Meet Harriet's Alter Ego

“Summer 2008 is all about dresses. You’re going to see a lot of dress this summer. Prints are definitely in, so you can expect to see flirty dresses using wax and batik fabrics.

Harriet's Alter Ego—the Beginnings
Harriet’s Alter Ego is owned by me, Ngozi Odati and her partner Hekima Hapa. I have no formal fashion background but my experience comes from working in retail all my life as well as learning about African textiles and trade from my aunt in Nigeria. My business partner on the other hand has been sewing since the age of 8—her mother was seamstress by trade. She also worked for a number of years in retail.
Ngozi’s Background in Specific
I have a Bachelor in Business Administration. I had my first business at 19, an event production company. We mainly threw parties and produced fashion shows. At twenty-four, I started an online magazine and launched a clothing company under the same name. The clothing company was a way for me to generate an income being that the online magazine was not really profit driven, so I would go home to Nigeria periodically to source fabrics and get garments produced then return to NY where I would sell these garments. On the retail end, I have over 15 years of experience and held managerial and supervisory positions. I’ve also done marketing consulting in the entertainment and fashion industry.
Why Harriet?
Harriet is Harriet Tubman. We named the shop after her because she is such an important figure in history. Harriet was a person who worked hard for what she believed in. She was a leader and a caretaker. She has always been an inspiration to us and many others. If Harriet were here today, we’d like to think she would be this organizer, making power moves and working hard as all women do but then there would be this fun side to her as well, her alter ego. We’re all about celebrating that alter ego and indulging oneself. It’s all about balance: work hard and play hard, and when you’re ready to play and enjoy yourself, you come to Harriet’s Alter Ego
What, in your opinion, is the future of African Haute Coutere? Do you see it being incorporated in the West's Coutere shows?
It’s already being incorporated into Western couture shows. When you look at the runway shows you see our influences—designers’ choices of textile prints are very reminiscent of Africa. If you look at all the trend reports, they are forecasting that tribal influences will be big in coming seasons. African design and detailing will always influence Western fashion—that is inevitable. The bigger issue is, will we be at the forefront? As it stands, it’s the bigger fashion houses that are highlighted in trade and consumer publications because they have the financial means to put on a big show that will garnish the attention of the media and buyers. The smaller designers who have been influenced by an African aesthetic and have incorporated it in their designs get over- looked due to lack of funding and an inability to bring their designs to market in a big way.
What inspires your designs?
Our line is African as well vintage inspired. We take a lot of the sensibilities and stylings of African textiles and dress and then give it a contemporary spin. I’m Nigerian, so a lot of the fabrics we use are from Nigeria. We find clever ways to incorporate the African aesthetic into our clothing and store in a way that is very fresh and of course stylish. We are also inspired by everyday people and everyday life. That is why it’s important that our clothing is very functional. Most of our pieces can be worn more than one way.
Do you make clothes for stores? Where can these be found?
For the most part, our collection is available at our shop exclusively. There are however a few places where you can purchase our pieces outside of Brooklyn. AuH2O in the East village, Muse Annex is Washington DC, Revolution in Vermont, Unsungdesigners.com, and a few boutiques in Japan
What has been your greatest high in your fashion career? Your greatest low?
 I value every moment and experience. I don’t see highs or lows. Every morning, I wake up so grateful for every encounter and moment of the previous day. I just feel blessed to be on the path I am and to be living my life on my terms. I chose the life of a business owner, so I have no regrets.
What other catwalks have your clothes been strutted besides Runway Africa?
 We work with a lot of universities and African organizations with regards to fashion shows. We also host our own yearly fashion show at our shop.
Who buys your clothes mostly and who would you like to see buy them in future?
Although we are very appreciative of all the well-known people who support us and wear our clothing, we are not so focused on celebrities and having them in our designs. We are more moved by people who come into our shop off the street and really love our pieces. They are the ones who inspire us. Without their support, we would not be here.
What are your plans for the future?
Moving beyond Brooklyn. We are focusing on becoming a global brand. We are looking to break into several markets nationally and overseas including Japan and Europe. We also see ourselves eventually opening boutiques in other markets. Other plans include starting a non-profit that promotes and supports emerging designers and artists. Another goal of ours is to establish a sewing cooperative/factory in Nigeria.
We also plan on launching an eco-friendly line this year. So definitely be on the lookout for that as well.
What's hot in African fashion in Summer 2008?
DRESSES. You’re going to see a lot of dress this summer. Prints are definitely in, so you can expect to see flirty dresses using wax and batik fabrics.
What do you think is the greatest reason why African Coutere has grown slowly and what is changing to now make it hot?
Often, African designers lack the financing necessary to really compete. However, at this particular moment in time, Africa is a hot topic so it creates opportunity for the African designer. Africa is now extremely relevant to people who never gave the continent a second thought.
Also, the fashion industry is really developing in African nations; that is helping to create a great climate for African Couture. South African Fashion Week has gained recognition with major media outlets, putting African fashion on more people’s radar. Then you have artists like Yinka Shonibare, who uses African textile in his work to create art pieces that have been viewed by millions all over the world. This has really changed the way people view our textile, clothing, and culture.
So this is a good time for African designers, but we need to focus on the business end and much as the design end, because a great design will go no where with out funding and proper planning.
Do you design and wear your own clothes?
Definitely. Not only because I love our stuff, but it’s more economical to wear our designs rather than going out and shopping at the change of the season. I also make a point of supporting other independent designers. Who needs to go to mass retailers when there are so many amazing designers? I’d rather give my money to a local designer.