In the world of fashion, few names pursue innovation as brightly as Olanrewaju Olabode, better known as Bidex Glee. As the CEO of Glee Brand and Creative Director of the Glee Fashion Show, he’s redefining creativity. With the highly anticipated Glee Fashion Show & Awards just around the corner, the theme, Fashion Symphony, promises to blend music, art, and fashion in a celebration of style.
Can you introduce yourself to us?
I am Olanrewaju Olabode known as bidex glee
The CEO of Glee brand and the creative director of Glee fashion show
At what age did you discover your passion for fashion?
Let me say since my secondary school days at 15
What inspired you to start Glee fashion brand and how has the journey being so far?
The inspiration behind Glee Fashion Brand came from my passion for celebrating individuality and creativity through fashion. I’ve always believed that fashion is more than just clothing. it’s a powerful form of self-expression that can tell unique stories. This passion, combined with a desire to create a platform that uplifts local designers and showcases African talent on a global stage, led to the birth of Glee Fashion Brand.
The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding but not without its challenges. Building a brand from the ground up requires resilience, vision, and adaptability. Each step, from organizing the Glee Fashion Show & Awards to engaging with talented creatives, has taught me valuable lessons and brought immense fulfillment. Seeing the positive impact we’re making in the industry and the support from our community continues to inspire me to push boundaries and dream bigger.
What challenges did you face when you started the brand?
Starting the Glee Brand came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest was building credibility in a highly competitive industry. It took time to establish trust and prove the value of our vision to designers, sponsors, and collaborators.
Another challenge was balancing creativity with the business side of things. Fashion is an art, but building a brand requires strategic planning, financial discipline, and consistency, skills I had to develop along the way.
What does creativity mean to you?
To me, creativity is the ability to transform ordinary ideas into extraordinary expressions.
In my work, creativity means taking risks, breaking conventions, and blending inspiration from different cultures and experiences to create something that resonates with people.
And how do you try to express creativity and innovation in your brand?
In Glee Brand, creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to push boundaries by blending traditional and contemporary styles in ways that celebrate culture while remaining globally relevant.
Given how fashion is not a very popular interest in Nigeria, how do you arouse people interest?
Fashion in Nigeria may not yet be as mainstream as other industries, but it’s a growing field with immense potential. To arouse interest, I focus on making fashion relatable and accessible to people from all walks of life. Through initiatives like the Glee Fashion Show & Awards and Glee fashion magazine, we showcase not just clothing but the stories, culture, and creativity behind the designs. This approach helps people connect with fashion on a deeper level.
We also emphasize the economic and social impact of fashion. By spotlighting local talent, creating job opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship, we show that fashion is more than just aesthetics. it’s a thriving industry with the power to drive change.
Engaging storytelling, collaborations with influencers, and integrating fashion with entertainment and lifestyle trends also help us capture attention. By presenting fashion as an exciting, inclusive, and impactful space, we inspire people to take a greater interest in it.
How has the brand progressed since it's inception?
The journey of Glee Brand has been one of growth and transformation. Since its inception, we’ve evolved from a budding idea into a recognized platform that celebrates creativity, culture, and innovation in fashion.
One of our key milestones has been the success of the Glee Fashion Show & Awards, which has grown significantly in scale and impact. What started as a small initiative has become a highly anticipated event that brings together designers, entrepreneurs, and fashion enthusiasts. This has helped us establish a strong community and position ourselves as a driving force in the Nigerian fashion space.
We’ve also expanded our focus by integrating fashion with entrepreneurship and trade. Through Glee Fashion trade fairs and collaborations with other industries, we’ve created opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
Beyond events, the brand has become a voice for creativity and empowerment, especially for emerging designers and talents. By staying true to our vision and consistently adapting to trends and challenges, Glee Brand continues to progress as a symbol of excellence and innovation in the industry.
How do you balance the financial side and separate it for the creativity side?
Balancing the financial and creative sides of the brand is both a challenge and a necessity. While creativity drives the vision and essence of Glee Brand, the financial aspect ensures sustainability and growth. I approach this balance by treating them as complementary rather than conflicting elements.
To maintain this balance, I set clear budgets for creative projects and events like the Glee Fashion Show & Awards. This ensures that the creative process has boundaries that prevent overspending without stifling innovation. I also prioritize strategic planning by working with a team of financial experts who handle budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
On the creative side, I allow ideas to flourish while being mindful of their feasibility and return on investment. This approach helps me make informed decisions without compromising on quality or vision.
Ultimately, the key is aligning both sides with the brand’s long-term goals. By keeping creativity and finance in harmony, I ensure that Glee Brand remains both inspiring and sustainable.
What is the theme of your December 1 event?
Fashion symphony
What inspired the theme?
This theme emphasizes the seamless blend of music, art, and fashion, showcasing how each element comes together to create a harmonious experience. It highlights individuality while celebrating the collective artistry that defines the fashion world.
How did you gather designers and fashion enthusiast to work for/towards the upcoming show?
Bringing designers and fashion enthusiasts together for the upcoming Glee Fashion Show & Awards involved a combination of networking, outreach, and creating a compelling vision for the event.
Firstly, I tapped into my existing network of creatives and entrepreneurs, reaching out to designers and industry professionals who share a passion for showcasing talent and pushing boundaries in fashion. I also collaborated with fashion schools, local ateliers, and industry organizations to identify fresh talents eager to make their mark.
Social media played a huge role in generating interest. By sharing the event’s vision, benefits, and opportunities for participants, we attracted a diverse pool of creatives excited to be part of something impactful. Additionally, hosting pre-event workshops and meetups allowed us to build a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.
Finally, I emphasized the value the show offers; visibility, networking opportunities, and a chance to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s fashion industry. By positioning the event as a platform for collaboration and recognition, we’ve been able to inspire commitment and enthusiasm from everyone involved.
Are there special collaborations or guests we should expect to see on the day?
Yes, we’re excited to have several special collaborations and distinguished guests at this year’s Glee Fashion Show & Awards. We’ve partnered with several local and international designers, showcasing a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, which we believe will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the runway.
We also have collaborations with renowned fashion influencers and stylists who will bring their expertise and unique flair to the event. These partnerships are meant to create a diverse and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates fashion in all its forms.
As for our guests, we’re thrilled to welcome key industry figures, including fashion editors, celebrities, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about the growth of the African fashion scene. Their presence will not only add prestige to the event but also provide invaluable exposure and networking opportunities for all our participants.
Where do you draw your inspirations?
Beyond culture, I’m inspired by global trends, the natural world, and, of course, the ever-evolving fashion landscape. Traveling, meeting new people, and exploring different creative industries also fuel my ideas. Ultimately, I believe that inspiration is everywhere, and it’s about being open to seeing beauty and possibility in the most unexpected places.
How do you see your brand in few years time?
In the next few years, I envision Glee Brand as a leading force in Africa’s fashion and creative industries. I see the brand growing into a globally recognized platform that not only showcases innovative fashion but also fosters an ecosystem of entrepreneurship, creativity, and cultural exchange.
I hope to expand our influence by hosting fashion events that attract international designers and global audiences, while also building strong partnerships with brands, media, and influencers. Beyond fashion shows, I see Glee as an incubator for emerging talent, offering resources and mentorship to the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs.
I also aspire for the brand to make a significant impact on the fashion economy in Nigeria and Africa, contributing to job creation, sustainability, and the development of local industries. Ultimately, I want Glee Brand to be known for its commitment to innovation, empowerment, and celebrating diverse voices within the fashion world.
And how do you think the Nigeria Fashion scene will progress in the next few years?
The Nigerian fashion scene is poised for remarkable growth in the coming years. With the increasing recognition of African designers on the global stage and the growing interest in African-inspired styles, I believe the industry will continue to flourish both locally and internationally.
In the next few years, we’ll see more Nigerian designers breaking into global markets, with fashion from Nigeria becoming even more prominent in international fashion weeks and retail spaces. The rise of digital platforms and social media has already allowed Nigerian fashion to reach a global audience, and this trend will only accelerate, making it easier for local designers to connect with buyers and enthusiasts worldwide.
I also foresee an expansion in sustainable fashion practices and a growing emphasis on promoting local textiles, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly practices. This shift will not only enrich Nigeria’s fashion identity but will also drive job creation and innovation in the sector.
Finally, I believe there will be greater investment in the fashion ecosystem, from education and training programs to collaborations between designers, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs. With these developments, the Nigerian fashion scene will continue to be a vibrant, influential part of the global fashion conversation.
Who is/are your icon in the industry?
In the fashion industry, there are several individuals whose work I deeply admire and draw inspiration from. One of my icons is Virgil Abloh, who seamlessly blended street wear with high fashion and consistently pushed boundaries, making fashion more inclusive and accessible. His ability to mix culture, art, and design has had a lasting influence on how I approach creativity and innovation in fashion.
Another icon for me is Stella McCartney, known for her dedication to sustainability in fashion. Her approach to integrating eco-friendly practices without compromising on style is something I truly respect. I aspire to create a brand that champions both creativity and sustainability, much like she has done with her work.
Locally, I have great admiration for designers like Folake Folarin-Coker of Tiffany Amber, whose work has not only celebrated Nigerian heritage but has also made a significant impact on the global fashion stage. Her ability to blend contemporary styles with African traditions is something I strive to reflect in my own work.
These icons inspire me to be fearless in my creativity, to challenge the status quo, and to always find ways to use fashion as a tool for empowerment and positive change.
And what is your closing notes for the readers on the event and your brands future?
As we approach the Glee Fashion Show & Awards, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for all the talent and support that has come together to make this event possible. This show isn’t just a celebration of fashion; it’s a platform for creativity, cultural expression, and empowerment. I believe that fashion has the power to inspire change, and with every step we take, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the industry and the community.
Looking ahead, I am excited for what the future holds for Glee Brand. In the next few years, we plan to expand our reach, collaborate with even more visionary designers, and continue to build a legacy of innovation and inclusivity. Our goal is to create a global platform that celebrates African creativity and brings together talent from all corners of the world.
I invite everyone to join us on this journey, whether as an attendee, designer, or supporter. The best is yet to come, and we’re just getting started!
Conclusion
As Bidex Glee aims to continuing pushing boundaries and elevate Nigerian fashion on a global stage, the upcoming Glee Fashion Show is sure to leave a lasting mark. He also calls for Vendors who would like to exhibit during the event
Interested persons should book their tickets by calling 08136512649 or 09137949469. You can also click here or the graphic below
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