This year’s New York Fashion Week will feature its youngest designer ever!
Nigerian-born Taofeek Abijako, 19, will present his 2019 Spring/Summer collection called “Genesis” as “[a] minimalist streetwear approach with social and political commentary.”
Using vibrant colors, cropped pants and sweaters with high necklines, Abijako’s clothes are reminiscent of his home country. He believes that his work portrays “the vibrancy of West African youth culture in the 70s and Fela Kuti.”
Fela Kuti, a renowned musician and political activist, is Abijako’s personal hero.
Two years ago, while the young designer was still in high school, he founded his label called “Head of State.”
Abijako premiered his first collection, which was appropriately entitled “Genesis,” on July 11th.
Like all other success stories, Abijako’s dream was not achieved overnight. Being passionate about fashion is not a cheap endeavor.
In order to generate enough funds to even begin his line, the determined high school student hand-painted an old pair of white vans and sold them online. One pair sold turned to two pairs, and so on.
Eventually, Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg shared her own pair of custom-painted vans on social media. This exposure helped Abijako to fund “Genesis.”
On average, in-house production of a clothing line costs about $10,000. Abijako’s first collection, however, only cost $2,000 to create.
While still in school, the artist took his ambition to social media to showcase his very first lookbook. Just weeks later, Japanese luxury retailer United Arrows reached out to him via e-mail to express their interest.
Abijako and the brand’s representatives quickly met in Manhattan. While the representatives were surprised to see such a young
artist, United Arrows decided to carry the entire collection.
Abijako stated: “I didn’t have the best resources, but I took advantage of what I had.”
Abijako’s friend, Aden Suchark, shot the lookbook. Other members of his creative crew, Youth FX, were enlisted to turn Abijako’s vision into a reality.
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
