Nigerian Fashion Sensation, Mowalola Ogunlesi, Creating Breathtaking Designs for Kanye West’s New Yeezy Line 

U.K.-based designer, Mowalola Ogunlesi has been making waves in the fashion industry with her unique, bold, and exquisite designs. The Nigerian- British fashion designer and singer who draws inspiration from an apocalyptic universe is known for the gender-fluid nature of her designs which she believes gender constructs don’t need to have certain wardrobe restrictions.

Mowalola designs have been worn by a number of high-profile celebrities, including Naomi Campbell who was spotted wearing a Mowalola gown with a bullet wound design. The dress was interpreted as a statement on gun violence, but on Instagram Ogunlesi clarified the garment was meant to convey a sense of being a walking target.

Other celebrities that are attracted by Mowalola’s designs are Drake, Kim Kardashian West including a collaboration with Nike to design the Nigerian football team’s uniform. 

Mowalola’s life in NIgeria

Mowalola Ogunlesi was born to two Nigerian fashion designers who specialize in children and men’s clothing respectively. She moved to the UK at the age of 12 to attend boarding school in the Surrey countryside. The London-residing designer forged ahead to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Textiles at Central Saint Martins. 

Mowalola enrolled in the Master of Arts programme at Central Saint Martin where she debuted a 70s Nigerian rock scene-inspired menswear collection entitled “Psychedelic,” which showcased her now signature structured skin-exposing tops, straight-leg pants and bright leathers. She dropped out a year after to have more creative freedom in her work. She said to ‘The Peninsulist’  “ I do what I fucking want,” 

Mowalola’s hands-on philosophy

The 28 year old genderless clothing designer is not only known for her stunning designs but also for her strong philosophies and unique perspective to thinking. While talking to Hypebeast Diaries, a leading online destination for men’s contemporary fashion and streetwear, she mentioned that she wouldn’t want to be loved by everybody nor would she like to be a role model to anyone like everyone else as she only strives to be herself.

She said “I don’t want to be everyone’s sweetheart, because I feel like I wouldn’t know myself. I’d just be a puppet. I could never be the best role model to anyone; I’m really just living my life. I don’t want you to do what I am doing. I want you to see me do me, and to figure out what it is to do you”.

Her work with Yeezy Gap line

Ogunlesi’s collaboration with Kanye West on the new Yeezy line is a major milestone in her career. West is known for his innovative and boundary-pushing designs, and his collaboration with Ogunlesi is a testament to her talent and vision. She was brought on as the design director for the Yeezy Gap line in 2020, working alongside Kanye West to create a collection that reflects her bold and daring style.

The Yeezy Gap line is a highly anticipated collaboration between Kanye West and the iconic American fashion brand Gap, with Ogunlesi playing a key role in its development.

Mowalola Ogunlesi is a rising star in the fashion industry, and her collaboration with Kanye West on the new Yeezy line brought her more attention and recognition. Her unique and daring designs are pushing boundaries and making a statement in the fashion world, and we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.