The brains and talent behind Estella Couture (EC) is a real life princess, from a Royal Family in Nigeria, West Africa, Estella Ogbonna. The designs are created and sewn by Estella herself. Her love for fashion began at the very young age of six, when she made herself a skirt from an old calendar cloth in her home. She knew then that her ability to do this could only be a gift from God.

Academically, this Princess is just a phenomenon woman! Being very multi-dimensional, Estella has a diploma degree in Special Ed for the Hearing impaired, and another in Computer Science. A bachelors degree in Computer Network Administration and another in Psychology. As if these weren’t already impressive on their own, she has two almost completed MBAs–one in Marketing, and another in Non-Profit Management! Oh, and did I mention that she is also a creative writer and a TV Presenter/Producer?

She has been greatly involved in community development programs ranging from women’s empowerment projects, women health right issues, HIV/AIDS related projects, and any other causes that will add to the overall improvement of lives for the underprivileged, women’s health, and educating the youth of society. This is one passionate woman!

As a designer, Estella’s passion shows in all of her creations. She is a huge fan of everything exotic, ethnic, native and cultural. In fact this is where she draws her inspiration for her designs. The use of exotic fabrics, colors and textures of many different types, gives EC designs a very original and rich look. Take these for example:

Estella Couture for Women: She ….”dresses Queens, make any woman look and feel like a Queen at any time, any day, and for any event.” I particularly love this collection for its elegance and versatility. I love the use of earth tone colors, and although this line has a lot of colors, EC has used warm colors to create very elegant and figure flattering gowns and outfits for any kind of formal event.

MANESTÉ Collection: “dresses men”, and get them looking “ elegantly and confidently different”! This line includes high-end exotic formal wedding suits and simple lounge wears. EC describes MANESTÉ as having a “touch of exoticness, it is for the man who loves art, style and creativity, and likes to stand out in a crowd looking elegant and macho”.

Her vast creative collections include Angelsty Kids, a kids wear collection; Traditionalé Collection ( ethnic and native wear); SportST; AtHoméRobé (lingerie/lounge wear); IndiaAfrique Collection (Indian and African wears); and the Accessories and Home Furnishing Collection.

Forget about “ carving yourself a niche” in the fashion industry, EC has “seized her niche”, with numerous fashion shows at events such as the Fashion for World Peace in Washington DC; teaming up with the Miss Nigeria Entertainment Reality TV Contest to bring out the beauty of Nigerian women; DC Fashion Week; and being selected by V-Source.biz as one of the four small businesses to be interviewed and showcased. EC is truly one of Africa’s own, edging Africa to the top the fashion industry.

For more on Estella Couture and to get you hands on some of her fabulous designs, please go to her website .