This week the Nigerian-born fashion designer Taofeek Abijako made history twice: first by being one of the few Nigerians to represent the country at the New York Fashion Week, and then by becoming the youngest designer to be featured at the 2018 event. Find out more right now!
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1. Background
Taofeek Abijako was born in Nigeria 19 years ago, but has since relocated to Albany, New York, United States. He comes from a creative family: while still living in Nigeria, his father was a trained and accomplished clothing designer, which sparked Taofeek’s desire to create fashion of his own.
Taofeek Abijako had aspirations for becoming a designer for years, but it wasn’t until the last few years that he got serious about it. At first the designer worked from his own bedroom, but now that his latest collection was featured at the NYFW, we can expect great things from Taofeek.
2. Inspiration
Taofeek’s fashion label is called Head of State+. The inspiration behind all of the designer’s work is simple: he remembers the vibrant colours and impressive shapes his father dealt with while designing clothes in Nigeria, and that’s exactly what sparked Taofeek’s imagination.
Today Taofeek Abijako is focused on combining his love for Nigerian traditional garments with the modern approach to clothing. He largely relies on his cultural heritage to make clothes that receive attention and praise from the media and other famous designers.
When asked about his sources of inspiration for creating clothes that truly turn heads, Taofeek confessed that he’s fascinated by the West African youth culture of the 1970s and especially the personality and accomplishments of the iconic musician Fela Kuti.
3. Previous collections
“Genesis” wasn’t Taofeek’s first ever complete collection. He had two previous collections that were also well-received, although they didn’t get featured on the biggest US fashion event of the year.
The first collection was called “Cruel Hands”, and the idea behind it was “Disorder: In Mutiny We Trust”. The second collection designed by Taofeek Abijako called “Hooligans” was as thought-provoking as the first one with a slogan “Palaver Child”.
4. “Genesis” at NYFW
According to the official statement from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Taofeek Abijako‘s most recent collection is an homage to Taofeek’s past. It’s a representation of the designer’s cultural background through a contemporary perspective.
When asked about the way he would describe “Genesis”, Taofeek said that his collection is dedicated to minimalist streetwear with social and political commentary. Check out the highlights from Taofeek Abijako‘s first internationally recognized collection!
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