Meet Baba Jagne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Baba Jagne.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was fortunate enough to be born into a family of talented tailors designers including my siblings, parents, and uncles. Excited to follow in their footsteps, I excitedly I made my school uniforms as my first sewing project. While in school, I learned the fundamentals of garment construction when I became an apprentice in my brother’s atelier. Shocked by my talent, he gave him my first job when he saw my talent superseded his hired workers.

Soon after, my work ethic, skill, and enthusiasm for tailoring landed me a job at Aunty Ida’s atelier, when my older brother personally called in the favor. This was a key turning point in My life because this atelier sat in a 5-star hotel, in the prominent side of town, boasting European tourists and diplomats as their clients. It was here that My skills elevated most because I learned new techniques when the high-end clients would bring in European designs to be replicated. Dissecting the luxury designs first hand, taught him vastly, that soon he was promoted to head tailor where he was in charge of women’s wear and intricately detailed, menswear. My skill and eye to deliver detail and a clean design led to many clients coming solely for me. However, after a few years, I peacefully departed ways. My quest took me across continents to pursue the American dream.

Upon arrival to the US, I briefly lived in New York and Detroit before I found home and settled in Los Angeles to design full time. I knew the city was it for me as I could see and feel the potential instantly. However, because I did not know how the fashion industry was structured, I went straight into business to learn it hands on. I was anxious to have my designs seen so I began designing my own wardrobe for personal use. When many prominent LA stylists complimented my work, I was inspired to create my first collection. JAGNE the brand found its way on the backs of many celebrities including Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, Keith powers, Akon, Jason Derulo, just to name a few and has inspired many publications.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Finding the right atelier to recreate the samples. However, this delay for the brand only sparked inspiration for my next move. Knowing that there was a difficulty locating quality sample makers in Los Angeles, I saw this as an opportunity and quickly went into business with a partner with my own manufacturing house. Word of mouth spread quickly and I got many jobs from aspiring designers, athletes and even entertainers such as Beyonce, Lorde Pitbull just to name a few. While business was good, it wasn’t my dream. Working 12-13 hours a day, all seven days of the week. Was draining and I knew it was time to step away and get back to what gave me purpose.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
There are two part to my business.
1. JAGNE the clothing brand.
2. JAGNE designs space is specialized in product development.

We offer services like design, pattern making, fabric sourcing, sample making, custom one-offs, and small run productions. We also offer tailoring/alterations for shoots, movie sets and for various high profile clients getting ready for award shows and events.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Its been a major shift since the age of social media. Designer are able the to show and sell without having to go through the traditional establishments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jagne.co
• Phone: 3107706291
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @jagne.co

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