas sector.

Who are your favourite designers locally?
Lanre da Silva and Deola Sagoe.

Are you one of those who think government can support designers – and how?
Yes, I strongly believe the government can support designers by inculcating fashion designing as a course in the tertiary education  so as to build adequate and learned assistants for designers, secondly support and sponsor reality shows like Project Runway

Where do you see your label in 10 years?
London, Milan, Abu Dhabi, New York South Africa and Japan.

What do you say to aspiring designers?
Keep the dream alive and bigger, keep aspiring to greater heights, while being
professional don’t be afraid to be transparent in your customer and client
relationship(see your short coming and work on it) because your mistakes make your journey as a designer worth the while.

Comments (32)

  1. Molly Brown! This is exceptional. Your answers were accurate and to the point. Very weighty dream and answers that inspire readers to dream too! Proud of you is an understatement. You have communicated with excellence and dreamt like an exceptional daughter of a Big God!

    I look forward to seeing you on the high street of Oxford Circus and major retail economies across the world both developed and emerging!

    Ur Dream is inspiring!

  2. Really inspiring! Excellent designs. Nice to see such creativity with our local fabric. Look forward to seeing u represent our heritage around the world!

  3. Even your look says it all. So I'm not so supposed but on the other hand inspired. You're amazing! This is just the beginning!

  4. Dear molly, faboulous and chic designs, amazing colour combo, u really are gifted! London, Milan, Paris, New york and the fashion capitals of the world await you!

  5. This is so amazing! I love those…seriously the sky is º‎​‎​U̶̲̥̅̊я̲̣̥º‎​‎​ springboard cos God has º‎​‎​U̶̲̥̅̊я̲̣̥º‎​‎​ back.keep on keeping on sis.

  6. Keep it up dear. I'm proud to know u. The sky's just d beginning.

  7. one word! "awesome".these designs r so unique..I liky!!!

  8. Swt Molly you have always been an embodiment of wonders with your talents, I love what you do and encourage you.

  9. Good work Molly…God will take you to heights yet unknown! keep inspiring your generation & posterity will celebrate you.

  10. wow molly,nice. am inspired you followed ur dreams.i love ur combinations sister.keep up the good work.

  11. mollyb im so proud of u and im soo inspired!!d sky is ur begining

  12. Thank u soo muuch everyone,God bless and supply you withh men Dat'll celebrate you… @NYB I'll be more than happy to Work with you… Just call my name…..lol

  13. Whoop whoop…sisteh molly thumbs up!

  14. Good one,ope you wud dress M̶̲̥̅γ̲ cast for M̶̲̥̅γ̲ movie premier when it is out?

  15. So dts wt ophelia parle means…..kudos..I c u…..d sky is d launchpad

  16. Molly brown..yaay! These r awesome designs..decent and classy. Well done.this is only the beginning. Can't wait to attend ur design shows,God's grace!

  17. Go molly i love it

  18. Keep at it sis! The sky is ur spring board. Really proud of you.

  19. Molly U̶̲̥̅̊ ® too much, not as if I was expecting less from U̶̲̥̅̊, U̶̲̥̅̊ will do more greater things.mark my words London New York Paris Japan Dubai South Africa ® ‎​ΰя playing ground, ride on sweet one

  20. The concept of "The Future" is actually a Construct in your Mind; Ophelia Parle, the path to those paths! Nice concept, Molly B.

  21. Well done, Good work. Nice concept, baba God noni. U have done great, with dis there will be open doors. Once agaon well done

  22. Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. I wish u luck, sky is your limited, becos you are bless, God will position people to bless you more cos of ur kind gasture. follow ur dream my sister. We love u but God loves u more

  23. Thank you everyone…. But the amazing truth is;you all made it work. You all made me become who I am today…. Am sooooo blessed bcos I hav family and friends lik u all…..

  24. I'm speechless, but I know u're climbing d leather to success. God bless you!

  25. congratulations Molly! this is so cool!!!!

  26. am so proud of you,keep it up, my sister

  27. speechless n proud of u …

  28. Molleeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!! This is just the beginning. The chronicles of Ophelia Parle!

  29. Congratulations Molly! This is great

  30. Molly B, I cannot be more proud….well done, well done and keep it up!!! Xoxo

  31. making a difference already… thank God for you. keep it up molly

  32. Molly this is awesome, the sky is just the beginning for you. Great designs and colour combo.

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