Threads and Expression with Blessing Monday

Blessing Monday is a visionary fashion designer who blends together creativity, culture and style to create stunning, one of a kind pieces. With a passion for innovation and a flair for the dramatic, Monday Blessing brings fashion to life, inspiring art, culture and beauty in every garment.

What Is Your Opinion on The Creative Industry?

To Blessing, the creative industry is one with a potential for innovation. A potential that is driven by art, cultural exchange and self-expression.

As a designer, I am passionate about pushing boundaries, sustainability and showcasing unique perspectives.

What Is Your Take on Collaborations And What Collaborations Are You Looking Forward to?

Like the popular saying “two heads are better than one,” Blessing sees collaboration as a strong strategy that elevates in all kinds of fields.

Collaboration doesn't “limit” your craft to just a section, rather, it'll help open the eyes of a creative to greater perspective.

Furthermore, in the era we are in, life happens 65% on social media, and with that, I would love to collaborate with social media influences to put my brand out more.

What Is Your Overarching Goal?

My long term goal is to impact in this generation through fashion, but I am yet to find the PAIN. But on the flip side, I will keep telling African stories through my craft and to reduce waste, while at it.

What Are Your Top Three Designs?

The ARO META.

The ARO META was inspired by the Three Wise Men. In line with tradition, the Aro Meta inspired piece is made of kan kan ibile (native sponge), which has the three wise men crafted on it.

While traveling, when you arrive at any other state, a huge billboard is used to welcome you, with a large inscription. For instance, “Welcome to Enugu State.” But it is a totally different scenario in Lagos State. Rather than the large inscription, Lagos State has the ARO META, which symbolizes welcoming dignitaries, supremacy and tradition.

The three wise men crafted on the piece signify the welcoming and dominating spirit of Eko.

My second is the Eyo Masquerade, inspired by the Eyo Masquerade.

The Eyo Masquerade festival is a celebration of the ancestors and deceased of the Yoruba tribe.

I love this particular look because when it is worn, it is felt.

From its look, you can tell the inspiration from which it was created. From the fringe fila (cap) to the redefined Agbada top, down to the full-length wide pants. It speaks of the Eyo itself.

The last one is the Ivory Mask of Queen Idia.

Blessing explains that it was crafted to show and tell how brave Queen Idia was, and to serve as a muse to other women.

This piece is made of ancient gele (zinc-like) and golden pearls that resonate with the inner beauty of the queen. It is an art that speaks of strength, virtue and class.

Describe Your Creative Process…

Blessing always begins with prayers. It takes a lot to come up with a unique design (make one person no go talk say she copy am). And more often than not, it feels like there's nothing more to design because everything seems to have been done.

Blessing's creative process begins with getting inspiration, drawing inspiration from African stories and knowledge, but at the same time, she seems to be inspired by other aspects of life since being inspired can come from anywhere and everywhere.

Putting the inspiration into sketches is the third process. Gathering thoughts, the shape, setting the mood, the knowledge, the colours and everything that makes it feel like a complete concept, then I sketch.

The production process is the fourth process. From drafting to cutting, then sewing and rounding up with a great finish.

What Propelled You To Go Into The Fashion Industry?

“My parents are the reason I started fashion, they wanted me to learn a vocational skill. One that I will always appreciate.

While learning, I came across a piece for the John Galliano spring collection 2017 for Maison Margeila.

That particular piece was what led me into craving more, to do more and to be more. It made me understand that fashion is not merely about the dresses, but rather an expression (art), a statement, not limited to everyday wearable pieces.”

Do You Have Any Current Project You're Working On?

Blessing is currently working on “Ghana Must Go Bag,” for the theme “Fashion in Transit.” This project will be defended by her on Sunday, 8th of June.

Her inspiration behind the piece for this comoetionvis the history behind the name “Ghana must go.” Once we see or hear of the bag, we think of travel, migration, journey, movement, determination, struggle, etc.

She feels it is the best inspo for the theme and her analysis will be done in each pieces based on the history.

Tell Me About You As A Human Being And A Creator?

“As a human being, I am a reserved person, leaning a bit on the shy side. It's not something I'm proud of, and I'm working on it, improving my efforts on socializing. The creative industry is one that thrives on the connections and networks made, and that happens only when one socializes.

As a creator, I am who the Almighty Creator says I am, that is the anointing of creativity can never run dry and according to Baba Fela, I be PAKO, I too sabi.”

With a combination of needles, threads and grit, Blessing Monday strives to make a statement in the creative world. Her art is an expression, not merely about the aesthetics, but the message she's trying to pass across. You can always reach out to Blessing on Instagram @ Gottes.bund.