Try as we may, sometimes the harsh realities of life in Nigeria stare us in the face. This is why it’s refreshing to see young Nigerians making the best of what they have, adding value and building innovative brands that will outlive them.
Meet Titi Belo
Titilayo Halimotushadiat Shotile-Belo is the Creative Director of TITI BELO, a high-end fashion brand with the objective of providing garments that “make today’s woman a modern icon of strength and beauty.” Titi Belo is for the Winning Woman, the Boss Chick, the Go-Getter.
Shotile-Belo has a degree in architecture from one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions, The University of Lagos. She took an interest in fashion at an early age, taking fine art and technical drawing classes in secondary school. Titi believed fashion was the only thing she could do well and excel in; and excel she has.
Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2014
Titi Belo participated in the 2014 GTB Lagos Fashion and Design Week, alongside notable designers like Mai Atafo, Lanre Da Silva and Tiffany Amber. Despite being the first time she was showcasing her work at the prestigious fashion show, Titi Belo was a ‘Fashion Focus’ finalist. The event helped to jumpstart the label, leading to recognition and increased awareness within the industry.
Titi soon benefited from a scholarship to the distinguished Instituto Marangoni, a private Italian school of fashion and design, at its London branch.
S/S 2018 Collection
More recently, Titi Belo released their Spring/Summer 2018 Collection, which draws inspiration from Titi’s days as a student at Queen’s College Lagos. Featured in the collection are pieces influenced by the school’s blue checkered uniform, Sunday wears, and the dresses students wore to school parties back in the day.
Inspiration
Titi cites her parents as an early inspiration, motivating her to be hardworking and independent.
Her mother was a go-getter who juggled many things to provide for the family, while Titi’s father maintained the home front; a stay-at-home dad who was present for school runs and after school homework. Mr. Belo is an extremely fashionable man in his seventies, and Titi explains that his sense of style – he only ever dons earth tones, nudes, and monochrome outfits – has influenced her designs.
Titi Belo’s future is undeniably bright. This year marks their fifth year in business and they hope to celebrate it with a new collection.
We love Titi Belo because the brand is original, fierce and empowering.
