Nataal debuts Niyi Okuboyejo’s latest campaign, bringing Lagos to Harlem and back again
With its current collection ‘Remnants’, Post-Imperial is truly closing the loop. The well-loved brand by Niyi Okuboyejo has always had one foot in Lagos, where the designer was born, and one in Harlem, where he resides. And it’s always brought these two worlds together through its deceptively simple silhouettes featuring adire textiles from the Southwest region of Nigeria. But now, thanks to Okuboyejo’s dedication to authenticity, Post-Imperial is fully and mindfully produced on the continent. “We collaborate with dye artisans and tailoring ateliers to craft high-quality garments that are 100% sourced, dyed and made in Nigeria,” he says. “This milestone has been a goal of ours since the inception of the brand. It’s a commitment that supports local communities and preserves traditional craftsmanship.”
The initial inspiration for ‘Remnants’ was sparked by the designer’s admiration for Noah Purifoy, El Anatsui and Ibrahim Mahama. “These artists transform found objects into stunning works, mirroring our approach to fashion,” Okuboyejo explains. Having launched for spring, the new campaign ‘Shrine On Me’ extends the collection’s vision with a trip to The Shrine in Little Senegal, a Harlem venue that honours Fela Kuti’s legendary New Afrika Shrine and is emblematic of Post-Imperial’s transatlantic tentacles. “The Shrine is not only a cornerstone of Little Senegal but also a cultural hub for many West Africans that live in the city.”
“We make creative clothes for creative people”
And so, it’s here that we encounter two men whose brightly-hued, loose cut fits exude an easy elegance as they embrace the musical legacy of their surroundings. Shirt and trouser sets act as a canvas for Okuboyejo’s contemporary take on adire, its centuries-old Yoruba storytelling forming a new vocabulary through wave and abstract motifs. A signature circle print whispers, ‘We don’t control chaos, we just guide it’. These pieces compliment textured patchwork styles inspired by the Baye Fall religious community of Senegal and tunic-style T-shirts that give a nod to the West African bubu.
‘Shrine On Me’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s ongoing “myth-making” that channels the experiences of Africa’s Black diaspora into a multi-cultural celebration of sustainable style. And naturally, it’s also an invitation to adorn yourself in beauty that looks as good as it feels. “We make creative clothes for creative people. Let’s dance into summer.”
Visit Post-Imperial
Creative direction Josef Adamu
and Niyi Okuboyejo
Photography Josef Adamu and Jeremy J Mitchell
Models Muhamad Diouf
and Hamid Dawodu
Words Helen Jennings
Published on 12/07/2024