If you’re not familiar with the British-Nigerian emerging designer Mowalola Ogunlesi, take a peek inside the designer’s colorful, eccentric world. Mowalola’s first show took place in January 2019 as part of London’s Fashion East incubator program. Ogunlesi trained at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, and her debut show was a call back to the vibrant colors from her native Lagos, Nigeria combined with a cultural clash-up of low-slung trousers and exposed skin, akin to the styles of underground London.
Fast forward to summer 2020, and Mowalola’s insane, leather painted coats are all I can think about. Part of Mowalola’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, (debuted at the Fashion East show during London Fashion Week in June 2019), Mowalola’s bright leather coats come in shades of magenta, yellow and even neon cow print. I’m most obsessed with the Mowalola leather coats that come painted with airbrush-like monster faces. The almost-floor length silhouette combined with leather texture are incredible.
Mowalola clearly has a talent for creating visionary outerwear and coats. That said, the designer obviously does ready-to-wear t-shirts, skirts, pants and tops as well, but something about the dramatic shapes, colors and motifs of Mowalola’s coats feels truly unique and special.
Another reason why you should take notice Mowalola (and not just for the amazing coats)? Love him or hate him, it’s undenieable that Kanye West has long partnered with rising talent in the fashion industry. He recently appointed Mowalola Ogunlesi as the design director of his upcoming GAP line. So, if you love Mowalola’s coats but can’t afford the high price tag, you can expect to see a lot more of her work (at a much lower price point) in the very near future (think: Summer 2021!)
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