Style Entrepreneur Remi Buttons Unveils Her Fearlessness, Passion For Fashion, and Even More.

Remi Buttons

Some people need a collection of achievements to have their day in the sun ,and some need only one thing-One such person is Remi. Remilekun Manoela Carolino Owadokun (also known as Remi Buttons) is a Nigerian fashion designer and the creative director/CEO of Buttons Couture.

The 2nd of three children, Remi was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil in the late eighties, to a Nigerian father from Ondo State and a Brazilian mother. Remi’s family moved back to Nigeria when she was very little, where she had her primary and secondary school education. After finishing high school Remi lost her father, and went through a period where she was unable to decide what career path to follow. After dabbling in different businesses and failing to find fulfillment at different jobs, she experienced a jarring moment, an epiphany which caused her to make the decision to exploit and develop her previously taken-for-granted talent and passion for sketching clothing designs.

A short period of reflection and strategizing gave birth to Buttons Couture, a premium clothing brand focused on the creation of unique, one-of-a-kind statement and costume pieces for celebrities. The initial collection campaign in 2010 involved the use of Nigerian celebrities such as Mike Anyasodo, Nomoreloss, Anis of Project Fame, Dayo of Hip-hop World,all wearing statement pieces embellished with buttons – which would become her trademark and earn her the nickname – Remi Buttons. Her 2011 and 2012 collections saw a rise in profile of the brand, with names like MI, Flowsick, Derenle, P-Square, TuFace, Iceprince, Jesse Jagz, Brymo, Iyanya, Chidinma, Praiz, Eva, Uti Nwachukwu wearing her pieces for their videos, movies, performances, events, and photo shoots, essentially becoming ambassadors for the young brand.

In 2011, Remi was nominated for Female Designer of the Year award by Top Celebrities Magazine, among industry heavyweights such as Lanre Da Silva and ItuenBasi. This nomination served to show the impact that her innovation and creativity have made on the fashion within a short span of time. In this interview with Kenni, Remi opens up on her bravitude brand, her passion for fashion, and why she is fearless.

Tell us about the Remi Buttons brand

My Brand name is Buttons Couture, Remi Buttons is the Creative
Director. We specialize in making Jackets for performing artists, on air
personalities and those who want to rock any red carpet. We are gifted
at making you stand out.

How did fashion start for you?
Fashion was never planned, I used to sketch for leisure. In 2009 I
decided to do something about it after my mother encouraged me.

Tell us about your educational background?
I did my Primary and Secondary education in Lagos and Fashion School in
Milan, Italy.

Was there anything in your childhood that prepared you for your

career?

Not a career in fashion but entrepreneurship. My mother has always

encouraged me to be independent.

What is the difference between fashion and style?

Fashion is general, style is personal

Tell us about your first breakthrough as an entrepreneur?

When I met Denrele Edun, I knew I had finally found a client who was an

example of what goes on in my head. Designing for him triggers all my

creative hormones.

Denrele in Remi Bottons

What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur in Nigeria?
Energy is poor, so we run on generators day in and day out. The quality
of man power is poor.

What is your greatest fear?
It used to be dying, it used to be failing. Right now I have no fears.
Nothing owns me

Tell us about your celebrity clientele?
My clients range from Dare Art Alade, Denrele, Praiz, Ice prince, Dj
Exclusive, Orezi, Ruby Gyang, Yvonne Ekwere, etc

Ice Prince in RemiBottons

Yvonne Vixen In RemiBottons.

RemiButtons and M.I

How do you get inspiration for your designs?

I am not limited to anything, inspiration can come from anywhere

What will be your advice for aspiring style entrepreneurs?
You are your own limitation 

Follow her on Twitter-@Remibutton