VESTITO BENE designer, Alex Adegbenro's Interview With GSi

VESTITO BENE

Meaning: Well-dressed.
adj ben vestito(-a), vestito(-a) bene. 

Italian to English

Alex Adegbenro

Grammy Award Designer, Alexander Adegboyega Adegbenro, answers some few questions from GSi. The ever so fashionable Mr. Fashionista discusses with us about how he started his journey in the fashion industry and where he hopes to be in the near future. 

He is known for his nicely tailored suits that preach sheer class and male elegance. 

Be sure to read this right through and follow him on twitter and facebook.

Twitter: @VESTITOBENE

Facebook: Alex VB Adegbenro

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1. Can  we know the person behind Vestito Bene.
Vestito Bene, a Grammy-Award-Designer for Kevin Shine of Jive records, was originally founded in February 2007 by Alexander Adegboyega Adegbenro, who was born in New Jersey to Nigerian parents. The name Vestito Bene means “Well Dressed” in Italian. It was how everyone described Alexander’s fashion. It originally started with him designing his own clothes since he wasn’t too satisfied with what was available to him. Over time, he started designing for others as well. Including some known celebrities.

2. Why did you choose the brand name "Vestito Bene"?

Jovani - R'n'B singer

Vestito Bene is a mens clothing line, which focuses it’s attention on understanding the fashion items it’s customers need. It’s main focus had always been on suits, blazers, jackets, shirts and pants of the Western culture, but has incorporated some of those ideas into African fashion as well. Unlike many designers, Vestito Bene tailors their designs to suit an individuals own style and character, but done with the unique stamp of Vestito Bene. All of its designs are original and exclusive which gives each customer a luxe look, but at affordable prices. Vestito Bene also takes it upon itself to offer fashion tips since it understands the importance of self presentation through fashion, suggesting the appropriate for particular occasions. This ranges from the types of fabric used in their garments,do’s and donts with pattern matching, what colors that do and don’t match as well as what colors to wear depending on the season of the year or occasion. Although it's a men's line, VESTITO BENE has also designed for Aida Rodriguez and currently working with newly signed gospel artist, Melinda Watts.

3. When one looks back at the history of major fashion designers, we see that there was a force that drove them to the trade, how did you realize that you had the potential to become a fashion designer specializing in tailored suits?
Not to sound cliche, but I'd say as far back as I can remember walking was when I'd become interested in fashion. Thanks to my father who claims I'm still an amateur compared to him. From designing my own clothes there was a demand for the Vestito Bene brand. I turned my style into fashion.

4. What's your educational and professional background and how do you feel it prepared you for a career in fashion designing? 
I'm an interior designer and plan on going back for my masters in Architecture. However, since my line started I've been contemplating taking courses in the fashion business and business management to help me run my line much better.


5. Tell us about your very first Vestito Bene piece and the journey you have taken to get to the stage at which you are right now?
My first ever piece was a red parsley print blazer. i call it a signature blazer because of this. it was a piece i made for myself for a valentine's day event. I had nothing to wear, my favourite stores didnt come through for me, I needed to be different and had to stand out!


6. Creatively, who do you take after and why?
Creatively, I wouldn't say i take after anyone really. I'm inspired by nature really.


7. If you wouldn't mind sharing, what's the average price of one of your tailored suit?
An average VESTITO BENE suit starts at $400.00

8. Where are your suits stocked at and is it available worldwide?
Since we focus mainly on tailored suits, we don't have suits stocked. The few that we have at hand are shared between representatives in the U.S and U.K since stylists pull them to dress their clients. Some of whom are celebrities. 

9. What perks come with being a designer?
Well, for me I get to meet celebrities, invites to fashion shows or helping co-ordinate them. 

10. Besides making tailored suits, are there any other thing(s) you do?
Outside of being a designer and the regular 9-5, I own a PR and Marketing firm as well. I currently work with Maurice Ager, a professional basket ball player who produces music. Yumipff, a pop japanese artist, Dj Xclusive, an international DJ, Saeon, R&B singer and a list of others.

11. We have seen you pieces on certain well-named celebrities, who is the biggest icon you have created for and who would you love to work with in the near future?
Right now, Kevin Shine which was for the Grammys. I'm currently working with Ed Lover and Melinda Watts, a newly signed gospel singer. As far as the future, I want to be able to boast of designing for a royal event. 

12. How would you rate yourself as a young entrepreneur in the fashion industry?
As far as ratings, I'd say as much as people like what I do, I believe I still have a lot to learn. 


13. GSi knows that you are yet to reach the peak of your career, what are your visions for Vestitobene in the next five years?
I want to have covered international fashion shows and see my designs selling in stores around the world. 

14. Any upcoming Vestitobene fashion showcases you would love us to mention about?
We are working on London, New York and Mercedes Fashion Week

15. Any advice for upcoming fashion designers and the Nigerian youth(s)?
Be different, challenge people to embracing something new.

Kevin Shine of Jive Records - for Grammys

Vestito Bene client

I would like to say a massive thank you to the designer, Alex Adegbenro for taking part in this interview and sharing his business with us. God bless your hustle.

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