Taku Claude is a Cameroonian fashion designer and the founder of TC– Design. He is demi God when it comes to the craftsmanship of Cameroonian artisans.
M.O.Ts is supporting his immense creativity, his handwork, as well as his ideas. In a recent interview we asked the designer about his most recent collection, and how he seeks to promote the Cameroonian textile tradition, designs, style, taste and fashion.
I am the eldest and the only son of 5. I am a graduate from the University of Buea in Cameroon. I read Environmental Sciences. My late dad, may his bossom soul rest in the peace of the Lord, was a renowned tailor in the North West region of Cameroon and he trained and employed so many young Cameroonians in the art of custom tailoring. During summer vacation, when I was in secondary 3, my dad took interest in taking me to his shop after he got complaints of me being heady and acting funny. After spending time with my dad I told my dad,"Daddy u know what? Am beginning to like this whole idea of stitching a dress," and before I knew it my dad was training me as a tailor. Before I knew it I was able to cut and tailor a good trouser. That is how I kick started my career in fashion. I am deeply indebted to my dad; he has made me everything I am today. I have no regrets choosing this career. I making the name for myself, as I have always wished to. I am passionate about my designs and I am following in my Dad's footsteps because I am able to train and employ Cameroonians and ensuring sustainable development.
2. What made you take fashion more seriously, thus making it a career?
My interest to take fashion design as a career came first as a passion. As I read more fashion magazines and watched more fashion shows, i began to develop as a designer. I started sketching my designs, although I was never taught, I was like whoa! This is what I really want to do. While at UniBu, I began sewing for graduating students. After I graduated from University I looked for work, but fashion was my passion. So I called my dad and made a proposal to him. I said, Dad u know I can stitch a trouser and a shirt well. He said son are u sure? I said yes dad, then I asked him if he can borrow me some money to set up a place or send me a sewing machine start up. My dad believing and so confident in what I told him, decided to rent me a store and made an advanced payment for six months. I started my career, young, with little experience and no mentor to guide me through. It was overwhelming. I sewed shirts and trousers and displayed them out side of my store. I was surprised how much attention my skills attracted alot of students. That particular attention boosted my confidence. That success gave birth to TC design.
3.Are you self taught or did you study fashion design?
I was introduced into designing by my late dad. He provided me the basic and the key points on how to cut and pantans a shirt. After uniBu studies, when I made up my mind to take fashion design as a career I studied and researched about fashion, styles and designs on my own. At a start I couldn't design and sew a good suit but definitely could cut and mount one. I would go to the market, get an old suit, jacket, coat what name u want to use, undo it and study how it was being made in order to improve my skills. Before I knew I could build a nice suit on my own. That alone inspired me a lot.
4. How has your work evolved since u began your own label
My work has evolved a great deal ever since I began TC Design. I started as an amateur but with time my brand gain grounds in Africa, Europe, Asia and America. I now have more commands from the aforementioned continents. My job bring a creative one and with the taste for perfection, I was able to give me product a special touch both in terms of my cuts and my customized finishings. Added to these I have comfortably created my on designs that are found no where else in the world hence giving my brand a wide spread recognition in the world of large. I have also done defile De mode on the run away in some cities around the world, logos fashion week, London African fashion week, in Abijan, in Cameroon, etc. With my glamorous , classic, bespoke suit for both men and women.
5. Have your pieces become more appealing to people as a result?
For sure, my designs gets more and more appealing to the world, my clients, my fans, as this continous zeal for perfection has made my products unique in the clothing business hence high demand for my brand
6. Do you design both menswear and women swear?
I design both male and female wears, suits, jackets, robes, afritude, customized shirts, we equally create designs to meet your needs, be it for a party, wedding, just name it and we'll give you the looks.
7. How is your work received internationally?
Internationally, I am impress with the feedback I get. I've been recommended on several occasions. I can attest that people have left America and Europe and come for my designs ( TC Design) countless time for their wedding suits and gadgets. My designs are widely consumed in America, Europe , Asia and other African Countries. More is still to be done because I am aiming high and I guess just the sky will be my limits.
People out of cameroon Can reach me via my website at www.takuclaude.com . You can also meet us on our face book page, TC design. You can come to our head office in Yaounde Cameroon at Obili adjacent Vatican travelling agency. Be informed that on our website, you'll find our different outlets and contacts.
The biggest lesson I have learn as a fashion designer is HONESTY. When you are honest you are reliable, when you are reliable, people believe in you, and the more people believe in you, the more you will succeed in your career.
10. What advice would you give to young designers?
The advice I have for young designers, if you aspire to become a designer, you must developed a creative mindset, because believe me, it's all about creativity. Walk on the talent you have, developed it, strive for perfection as the days goes by. Keep an eye on the quality of your products. Create more designs and be sure you will make it with your career.
11. What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
Got just so much in the pipeline to unleash before the end of 2016. Some interesting projects are coming up with five new TC Designs. I mean designs that will not be found anywhere in the world and get them register to my brand name so author's right for production will be reserved for me alone. By the Grace of God I will create new outlets for TC Design brands in the United states and Europe. There is also ground work going on to get me to dress some stars like Samuel Eto, David Beckham, Christiano Ronaldo etc.
Am not superstitious, I have the fear of God. Just have self discipline, be honest, and keep working harder each new bright day. Believing I am not at my optimum best, knowing I can do better, and working more on my talent. Take criticisms and work on improving. When you embody all these know you are heading to the top. My dreams and aspirations will be to become the most famous fashion designer of all time and to keep a legacy when I am no longer here.
My motto is honesty, discipline and hardwork.
No comments:
Post a Comment