FASHION

Fashion Designer Extraordinaire, Mai Atafo Speaks On The State Of Nigerian Fashion

Published

50 mins ago

October 22, 2024

Mai Atafo On The Nigerian Fashion | fab.ng

“I don’t mind introducing myself to people. I don’t assume everyone knows me,” Mai Atafo says to a room of journalists who just watched a documentary about his record-breaking 2023 fashion show at the Eko Hotel.

The fashion show held at the Eko Hotel main hall marked a groundbreaking moment as the first of its kind in Nigeria. Known primarily for hosting concerts and award shows, the expansive venue can accommodate up to 6,000 people, making it a fitting location for such a high-profile event.

Ohimai Atafo, better known as Mai, is the visionary founder of Atafo, one of Nigeria’s leading fashion brands. Through his work, Mai has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry.

Despite this, he actively expresses concern that the Nigerian fashion industry does not receive the respect it deserves, both locally and internationally.

“People still think we’re just tailors; I still meet people who are upset that my shirt costs ₦250,000.”

He adds that imitation frequently fails since making a good outfit requires far more than people realise.

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A post shared by Mai Atafo (@maiatafo)

Mai draws a comparison between this and the widespread acceptance of luxury fashion.

He pointed out that one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Bernard Arnault, owns a number of premium fashion labels.

“Look at the size of MTN’s office in Marina. A fashion label in Nigeria should be that big too.”

He urges Nigeria and its government to consider the millions of luxury fashion brands around the world that drive economic growth and contribute significantly to their countries’ economies.

“Nigerians may love fashion, but they don’t truly appreciate it.”

Atafo has dressed many of Nigeria’s most stylish men and women, with celebrities like Ebuka Obi-Uchendu showcasing his creativity and craftsmanship. His success comes as no surprise, given that he refined his suit-making skills on Savile Row in England, the birthplace of modern tailoring.

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While many grooms dream of wearing an Atafo suit, his expertise extends far beyond suits. He has successfully ventured into women’s fashion, ready-to-wear collections, and bridal wear, proving his versatility as a designer.

Although Atafo takes pride in running a profitable fashion business, he believes there is still much more to achieve. He sees no reason why Nigerian fashion designers shouldn’t attain the same international success as Afrobeat artists. However, to reach that level, he insists designers must break free from the limitations of the Nigerian economic climate, which can stifle growth.

Atafo also highlights the strained relationship between Nigeria’s media and the fashion industry. Reflecting on his experiences, he expresses disappointment with the Nigerian press for their lack of support. He believes has hindered the industry’s potential for global recognition.

“It was the first of its kind, but they were asking for payment,” he says.

Mai Atafo is a former Business Lead at British American Tobacco and Senior Brand Manager at Guinness Nigeria.

He understands the financial necessity of media companies. However, he believes that Nigerian media often places profit above the importance of honest, investigative journalism.

He seeks the opinion of Cynthia Lawrence, the head of strategy. “The New York Times asked for permission to use our images, right?” he asks. “Yes,” she confirms.

Mai has mixed emotions about his record-breaking fashion show in 2023. He felt obligated to his sponsors to promote their products and set a new industry standard.

He accomplished both goals, but at a significant cost that didn’t result in increased sales. Now, he realizes that his designs appeal to a specific group of customers. Similarly, it is how not everyone can afford a Hermès bag.

He quips, “We focus on our clientele now. After all, they don’t call us (non-billionaires) when private jets are being auctioned.”

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Make Your Fashion Style More Eco-friendly With These 5 Tips

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FASHION

Make Your Fashion Style More Eco-friendly With These 5 Tips

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Eco-Friendly Fashion Style in 5 Steps | fab.ng

Today, making sustainable choices in every aspect of life, especially fashion, is more crucial than ever. The fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution, using excessive water, and harmful chemicals, and generating large amounts of waste. Embracing an eco-friendly fashion style helps reduce these negative impacts.

By choosing eco-friendly fashion styles, we can minimize waste and promote sustainable materials, helping protect the environment. However, making small changes to your wardrobe and shopping habits can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

Here are five steps to help you make your fashion style more eco-friendly:

1. Invest in High-Quality, Sustainable Pieces

One of the best ways to make your fashion style more eco-friendly is to invest in high-quality, sustainable pieces. These items may cost more upfront, but they will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Look for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, and recycled fabrics. Brands that prioritize ethical production practices and fair labour standards are also worth considering.

2. Shop Secondhand and Vintage

Shopping secondhand and vintage is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces offer a wide variety of clothing options at affordable prices. By choosing secondhand items, you’re giving clothes a second life and reducing the demand for new production.

3. Borrow or Rent Clothing

For special occasions or trendy items, consider borrowing or renting clothing instead of buying something new. This is a sustainable option that allows you to experiment with different styles without adding to your wardrobe. Many rental services offer a variety of options, from formal dresses to casual outfits.

4. Repair and Alter Your Clothes

Instead of discarding damaged or ill-fitting clothes, consider repairing or altering them. Small repairs like mending seams or replacing buttons can extend the life of your garments. Tailoring can also help you customize your clothes to fit you perfectly, making them more comfortable and wearable.

5. Reduce Your Clothing Consumption

One of the most effective ways to make your fashion style more eco-friendly is to reduce your overall clothing consumption. This means being more mindful of what you buy and avoiding impulse purchases. Focus on building a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.

What are some eco-friendly fashion brands to consider?

There are many eco-friendly fashion brands to choose from, but some of the most popular include Patagonia, Everlane, Reformation, and Eileen Fisher. These brands are known for their commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and high-quality materials.

How can I reduce my fashion waste?

Reducing your fashion waste involves being mindful of your consumption habits and finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose your clothes. Consider donating unwanted items to charity, selling them online, or using them for DIY projects.

What is the difference between fast fashion and slow fashion?

Fast fashion refers to the production of cheap, trendy clothing that is often made from low-quality materials and under poor working conditions.

Slow fashion, on the other hand, emphasizes quality, sustainability, and ethical production. Slow fashion pieces are designed to last longer and have a smaller environmental impact.

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FASHION

SheyeOladejo Wows At Africa Fashion Week London 2024 With Her ‘Èjìré’ Collection

Published

4 days ago

October 18, 2024

Reporter

Sheye Oladejo at AFWL 2024 with her 'Èjìré' Collection | fab.ng

The 2024 edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) was a resounding celebration of African heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship. One of the highlights was when Sheye Oladejo made her runway debut, showcasing her latest collection, “Èjìré.

From her humble beginnings in Ile-Ife to gracing the pages of Vogue and taking centre stage at AFWL, Oladejo’s journey is a testament to her talent and dedication. Her luxury fashion brand, Scqueeze, presented a stunning collection at the Kensington & Chelsea Conference Centre.

Inspired by the folklore of twins in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, “Èjìré” embodied the mystical and dual nature of the African woman. Each piece resonated with themes of identity, strength, and tradition, blending modern sophistication with rich cultural heritage.

In Yoruba culture, twins are revered as symbols of prosperity and protection. Oladejo skillfully captured this essence in her designs, using Aso-Oke and Adire fabrics to create a distinctive look that was both timeless and contemporary.

Sheye Oladejo shared her inspiration for the Èjìré collection:

“The Èjìré collection is a tribute to the strength and resilience of African women. By fusing Aso-Oke and Adire, I wanted to create pieces that honor our heritage while allowing today’s woman to express herself boldly in a modern world.”

Oladejo demonstrates her unwavering commitment to craftsmanship through her meticulous work. Notably, she partnered with local artisans to create the Èjìré collection. This is where each artisan applied their generations-old expertise and precise attention to detail to craft every piece.

Through this collaboration, Oladejo successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements.

“Every stitch tells a story,” she remarked after the show. “Working alongside artisans who have mastered their craft is humbling and a reminder of the deep-rooted legacy we continue with each design.”

Fashion influencers, industry insiders, and cultural tastemakers in the audience marveled at how the collection masterfully balanced elegance with power.

Oladejo captivated viewers through her diverse designs, ranging from ethereal flowing gowns to bold structured silhouettes. The striking Èjìré collection has firmly established her as an emerging force in the global fashion scene.

While the AFWL presentation offered an exciting glimpse of Oladejo’s work, fashion enthusiasts must wait until November for the official launch of the complete Èjìré collection. This anticipated release will likely further cement SheyeOladejo’s growing influence in the fashion industry.

Africa Fashion Week London continues its legacy as a crucial platform for showcasing African design talent. This year, Oladejo’s Èjìré collection particularly stood out, brilliantly highlighting African craftsmanship while demonstrating the continent’s dynamic creative energy.

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FASHION

9 Nigerian Streetwear Brands Changing The Fashion Scene

Published

1 week ago

October 13, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigerian Streetwear Brands Changing The Fashion Scene | fab.ng

Nigerian streetwear brands have transformed the fashion industry. Significantly, these brands contributed to the remarkable growth of the fashion industry in a highly profitable sector.

Market analysts valued the global streetwear market at $185 billion in 2019. Consequently, experts predict substantial growth for Nigerian streetwear brands in the coming years.

Currently, innovative homegrown Nigerian streetwear brands are actively reshaping Nigeria’s fashion landscape. As a result, these trailblazing labels incorporate themes of elegance, revive Y2K aesthetics, and create glamorous armour-like designs. Moreover, Nigerian Gen-Z and millennial individuals eagerly express their unique style through these Nigerian streetwear brands.

Notably, the alte subculture has primarily driven the surge in streetwear fashion consumption in Nigeria. In particular, young Nigerians in this community actively embrace unconventional fashion styles and challenge traditional gender norms. Furthermore, as Nigerian streetwear brands continue to thrive, they actively foster extensive sartorial experimentation. Also, they inspire various genres and subcultures to emerge.

Most importantly, pioneering designers have actively spearheaded this movement and successfully connected different communities through their fashion creations. Subsequently, these visionary creators have established Nigerian streetwear brands that deserve recognition and attention.

Therefore, let us introduce you to nine groundbreaking Nigerian streetwear brands that are making waves in the fashion industry.

1. Severe Nature

Severe Nature, a Nigerian-Canadian streetwear brand, was founded in 2012 by Tobi Adeleye, Christopher Afolabi, and the late Michael Atobalele (Uzii). They launched a Nigerian branch in 2016, recognizing the need for local fashion options.

Severe Nature brings contemporary streetwear with a bold twist, drawing inspiration from redefined Y2K aesthetics such as cropped tops and denim outfits. Their designs bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering inclusivity through innovative and stylish collections.

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2. WafflesnCream (Waf.)

WafflesnCream, founded in 2012 by Jomi Marcus-Bello, is a Nigerian skate label that has significantly impacted the West African skate subculture. The brand captures the spirit of skateboarding with items like skateboards, bolts, patterned wheels, and vibrant checkered bucket hats.

WafflesnCream blends contemporary style with Nigerian heritage, offering a unique fusion of traditional Ankara print baggy trousers, t-shirts, and “uncle” shirts. This seamless mix of modern fashion and cultural history has positioned WafflesnCream as a leader in the fashion world.

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3. David Blackmoore

David Blackmoore (DB), founded by Asaju Samuel and Asiafa Oghenefego in 2015, is a prominent Nigerian streetwear brand shaping urban fashion trends. Known for its bold designs, DB stands out with back-printed t-shirts, vibrant colours, and oversized tops.

Notable pieces like the “Mood like Fela” t-shirts and the flower-detailed sleeve “harvest” shirts make DB a go-to brand for mastering streetwear. Their dedication to Nigerian culture shines through references to the country’s history, which gives the brand a strong local identity.

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4. Street Souk

Founded by Iretidayo Zacchaeus in 2018, Street Souk celebrates African streetwear within Nigeria’s flourishing fashion scene. This brand is passionate about elevating Nigerian streetwear culture and offers a platform to showcase its vibrancy and potential.

Street Souk continues to play a crucial role in defining the future of African street fashion, embracing the energy and creativity of Nigeria’s evolving style landscape.

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5. Cult

Cult, a streetwear brand founded in 2018, puts community at the heart of its designs. Known for its iconic Calabasas font-style logo, the brand offers a high-quality collection of t-shirts, trucker hats, and bucket hats.

Cult has also collaborated with notable personalities like Davido and Kiddominant, showcasing its expanding influence. By working with top graphic designers and using the finest materials, Cult consistently delivers standout products that resonate with streetwear enthusiasts.

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6. NACK

NACK (Nigerian Articulate Culture Kullection), founded by Tolulope Akinpeloye in 2006, embraces the Afropolitan identity, reaching both Africans in the diaspora and those born and raised in Africa.

This brand was created to address the complex issue of identity while offering a platform for self-expression. With a wide selection of stylish pieces including shirts, sneakers, accessories, and face masks, NACK bridges cultural gaps and celebrates Africa’s rich heritage.

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7. Meji Meji

Meji Meji, founded by Tolu Oye, has an inspiring origin story. Before launching her brand, Tolu designed unique face masks and bucket hat combinations for her college peers.

Embracing her creativity and overcoming her fears, she established Meji Meji as a streetwear brand catering to women who love vibrant colours and bold cultural styles. Meji Meji delivers high-quality, functional streetwear that allows individuals to express their confidence through fashion.

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8. Vivendii

Vivendii, a Nigerian fashion brand founded by Jimmy Ayeni, Ola Badiru, and Anthony Oye in 2011, started as a collective of bloggers using Tumblr to share their unique style.

Over time, their love for fashion evolved, leading them to create custom shirts while pursuing academic goals. Their talent caught the attention of renowned fashion figures like Franca Sozzani and Roberto Cavalli, inspiring them to establish their own brand in Lagos.

Vivendii blends streetwear and high fashion, honouring their Nigerian roots while showcasing their creative approach to fashion. The brand’s name, derived from the Latin phrase “Modus Vivendii,” meaning “our way of living,” reflects this ethos.

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9. ashluxe

Founded by celebrity designer Yinka Ash, ashluxe is redefining luxury streetwear in Nigeria with its avant-garde approach. The brand has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs that blend craftsmanship with youthful aesthetics.

From accessories to seasonal collections, ashluxe consistently pushes boundaries, establishing itself as a leading force in luxury streetwear in both Nigeria and the diaspora.

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Many more streetwear brands operate in Nigeria beyond this list. We invite you to share additional brands you know in the comments section below.

Fashion enthusiasts actively discover new Nigerian streetwear labels every day, and your contributions will help others explore the diverse landscape of Nigerian street fashion.

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