“We’re trying to eliminate those frustrating online shopping experiences in the design and fashion world where finding something that actually fits is more difficult than finding something you love,” Okoro explained. “I have a lot of experience with this being a plus-size girl. It’s a reality more and more shoppers – not just online shoppers – from every demographic are dealing with every day. It’s frustrating to pay more for something because you have to have it taken-in, fitted, or break it in. I want to change that. That’s the motivation behind this online community. Your choice, your measurements.” “People want to do their window shopping and their actual shopping from home and that means fashion designers have to look to new ways to get their latest creations noticed. Self-promotion has become more of a mantra these days for everyone and that’s where Makingtheperfectfit.com comes in.” Where better to base a business built on choice and voice than in the shadows of Parliament Hill, Canada’s bastion of federal government. “Perfect Fit is based in Ottawa but everything is done online. We are a platform connect- ing fashion designers with shoppers and an online mar- ketplace where we allow fashion designers to create their own boutiques and shops,” Okoro outlined. “They are able to upload their designs and connect with the shopper directly in order to provide specific, custom designs to every aspect of their size. We don’t have restrictions on what the designer can post. In other words, they don’t need approval from me to profile and sell a new design. They upload it instantly. They have full control of what they post and what we sell. Perfect Fit is the ultimate in custom fashion.” Okoro’s business model expertly links the wants of the sovereign shopper with the self-promotive needs of contemporary fashion designers. “For designers, it’s extremely expensive to start your own collections. It’s dif- ficult because creating inventory comes with more chal- lenges than people think. You have to take a look at the state of the industry and ask yourself ‘How many of this design should I produce in the small, medium, and large size ranges?’ and these upfront inventory costs really stop a lot of people before they start. It’s also tough when you have to sell each piece just to break even. We’re trying to break down that wall. So every time you make that dress, for example, you’re making a profit. This is the perfect setup for young designers.”
“We are a platform connecting fashion designers with shoppers.”
“Another thing to consider,” Okoro continued, “is that
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS • NOVEMBER 2016
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