INTRODUCING TÓTÉ ANKARA HANDBAGS & ACCESSORIES BY BOLA OBILEYE

Fashion has always been my first love..I style it, watch it, photograph it, write about it, in fact I live and breathe fashion, its my release from realities of life..For some reason I particularly love accessories and as much as I have created pieces for photo shoots I have never dreamt or considered myself a designer..I'm just a fashion enthusiast..

But since I returned to Nigeria, I have rediscovered a creative side of me that I knew existed but never paid attention to. The truth is if you have an ounce of creativity in you, Nigeria forces it to the fore because things you want and  need are never easily accessible, so you make things if you really really want them. As a fashion stylist, I'm often challenged to find perfect accessories for a photoshoot in Nigeria so rather than complain I get creative and make what I need and now I'm hooked! Over the past 4-8 weeks, my creative knack has gone into overdrive.A friend of mine Bella May, had a fashion sale at home so I joined her to show some leather and ankara bags I had created and I invited a close knit of friends to privately view and critique my pieces but to my surprise I was truly overwhelmed by the positive feedback.I took lots of orders from that single show and the rest they say is history...

Now I come up with  new designs everyday and I can't believe how much fun I'm having especially when clients pick up their bags and go "Wow"...that really gives me an unimaginable drive...so Yes people, it looks like I'll be making handbags for as long as I can churn out designs...

As for the brand name TÓTÉ, my older sister (Dunnie Olukoga) came up with it, it's the first 2 letters from my sons names (Tobi and Terry in true Naija business naming convention style..LOL! )but I love it (Thanks Sis). I'm planning a photoshoot at some point next week but in the meantime I thought today, Children's day is perfectly timed to share with you a project dedicated to mine that started off as a celebration of my new found love for Ankara..

Many of my leather pieces are one-offs as I often buy rare leathers such as the one used for the TÓTÉ vintage Bag. I have made quite a number of bespoke pieces for friends and so far I'm loving every moment of this..

Here are just a few pictures from my collection of Ankara and leather infused handbags bags, laptop and ipad cases...

Hope you like..

Praying Out Loud  - Ohh Lord, please let them like my bags...IJN...:)

PS: Don't get it twisted though I'm just a fashion enthusiast..LOL!

My first ever bag sold was bought by Bunmi, pictured here with her  TÓTÉ vintage box bag.In the plain red dress is my friend Bella May, I showed my bags for the first time at her home ..thanks babe..

Fabulous TÓTÉ Laptop Ankara and leather bags

TÓTÉ Ankara Clutch bags

My lovely friends Cynthia and Funmi Ademoroti (Funmi, I know you're  gonna shoot me for this..LOL!)

My childhood friend, Ifeoma Bosah holding a TÓTÉ Ankara clutch bag

TÓTÉ Weekender

Ghana Kente Style TÓTÉ clutch bag

Cynthia modelling my Epileather bucket bag

Leather and Ankara box bag

I stopped by at Fusion Fashion Market on saturday to see a friend, I showed her my bags and "Wow" ladies loved it....Whooo hooo!

For Enquiries; 0802 4113305, 0816 599 4201 Email: o_obileye@yahoo.com

TÓTÉ Ankara Clutch bags and Ankara Kente Print and Leather Laptop Case

The Creative Director of Graces Hats loved the bags..I jumped up when she commended me..Listen guys this woman has been blazing the design trail in hat making in Nigeria for over 20 years..so yes I got excited.
I need to grow up I know...hee! hee!

This is my favourite bag, most people order them in half the size but i love it huge
LOL!

Errrm...Hope you guys like what you see o.. but I'll really appreciate constructive feedback..*wink! *wink!

For Enquiries: Feel free to call me on  0802 4113305 or email me at: o_obileye@yahoo.com

Happy Children's Day Peeps!