HEAD OF STATE+ makes its debut at New York Fashion Week: Men’s
The Nigerian born designer premiered his SS18 collection titled “Fulfilling All Righteousness.”
When it comes to New York Men’s Day, I’m always eager to see the new and emerging talents they have to offer. After years of covering New York Fashion Week, I have to admit the repetitious nature can become tiresome. So a fresh face with something significant to say is always welcome. HEAD OF STATE+ was just that.
Taofeek Abijako the designer behind the HEAD OF STATE + brand is just 19 years old. Born and raised in Nigeria Abijako came to the states in 2010. He launched the brand last year while in high school. This season marks his first time showing at New York Fashion Week: Men’s.
Although Abijako’s father was a fashion designer he didn’t become interested in fashion design until recently. “At first I didn’t take on to fashion. I was more of an artist painting and all of that. Fashion eventually came later on. The idea first came to me when I was 16. But it was way too early for like financial support and all that crazy stuff.”
For his spring/summer 2018 collection, Abijako looked to his Nigerian roots and pulled inspiration from West African artists and photographers. “This collection was inspired by post-colonialism and colonialism in Western Africa. I referenced photographers such as Malick Sidibe, Seydou Keïta and Clic Clac Baby. They pretty much captured the attitude of how the Africans reacted post-colonialism. Relating that to my cultural upbringing and moving to the west, with western culture assimilation. Connecting the subjects and kind of putting together this case study for the collection.”
The collection offered a bright and bold primary color scheme with hints of cream and gray. Featured pieces were cargo vest and Western-style dress shirts. Denim track jackets and cropped trousers. The crisp tailoring mixed with zipper hardware gave the clothes an extra edge.
Abijako’s definitely has a story to tell and I’m looking forward to watching as each chapter progresses.
Follow Abijako and his HEAD OF STATE+ brand @_headofstate