Adebayo Oke-Lawal on Re-defining Masculinity and Finding Purpose in Challenging the Status Quo

Although virtual and lengthy, the designer maintained a friendly disposition. Earlier, he had mentioned that preparations were ongoing for a show in Paris. Strapped for time and unbelievably busy, yet he created time just for this. He talked freely and shared intimate details about his passion and vision. Bayo made jokes, laughed at mine, and we bonded briefly over Orchids, his favourite flower, coincidentally, mine as well. Even during connectivity and power issues, he remained patient with us and carried a charisma that was easy to read even with his camera turned off… - Edidiong Eton

Adebayo Oke Lawal is a foremost Nigerian fashion designer and creator of the luxury brand “Orange Culture” which was founded back in 2011. Bayo had always had a penchant for fashion and design and carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian clothing scene. The fashion mogul insists that Orange Culture is not just a brand but a “movement” that covers universal silhouettes with an African touch to a creative class of men, translating into a heady mixture of Nigerian-inspired print fabrics, colour, and contemporary urban streetwear.

“A brand is more than clothing, we don’t just create shirts and pants, we tell stories and create conversations that people may not necessarily want to have. Especially in Nigeria…”