Nandyose Idah is an experienced fashion designer and tailor. With a demonstrated history of working in the arts and the ability of using her education in physics and mathematics, obtained from Kyambogo University, to fund her passions. Working hard and being passionate about her art, has allowed Idah to pursue her dreams and grow a thriving business.
The road down expressive creativity was a bumpy one for Nandyose. She explained how hard it is to believe in yourself while facing harsh criticism from others.
“During my second fashion show in 2017, the audience burst out laughing. It turned out they were laughing at my designs. I was told no one would wear my clothing because they were very contemporarily different. The criticism only made me more determined to think outside the box,” stated Nandyose Idah.
My mom often explained that I should create outfits that people can understand. But that is not me. I love to draw complex designs in my sketchbook. While I have not seen them all come to life, I hope to make them all a reality in the near future.
How It All Began
“My mom (Christine Migadde) taught me the craft of tailoring and seamstressing at an early age. I’ve never attended a fashion school. My apprenticeship into the fabrication and alteration of clothing began soon after I began to walk,” stated Idah.
Fashion of The Land
Using feathers as the main component of her designs, Idah obtains the feathers free of charge from the villagers whom raise and process chickens. She uses the feathers that have been disposed off as waste. Buying second hand fabric from the biggest local market, Owino, Idah uses old, off-the-shelf fabric and redesigns it to give a fresh new look. This method of designing saves waste and is far less expensive and very importantly, unique.
Recently, I’ve designed and tailored outfits from waste like wrapping paper, pine corns, plastic and others. This attempt aims to reduce the amount of waste in the environment.
Different Fashion or Different From Others?
Ida describes herself as an ambitious traditionalist with a pension for humorous cutting edge fashion. She is on a search for freedom. When asked about the future, she states she envisions a world where she doesn’t have to be cautious regarding her art. Living in a world where she can take a chance and exploit her full potential makes Idah curious to what kind of designer she could become, given the opportunity.
I’m a phenomenal tailor so I’ve support myself that way. I have a degree in math and physics so I’ve part-time tutored, I’ve also tutored in fashion and tailoring at Secondary Schools. I have worked in a restaurant as I was a manager in a local restaurant. All the hard work is for fulfilling the goals.
Q & A Time
Who is one girl boss in which you look up to, and why?
Honestly, I look up to any kind, humble, selfless and hard-working woman out there, from the humble female vendors all the way to CEOs. But I mostly applaud and respect a woman who does it all, a woman who grabs whichever opportunity that comes her way and in doing so, a woman who grabs others along the way and uplifts them with her. I hope and pray that i become that kind of woman
What is one piece of advice you have for other women wanting to take a leap and start a business of their own?
We’re not here to say “Be fearless” but rather, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Let’s live the adventure. Nobody climbs the ladder of success alone, we need people to get to people, but as we rely on people let’s not forget to remember that your dreams are yours to fulfill and yours alone, nobody is winning that prize for you. To women, let’s preach empowerment and unified endeavors. To the world, let’s preach kindness
To learn more about Nandyose Idah, follow her on Instagram at @nandycouture
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