Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Orange Culture is the brainchild of designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal. Having set his mind on becoming a designer from the age of ten, Adebayo then dabbled in different sectors of the fashion industry before deciding to focus his creativity on menswear design. With a colourful aesthetic that collides Nigerian-inspired silhouettes with contemporary urban accents – and an ethical ethos that sees all pieces locally manufactured in Lagos –  Orange Culture has the hallmarks of a brand in it for the long haul. 

SS17 saw Adebayo mine his adolescent years for inspiration, drawing from the rebellious attitude of teenagers for a provocative collection that pushed notions of the school uniform to playful new bounds. Making his international debut with a presentation at London Collections: Men, Adebayo took the first step in bringing his vision to a global stage.

Lina Psaila: How did your involvement with the local fashion industry in Lagos inform your decision to start your own clothing line?
Adebayo Oke-Lawal: I have always wanted to become a designer, even at the tender age of ten I knew I wanted to go into designing. What solidified my desire was my internship experiences with brands like Kiki Kamanu and Zebra Living as well as magazines, fashion shows and also being a stylist. Immersing myself in the entirety of the industry helped me to find my path – which I believe is exactly where my purpose lies.

LP: Can you describe the Orange Culture man in a few words?
AO-L: The Orange Culture man is self-aware, vulnerable, creative and artistic, culturally aware and beautiful.

LP: Why did you decide to focus on menswear?
AO-L: I felt an emotional connection to designing menswear, not to say I didn’t feel it for womenswear, but there was an urgency that I felt Orange Culture needed to address within the men’s industry.

“Shapes are inspired by my definition of what beauty has been, what it is and what I feel it should be.”

LP: How would you describe the main features of the Orange Culture line?
AO-L: We are definitely a brand that’s known for rich and very emotional prints, designed around my diverse cultural background and experiences growing up. Shapes are inspired by my definition of what beauty has been, what it is and what I feel it should be. The Orange Culture brand is also inspired by the modern day African man. He wants to wear clothes that are delicate, vulnerable and emotional. These attributes come across in our choice of fabrication from organza’s to silks, we always choose fabrics that make you feel something.

LP: How does a clothing line from Lagos, Nigeria achieve the crossover to a global brand?
AO-L: Honesty? Consistency and a strong vision. We are only just beginning. 

LP: What has been your biggest challenge and greatest achievement thus far?
AO-L: Crossing over globally, especially as an ‘African brand’, especially in retail. Also the financial restraints as a result of being an independent brand and trying to globalise. Achievements definitely include being able to take the story outside of Nigeria. Giving the industry here a voice that is positive and showing that we can produce quality. The fact that the brand has survived independently and successfully to this point is also super exciting. To many more achievements. 

LP: What do you hope for the future of Orange Culture?
AO-L: That every part of the world has a chance to own a part of, touch, feel, and experience our story. 

LP: Would you ever consider acting as Creative Director for another company for example just like Public School for DKNY?
AO-L: I would love to do it. I’ve thought about it numerous times. I would love to if they would have me.   

LP: Can you name three things that few people know about Lagos?
AO-L: It’s full of so much untapped talent from fashion to arts to agriculture to literature. Secondly, Lagosians are very culturally aware (of cultures far and wide). We do not like to be ignorant. And finally, it’s a very fashion savvy city. We love to look good, smell good, and shop well.

LP: What is fascinating to you about Nigerian street style? And what does a young Nigerian professional like to wear on a day-to-day basis?
AO-L: There’s an organic-ness about Lagos style that I love. Plus we love colour. The Nigerian professional is looking for clothes that speak on his/her behalf. They want clothes that make them feel beautiful and confident. You notice soon enough that in this country, everyone, regardless of their profession, cares about how they look. 

For more on Orange Culture visit the brand’s website.