by Fransesca Uriri

It is an exciting time in the Nigerian Fashion Industry, with remarkable stories of growth, expansion and international collaborations. But that hasn’t always the case, especially for Italian-born Caterina Bortolussi, Creative Director behind the ethically driven Kina Buti label. As the Leading Lady Africa for the week, she talks about how fashion can be a vehicle for change, the similarities between the Nigerian and Italian cultures and why magic still happens. Be inspired!

You’re Italian and have been in Nigeria since 2006, what made you settle here?

It was God, I never thought I would move to Africa and never thought about Nigeria. What I knew was that I was not happy with my job and that I wanted to leave London to do something more creative. Designing clothes was my dream as a little girl but I didn’t think it could become my reality.

 

You used to work as an analyst in a bank in London, before you relocated to Nigeria. Tell us about that move.

As I said before I was not happy with my job, it was not me and not what I have dreamt for myself, so I sent a wish to find a job that could take me around the world and to work in communication. It all materialized in a matter of 8 months I was on a plane to Nigeria as a Trainee media consultant. Direction: Abuja.

Are there any similarities between the Nigerian and Italian culture?

So many! Italians, like Nigerians, have a strong sense of family, love for their food and happiness about life. We are both loud, great company and fun. We always find a way, for everything there is a solution. Italians are the Nigerians of Europe and Nigerians are the Italians of Africa.

You moved from Italy – which has Milan, one of the major fashion capitals in the world, to Lagos Nigeria, why?

I left Italy in 2002. I lived in Milan for some months when I studied some fashion just after my 1^st experience in Nigeria in 2006. And you know what? I am glad we decided to set up our fashion label in Nigeria, because fashion in Milan doesn’t represent us and what we stand for. For us fashion is more than just clothes and style, fashion is a vehicle for change. Nigeria made me realize that dreams become reality, and that you can have your own dreams without having to follow any models or structure. That’s what I love about Nigeria; you can create your own way.

 

What does Kina Buti mean, and what made you set up the label?

Kinabuti is my nickname, as I used to pronounce my name as a little girl. Kina: Caterina, Buti: Bortolussi. Nigeria gave me the courage to embrace my dream when I came back, after 5 months of studying fashion in Milan. The primary goal was to set up our label, even though then, I had no clue on how, when, what or where. What I knew was that I would become a designer. It took me 3 years to start it when I returned, but those were years of learning, experimenting and founding my ground, while acquiring confidence in myself. There is a saying that “everything happens for a reason,” that statement is so true! In 2010 when we were launching our second film Festival in Port-Harcourt (AFRIFF), I started working on our first collection and it was during AFRIFF that we had our first show. It was also one of the movies submitted at the film festival “Wasteland” that inspired us to use our art as a vehicle for empowerment.

 

Who are your favourite Nigerian designers?

I still remember the first time I saw a show of Deola Sagoe at ARISE FASHION WEEK in 2011 I was mesmerized.  I am a big fan of her work and I also appreciate her as a person. Having said that, I must admit that this year has been an eye opener to the talent that abounds in Nigeria. We were judges at the Fayrouz L’Original and I must admit I was so so impressed by the winning team. I was there as a judge and the only thing I could think of was: “there is no limit to learning.” I was hypnotized by their show. A great Job indeed. Another amazing Nigeria Talent is ZAR, we were both showing at the Runaway Fiesta by SpiceTV and I had to go and congratulate him for his pieces, the show and his creativity. Nigeria is changing so fast, it is truly an exciting time for the fashion industry in Nigeria

What are some of the challenges you face, as an expat and an entrepreneur?

The lack of infrastructure: power supply, distribution network, regulatory system, credit facilities, high cost of production, vocational education, attention to details and others. But these challenges are also part of the opportunities because we are lucky to be here at his turning point in the Nigerian fashion industry and to be part of it.

 

What drives and inspires you?

I want to be the best I can. A better person and a better leader.

Does your faith in God play a pivotal role in your life, if yes, tell us how?

FOR SURE! Nigeria brought me closer to God and I am grateful. We have faced challenges and obstacles but no matter what we know that God is there, supporting us. I believe we are instruments in the hands of God; we just need to be the best we can and follow HIS direction. Not always easy though. Lol!

What are the plans you have for Kina Buti in the future?

Establish ourselves more in Nigeria and abroad. Make our production more efficient and cost productive and increase the quality of our production to make it competitive internationally. We also intend to collaborate in the co-creation of a fashion institute to transfer vocational skills to youths in Nigeria.

 

Name 3 women you admire and why?

My Mum; she is always happy, resilient and caring and she thought me never to give up.

 

My sister, who is true to herlself and so real and thaught me that dreams can become reality.

 

My Grandma, who had the most amazing loving heart, humility, wisdom and taught me about acceptance.

 

What exactly is the Kina Buti Lab and what does it represent?

The Kinabuti Lab is a centre for creative ideas that aims to empower women through vocational training in fashion with the objective of transferring skills.

 

You started an initiative called “In Our Ghetto” what is the idea behind it?

It is about believing in our dreams; that everything is possible. It’s basically us training girls from unprivileged communities to become professional models. These girls now make a good living for themselves and help their families. Many live in Lagos, one even went to South Africa. Their lives have changed, and they made change happen by believing that everything was possible. We are launching part 2 of the project in October – Dare2Dream – same concept. However, this time around, we will be travelling around universities and it will broadcast in a series of 15 episodes of 5 minutes each that will go via TV, Web, radio and print.

 

What do you mean when you say Kina Buti is an “ethically driven” fashion label?

 

We believe fashion can be a vehicle for empowerment, we are not talking about charity but we are talking of transfering skills through which young people and women can earn a living on their own and improve their conditions. To us, vocational education is the vehicle that can be used to eradicate poverty.

 

What is your greatest fear?

No Fear, we accept all that God brings to our lives and cope with it. It is here to teach us.

 

Are there times when you have felt like giving up, what did you do then?

No, I would not say felt like giving up. However, there were super tough times, and those periods were hard. But me and Francesca, my business partner believed in our dream more than anything else and chose to keep forging ahead, knowing there was nothing else we wanted to do with our lives. Kinabuti is our vision, dream and motivation. We love when we are moving around in communities and universities, preparing new collections, hosting fashion parties, our team, family and all the people that believe in us, help make our vision more meaningful.

 

What advice would you give to young women interested in being fashion designers?

Never give up, work hard and most importantly believe in God and be the best you can. Magic happens.

 

If you weren’t in the Fashion business, what would you be doing?

Kinabuti Kinabuti Kinabuti Kinabuti (loud laughter)

Follow Caterina on twitter and Instagram: @kinabuti

 

The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa; an initiative that seeks to effectively mentor and inspire women, with particular emphasis on the African continent.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to [email protected] and we just might feature her.