Black Teen Becomes Youngest Ever To Show At Men’s NYFW

 

History for The Culture was just made as 19-year-old Nigerian-born designer Taofeek Abijako became the youngest male designer to present a collection at New York Fashion Week on July 11th 2018. Taofeek presented the 2019 spring/summer collection for his brand Head of State+, a high-end streetwear brand heavily influenced by both West African youth culture and 70’s afro-futurism.

For being a new brand Head of State+ has had a meteoric rise. As soon as it was launched, Japanese luxury retailer United Arrows found Taofeek’s lookbook on Twitter and began stocking the brand immediately. Then The New York Times Style Magazine labeled Head of State+ a “brand to watch”. All this while Taofeek was a senior in high school and had only been living in america for two years after migrating from Nigeria with his parents. And now he’s showing at New York Fashion Week.

But even with things moving so quickly, Taofeek has a vision and is focused. “I approach Head of State+ as less of a brand and more of a case study,” Taofeek told the CFDA. “It’s me digging into my cultural upbringing while trying to have a firm grasp and understanding of it.” Taofeek is providing the new blueprint for how young designers can bypass the fashion industry’s hierarchy and establish their brand with without major financial backing or formal training. And at the same time, doing it for The Culture.

Checkout his website: www.headofstateny.com

 

 

Written by @TalentedMrFord

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