“One of our typical core values as a brand is standing out, and creating pieces that showcase this is a great way of portraying that value, says Sadic, the creative designer behind the sartorial menswear brand Rogue NG. Founded in 2012 as a T-shirt and urban wear company, the brand has dressed the likes of Neo Akpofure and Adekunle Gold.
While men, Nigerian men included, have stuck to the traditional black tuxedos and suits on and off the red carpet, Sadic has established an aesthetic that pushes the norms of menswear fashion.The collection showcases a blend of classic menswear tailoring, bold colors, traditional silhouettes, palatial embroidery, intricate crystal and rhinestone detailing, and ethereal motifs, celebrating the elegance and regality of Africans and Black men worldwide.
As you read, you’ll get to see Rogue‘s Autumn Winter 2023 ‘Hues of Splendor’ through the creative lens with a trinity of muses that included Leo Dasilva, Sammy Francis, and Obehi Aburime.
1. How did your passion for fashion and clothing start?
I’ve always had the knack for style growing up but my fashion journey began at 17 in my second year of university. A friend introduced me into T-shirt design and I started making and selling T-shirts to friends and schoolmates. As time went on I delved into other forms of clothing which as brought us to this point.
2. Your tailoring often shifts from the typical normcore (plain black) when it comes to menswear. Why is that?
One of our typical core values as a brand is standing out and creating pieces that showcase this is a great way of portraying that value. We have also been fusing haute couture into our menswear to make sure we uphold our philosophy of being different and bold.
3. Tell us what sparked inspiration for AW23.
I wanted to create a collection that bridges the gap between classic menswear, haute couture and traditional fashion. A collection that would cater to the variety of our target market and also stand out.
4. There’s also a fusion of African wear in your collection. What inspired that?
It’s unarguable that western fashion is a huge influence in fashion in all parts of the world but as African fashion brands, we should also promote our indigenous traditional fashion. The wedding sector is also part of our primary customer base and we can all agree that no Nigerian groom is getting married without at least one traditional outfit.
5. How do your personal style and vision fuel your work?
I can’t say my personal style fuels my work in any major way but my vision does in terms of the colors I use (black and gold are my favorite colors), my love for crystals and rhinestones as well as my passion for creative direction and image architecture.
6. Finally, Nigerian designers are finally getting the recognition they deserve. What do you think can be done to boost the fashion industry?
Many things can be done to achieve that and amongst them is the government establishing a palatable business environment for fashion brands to thrive in. Giving grants and low interest loans to designers will also go along way in boosting the fashion industry.
7. Going through your feed, there’s a vast clientele list. Who have you enjoyed working with?
We have enjoyed working with all of them but our most enjoyable client has to be Adekunle Gold.
View The Collection
Check out their official Instagram page
Creative direction: Sadic
Photography: Wilson Onwuka
Film: Ibrahim
Talent: Leo Dasilva, Sammy Francis, Obehi Aburime
Studio team: Afolabi, Ayomidele, Ridwan
Photography team: Zheinom, Damisi