Fashion designer Christie Brown talks to GUBA

Sophistication and simplicity is the very essence of the Christie Brown (CB) fashion brand.

Inspired by the African woman, Christie Brown collections boast of vibrant, bespoke and creative pieces. Each piece is a combination of African culture and heritage with a touch of modernity.

Since its commencement in 2008, CB has made significant contributions to the fashion industry. The brand is associated with its quest to creatively tap into each woman’s emotions and to provide services that cater to their desires. Christie Brown is a reputable women’s wear and bespoke fashion brand.

The impact of CB in the fashion industry has been recognised and led to a nomination for the Fashion Fusion Designer of the Year award.

Aisha Obuobi, the force behind Christie Brown, tells GUBA her story…

Tell us about the premise behind your business

Christie Brown was officially launched in 2008 when I was 22 in my final year of university. I always had a flare for fashion, but the decision to go for it was purely passion driven. This is what I loved and couldn’t see myself working in any other field. The original Christie Brown is my late grandmother who was a seamstress all her life. My true desire is to create pieces that are at par with the international trends, but grounded in our heritage.

How does it feel to be nominated for the Fashion Fusion award and what would winning mean to you?

It is always great to be recognized by others because as a brand we are blessed to have a team of extraordinary people who work hard to make CB what it is. Nominations like this are a constant motivation for us to keep doing better and to continue to put Ghana on the map.

What do you think about the GUBA Awards?

What is so great about the GUBA awards is that it is not only a great platform to recognise designers who are making contributions in their different categories, but it also inspires others to want to do great things. Somewhere out there you know there will be someone following the nominees and saying “I believe I can do great things.”

Where does your motivation come from?

Truthfully, our motivation comes from everywhere, but I am mostly inspired by the very women who walk into our boutique and studio every day. We want the CB woman to exude confidence in a very effortless, understated way. We want her to feel that way at every moment in her life whether she is going to work, church, out for drinks with the girls or even on a date with her special someone.

Do you have any plans of expanding your (fashion) business?

We recently expanded and opened a bigger boutique in Accra, which has been a great milestone for us. I also see Christie Brown going global in the future, and strive to prove that African inspired fashion is here to stay. African inspired fashion is definitely worthy of all platforms in any market

What message would you give to aspiring and upcoming entrepreneurs?

For anyone aspiring to be an entrepreneur, I suggest you follow that passion. Run with it! One thing that will help you succeed is to really determine who you are and take a stance on your approach to your business and aesthetic. It is not so much about competing with others, but what gift you have to share with the world and doing it the BEST way you can, and most importantly stay humble through it all…that’s what will get you far.

Christie Brown collections represent Africa, with its vibrant and diverse designs. We urge everyone to support this wonderful brand

Vote Christie Brown for the Fashion Fusion Designer of the Year at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fashion-fusion