As a designer, you can find inspiration anywhere. From the art you see in the streets to the music you listen to, inspiration is everywhere.
For the Head of State Fall 2023 Ready to Wear collection, designer Taofeek Abijako was inspired by his homeland of Nigeria and his new home of New York. What sparked this inspiration was his father’s journey that he attempted to embark on in the early 2000s.
The goal was to travel from Lagos, Nigeria to Spain in order to find a better life for himself and his family. Even though the journey stopped in Libya due to homesickness which Abijako recounted in his statement to Vogue, “At one point, he said he could taste what Lagos tasted like — that’s what made him stop the journey,” the tale of his migration led him down the memories of his home in Nigeria, his new home in New York and how he is connected to both.
The collection featured both menswear and womenswear that capture the essence of Nigeria through “the silhouettes, cut-outs, and embroideries” and the aesthetics of New York through the modern styling. The color palette is also a stand out with a mixture of pastel blues, emerald greens, mustard yellows, bold reds and angelic whites. These colors are an alluring tribute to West Africa and even the journey Abijako’s father made.
With blues that can be match to the ocean and the ranges of yellows can be a symbol of the land described by Abijako stating
“It’s reminiscent of the dusty soil texture that’s common in Western Africa.”
It’s also amazing seeing the androgynous- inspired designs on some of the garments giving everyone an opportunity to wear these pieces in any way they see fit, also matching the freedom in fashion and style that is seen in New York and in fashion in general.
The Head of State Fall 2023 RTW collection was both sentimental and visually stunning. Just one look and you can tell that each piece had a special story attached as the models glided down the runway.
Even the collaboration with artist Ambrose Rhapsody Murray, featuring printed button-up organza tops with a photo of the designer’s mom doing his naming ceremony added such a special nod to this wonderful collection. Taofeek Abijako not only created works of art in his Fall 2023 RTW collection but also a moving homage to his family and to his native home of Nigeria.
Watch the show below: