When La Mode Magazine unveiled its 53rd edition in April 2020 featuring Nollywood actress Linda Osifo, the fashion world paused for a moment. The striking cover look a sculpted wine-red and ivory gown did more than capture attention; it introduced a new voice in Nigerian fashion creativity: Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu, the visionary behind Boriah Couture.
This masterpiece was part of her graduating collection titled “Becoming,” a body of work that symbolized her artistic evolution, personal journey, and the transformation of a young designer stepping fearlessly into the world of haute couture.
In this exclusive interview, Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu opens up about the inspiration behind Becoming, the creative philosophy that drives Boriah Couture, and the story behind the unforgettable piece chosen for the La Mode cover.
La Mode: Your graduating collection is titled “Becoming.” Tell us the inspiration behind this beautiful body of work.
Goodluck Jane:
“Becoming represents growth, self-discovery, and the transition from where I was as a fashion student to where I envisioned myself as a full-fledged creative. It was a deeply personal journey. Every piece was a reflection of metamorphosis the shedding of fear, the embracing of strength, and the courage to step into my identity as a designer.
I wanted the collection to capture the fluidity of becoming: the highs, the uncertainties, the boldness, and the grace. That is why the designs carry strong silhouettes balanced with soft, flowing elements. The fabrics, the textures, and the colors all speak to the idea of evolution.”
La Mode: What emotions and messages were you hoping to communicate through the collection?
Goodluck Jane:
“I wanted Becoming to feel powerful yet vulnerable because transformation is both. The collection blends structure and softness to show that strength doesn’t erase femininity; it enhances it. The embroidery, the curves of the patterns, and the regal color palette all highlight the journey of women who rise, redefine themselves, and own their stories.
I also wanted each outfit to feel like a chapter. When you see the entire collection together, it narrates a story of boldness, resilience, and identity.”
La Mode: Let’s talk about the iconic piece from the collection used for our April 2020 cover featuring Linda Osifo. What inspired its design?
Goodluck Jane:
“That piece now famously associated with the La Mode cover was created to embody elegance, power, and grace. The deep wine-red velvet bodice symbolized depth, strength of character, and passion. The patterning on the fabric was intentional it represented internal beauty, the emotions we carry, and the stories we don’t always tell.
The flowing ivory cape and skirt introduced softness, purity, and transition. It was my way of showing movement from one phase to another. The way the cape drapes is symbolic of shedding old layers while stepping boldly into new light.
When I created it, I envisioned a woman of presence someone who walks into a room and shifts the atmosphere. Seeing Linda Osifo wear it and elevate it with her poise was truly powerful. She brought the soul of the design to life.”
La Mode: What made this design stand out for a magazine cover moment?
Goodluck Jane:
“It is a statement piece. The dramatic contrast between the ivory and wine-red is visually compelling. The structure is regal, and the draping is cinematic. It strikes a balance between couture drama and wearable sophistication ideal for a cover that needed to feel iconic.
And Linda Osifo embodied the exact energy the piece was created for. She wore it with confidence, elegance, and a quiet strength that aligned perfectly with the message behind Becoming.”
La Mode: Boriah Couture is recognized for craftsmanship. How did that influence “Becoming”?
Goodluck Jane:
“I put my heart into the craftsmanship every cut, every stitch, every fold. I wanted the collection to announce professionalism, precision, and artistic integrity. The graduating collection wasn’t just a school project; it was the foundation on which I wanted to build Boriah Couture.
The piece featured on your cover took hours of pattern calibration, hand-finishing, and fitting adjustments. It was important that the garment not only looked stunning but moved gracefully and felt luxurious.”
La Mode: How has this collection shaped the direction of Boriah Couture moving forward?
Goodluck Jane:
“Becoming is the root of everything I am building. It reminds me to grow, reinvent myself, and embrace creativity without fear. The response from the La Mode feature to the feedback from fashion enthusiasts encouraged me to expand Boriah Couture into a brand that celebrates bold, expressive, and meticulously crafted designs.
Moving forward, my vision is to create pieces that empower women, tell stories, and push the boundaries of African couture.”
Goodluck Jane:
“Having my graduating collection acknowledged and featured on La Mode Magazine’s cover is a milestone I will always cherish. It affirmed that dreams backed with courage, discipline, and creativity always unfold beautifully. Becoming wasn’t just a collection it was a declaration of who I am and who I am still evolving to be.”
Cover Credits (April 2020 Edition)
Cover Star: Linda Osifo
Styling: Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu Boriah Couture
Outfit: @boriahcouture
Makeup: @adalinebeauty
Hair: Tonia
Graphics: @benzikmedia
Publisher: @sandraodige