Mowalola Trail-Blazes A New Path For Black Designers
Written by Danielle Wright
Have you ever looked at “futuristic fashion” in early 2000s movies and couldn’t wait to turn the clock forward so you could sport these iconic fits? On the contrary, you find out that today’s fashion can mostly disappoint and not reach the expectations you’ve envisioned. Luckily, Black luxury has finally made its debut with Black designers getting into their bags-literally. Nigerian born and London raised Creator, Mowalola Ogunlesi is very high on the list of designers to watch, especially after making headline news revealing her 10-year appointed Design Director partnership for Yeezy Gap. Mowalola takes fashion out of the box with her wild color choices yet ritzy patterns to turn you into the early 2000s hottie you were meant to be.
When you’re born to two Nigerian fashion designers, it’s no surprise that designing is your destiny. After receiving her BA in fashion at Central Saint Martins- University of the Arts London, her fashion legacy ascended. At only 25 years-old, Mowalola has made groundbreaking strides with her styles.
Her latest SS20 campaign, visually highlights Black models through bright turquoise, fire red-orange and lime looks. While models complete the collection with neon wigs, boots and the signature, must-have Tie Dye Sunglasses that ranges in six color ways: lime, mustard, navy, magenta and pink. Throughout the collection leather and PVC textiles are widely used, which is nothing new for the designer, but the intriguing looks that come from it. The intensity of the collection is what “Black Goth” could be, yet the brighter hues is what makes it fun.
As the masses await for the next Telfar drop, its’ Mowalola sister may be an even harder yet longer wait. The circular “Bundle Bag” comes in Blue, Mango and White, but the Acid Cow is what’s “it.” The nappa leather and calfskin bag is the perfect mini for “one of those nights” with its black and lime green mixture and runs about $750 when converted to USD.
As if her fierce style isn’t enough, her extensive resume definitely is. She’s been worn by Drake, Solange, Steve Lacy, Kelela and recent billionaire model, Kim Kardashian-West- who Mowalola posted on her Instagram wearing a two piece leather fit, along with Kanye. She’s also created looks for Skepta’s “Pure Water” music video and was approached by British Vogue to design for Barbie for it’s 60th anniversary.
When it comes to fashion, originality and flair is what’s going to last, and Mowalola is built with both. Being able to combine variant elements to create cohesive looks, like the distinct cutouts from her tops, or the divergent stitching in the leather pants, is what makes her artistry incomparable. Mowalola is daring when it comes to Black fashion. It’s more than colorful wigs or exuberant patterns, it’s further proving how perfectly crafted Black people are and how she’s the answer to the garments needed to express it entirely.