Listen to article

There are many famous European and American fashion designers who have shaped the fashion industry. However, today we are going to talk about an exceptional bespoke fashion tailor from Nigeria, Mai Atafo. 

His original name is Ohimai Atafo and was born in Ile-lfe, Nigeria. He spent his early life in Lagos and studied from University Staff School Benin and got his college degree from Ido-Ani, a federal government College. Later, Ohimai came to the UK to get his master's degree from City University. After completing his studies, Atafo returned from the United Kingdom and started working in various marketing departments in Nigeria. 

Mai Atafo never studied fashion, but the fashion world always inspired him. He worked for many multinational brand companies like British American Tobacco Nigeria and Guinness Nigeria before deciding to resign and re-channel his efforts and love for fashion into creating his brand.  He opened his own fashion house in 2007 called Mai Atafo. When asked what inspired him to open his own fashion house, he told Independent magazine, "I was just working to make a living until the passion for fashion took over, and I decided to do something in fashion. It wasn't a plan that when I finish working here that I would want to go into fashion, no. My passion for fashion just drove me into fashion". 

His brand is now only known as Atafo and specializes in both men's and womenswear, and bespoke tailored men's suits. The women's collection by Atafo is quite chic and edgy and features women's tailored suits and gowns. He also designs for his other brand, "Weddings by Mai Atafo" specializing in evening dresses and beautiful wedding gowns.  

Mai Atafo is more famous because of his men's bespoke tailored suits and has made several headlines. His tailored suits are quite classy and trendy and make the wearer look composed. You can book an appointment and make inquiries by visiting the Atafo Lagos studio, requesting a home service, or scheduling a video call. After the initial consultation, selection, and measuring, suits will typically take four to six weeks to complete. His men's collection focuses on casual clothing that can be mixed and matched easily with creativity. You can easily match blazers with polo shirts, tops, and even sweatshirts. The brand's latest collection, Spring/Summer 2020, was showcased at Lagos fashion week late 2019. 

Atafo Men's collection is high-end, and he loves to experiment with fabrics, incorporating cashmere, wool, jersey, and velvet as part of his men's collection. He has a considerable number of clients from Nigeria, North Africa, and the United States. His client includes famous politicians, business people, actors, and sportsmen. He has also participated in many fashion shows like Lagos Fashion Week, Arise Fashion Week, Caribbean Fashion Week.

People love his work because he puts a lot of effort into the details. Atafo has proved that fashion requires dedication and overcoming powers beyond his control, like the ongoing power supply issues that regularly affect Nigeria. However, his great work is still not affected by it. People from all around the world have recognized his efforts and have awarded him many awards. Some of the recent fashion awards he has won are Person of The Year (FASHION) – Glazia Magazine (2018) and Menswear Fashion Brand of The Year – Fashion's Finest Africa Awards Lagos (2018). Atafo is a brand that continues to project high expectations, and one can only wonder what is next for him.