Based in Abuja, this fashion house is making career women dress trendy and corporate.

By Calista Njoku

Walking into Sahara Main Estate, Lokogoma, Abuja that fateful Friday evening was the best thing (thanks to Kaiso) that happened to my wardrobe this January 2022.

Having worked in sales for about three years, the bulk of my earnings continued to go into buying clothes. My challenge then was managing a great wardrobe without having to break the bank. In the corporate world, you are expected (more like required) to show up every day well dressed, not considering that a good suit could go for as much as ₦100,000, or more.

These were the thoughts going through my mind hours after I received an invitation to attend a dinner organized in honor of a senior citizen’s 50th anniversary, an event that drew captains of industry among other notable guests, including the honcho of an organization that was on my priority list as a good business prospect.

Frustrated with the thoughts of ruining my chances due to lapses in my wardrobe, I became anxious. Thankfully, that was the exact moment my best friend, Tinuola, from strategic marketing communications, raised her head and suggested we visit Kaiso_f_Inc on Facebook.

A scroll through the timeline revealed I had my messiah. It was exciting seeing the images of dresses and the quality of international fashion labels. A little chat with the front desk got us a fitting appointment. We were also informed about the availability of liaison offices across the country to deepen brand penetration.

A walk through the office shows a team of four men and five women working to create various designs, ranging from hand-pleated gowns to custom-tailored suits, pants, jackets, blazers, and dresses in various gorgeous colors. The organizational culture and practices are quite fascinating, with efficiency written all over it. There are many luxury materials such as crepe, damask, chiffon, scuba, and Ankara, all made in Nigerian fabrics, in uniquely customized designs to suit different body types.

After spending a few moments with the Creative Director, Progress Okuk, I understood and could see the passion driving the brand. This meeting reveals that we once shared an almost similar situation.

Progress, like me, experienced the challenge of managing a good wardrobe on her salary while working at the bank, and she became determined to create a brand that makes the middle working-class woman trendy and elegant while cutting off needless expenses. “I dream that 5 in 10 modern women would rock a Kaiso piece on various platforms of the world,” says Progress.

Recently launched was the third work-wear promo in which the career woman has the opportunity to select sets of five exquisitely tailored classic pieces at a discounted price of ₦100,000 to ₦200,000. Kaiso also makes lovely dinner dresses, ready-to-wear, outerwear, bridal gowns, and dresses.

For me, it was love at first sight Kaiso, but it was regrettable that I missed the maiden edition of Kaiso’s apprenticeship and mentorship program. However, I look forward to the next cohort.

Calista Njoku is a realtor, and fashion enthusiast. She lives in Abuja.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.