In the course of approximately three years, Adiat Disu, has worked for a Fortune 500 company, established her own business, and directed one of the biggest African events this past two summers , Africa Fashion Week New York (AFWNY).

Disu, who is originally from Nigeria arrived in the United States at the age of 15 with her parents. Disu attended Bentley University, where she established Bentley Fashion Consultants, an organization that still functions and operates. She graduated from Bentley in 2008 and went on to work for IBM for approximately a year. After departing from IBM, she decided to create her own business, Adirée, and provide her own security and impact people globally.

With such great accomplishments at her age, it was an easy decision to name Ms. Adiat Disu as our Personality of the Month, August. We got up close and personal with the fashion guru to discuss Africa Fashion Week, her past experiences and future goals. Check it out! 

ATAC Mag: Finally, we have been able to catch up with the busiest woman in New York City. How are you Ms. Disu?
Adiat Disu: I’m fine. Doing well.

ATAC Mag: First of all, congratulations on being ATAC Magazine’s Personality of the month (August). Were you surprised by our initial contact?
Adiat Disu: Well of course not *sarcasm*. ATAC only likes the best *smiles*. But in all seriousness, I am honored.

ATAC Mag: Africa Fashion Week New York, another successful year. How does it feel?
Adiat Disu: It feels as though there is more work to be done.

ATAC Mag: Let’s reflect back on how it all happened, what was the inspiration behind Africa Fashion Week? And why New York?
Adiat Disu: New York is the fashion capital. Africa is the origin of creativity, “where fashion began”. Put those two together and they make beautiful babies.

ATAC Mag: At some point while going through the entire process of building this “brand” which is Africa Fashion Week, what challenges did you experience and how did you overcome those barriers?
Adiat Disu: Challenges? Well, gathering of necessary resources and partners is crucial. I partnered with the right people in the beginning—new and up coming companies that want to get there names out including BMW, Makari de Suisse, and Origin Africa.

ATAC Mag: When was the moment that you felt everything was falling in the right direction? What was the motivational factor in that moment?
Adiat Disu: The moment when the idea came to my head was when everything started falling into place. I am glad I am a host of a good idea that was bestowed upon me by God. As soon as the seed was planted, I felt that things were moving in the right direction. Ideas that come to your head are not by accident. There is a purpose and I am fulfilling my purpose

ATAC Mag: In 2010, the first ever Africa Fashion Week New York was set to take place and your company gets an approval from Mayor Bloomberg (NY), what was that like for your team?
Adiat Disu: It was cool. It gave us great momentum. I believe, while others may argue,  Mayor Bloomberg is young and hip and knows what to endorse. The team was excited to know that such a public figure in NYC endorses our project and is aware that it is happening.

ATAC Mag: We saw some of great designers take the stage last year. How involved were you compared to this year?
Adiat Disu: When am I never involved. However, there are new talents and I love to showcase new talent. The more talent joins my team, the more involved I become in training them, and ensuring they take ownership in our productions.

ATAC Mag: This year, Korto Momolu, one of the amazing African designers showcased at Africa Fashion Week, what did that bring to the show?
Adiat Disu: Like every designer, each brings something unique to the show— a unique aesthetic and their country’s pride and the belief that their voice should be heard.

ATAC Mag: We witnessed an actual wedding take place during this years’ showcase, how did that happen?
Adiat Disu: It is called element of surprise and simply reaching out to new and different networks. We want to expose our designers in unique ways. Adirée does what we do best. We get the attention we want and do so from as many angles as possible. 

ATAC Mag: In your words, were there any major differences between this years’ show compared to last year? Any changes, growth, improvements, etc?
Adiat Disu: You always have to grow. It is evitable. I appreciate growth and change. I take both years, learn from them, extract the good and bad and move forward.

ATAC Mag: Would you say you have been able to achieve your mission thus far?
Adiat Disu: The work has just begun. There is so much more that needs to be done.

ATAC Mag: You probably knew this was coming, overall performance: Africa Fashion Week 2010 or 2011? Why?
Adiat Disu: You know, again, each year has its own pros. Each year is a diamond and has valuable no matter what you do with it. Each is different but nonetheless a diamond.

On another note, both years are valuable to my life experiences. I cannot choose one over the other because they would not exist without one another.

Team Adirée

For more information on Africa Fashion Week, Ms. Disu and Adirée, visit www.afwny.com, www.adiree.com