Fashion Bold & Bright. Making a Lasting Impression with Chianu

May 3, 2011
DUNIA Contributor
Posted in Fashion & Style

Courtesy Dunia Magazine Print Issue 3 (Feb 2011 – May 2011)

The name Chianu actually originated from ‘Chidima Anusiem’. Chianu’s Head Designer, Chidima Anusiem, started by designing couture outfits for friends and family, and as the demand for her designs began to rapidly increase, Chidima decided to take her work to the next level. She partnered with her sisters Chioma Akhabue and Hope Anusiem to create the clothing line now known as Chianu International Fashions. “Our customers wanted styles that were fresh, bold, and new”, she says, “so we decided to capitalize on that and pursue efforts to introduce Chianu to the world. “

How would you describe your line?

Our designs are Bright and Bold! Everything is colorful and eye catching, purposely so that our designs can make a bold statement and create a lasting impression. Our line offers revolutionary concepts in fashion design – they are chic, modern, and offer a polished simplicity. Chianu designs incorporate clean lines, simple composition, and a color palette that is overwhelmingly eye-catching.

What inspires and motivates you?

Our Nigerian heritage. We are so proud to be African. We love the culture, the music, and especially the fabrics! The bright, bold, and rich colors are very unique. We have a passion to introduce our beautiful fabrics to the world in a way that anyone can relate to it. By creating silhouettes that are not traditionally African, Chianu can share the wealth of African fashion with fashion lovers all over the world.

What milestones have you achieved so far?

Chianu was officially one year old on February 11th. We are excited to have accomplished so much in 12 months! Not only did we make the “Top 5 Designers” in Africa fashion Week NY last year, but we have also been featured in several online and print magazines. Also in the course of 1 year, we’ve received many invites to sell our designs in boutiques nationwide. We are confident that 2011 will present even better opportunities for Chianu.

Fashion advice

For Fashion Designers, don’t think small. Whatever you want to do, make sure that you don’t do it in a small way. Do your best to participate in avenues that will get your name out to as many people as possible. For Fashion Lovers: Our first advice would be to embrace color, especially for men. Color helps to enhance ones personality and beauty … if worn correctly. We would also advice men and women to choose styles that best fit their personality. It is important that one stays true to themselves when determining their own personal style.

In closing, we know that the success of Chianu is not dependent on our human efforts, but in our faith in God. The scripture we live by is: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” ~Ephesians 3:20

More CHIANU designs