The partnership between The Macallan and Mai Atafo continues as they work together to elevate Nigeria’s fashion industry on an international level. After a productive mentorship event in Lagos earlier this year, the collaboration has been rejuvenated. Nigerian fashion designer, Mai Atafo, has brought his sponsored fashion workshop, Fashion Conversations, to the city of Abuja. The event in Maitama aimed at educating and inspiring aspiring fashion enthusiasts and creatives has been extended to reach even more participants.
Hammed Adebiyi, who manages The Macallan brand in Nigeria for Edrington Portfolio, emphasized the strong partnership between the brand and Atafo, attributing it to their shared commitment to supporting the fashion industry through ongoing investments. They take great pride in aligning themselves with initiatives that champion excellence, as they are a brand that prioritizes unique characteristics and exceptional quality. The Fashion conversations event plays a vital role in the advancement of Nigeria’s fashion industry, and they are dedicated to supporting these innovative efforts, Adebiyi emphasized.
Giving fashion enthusiasts a platform to excel in their field.
Young fashion entrepreneurs and creatives gathered at the workshop to have intimate discussions with designer Mai Atafo. They delved into topics such as the business side of fashion, how to run a successful company, branding strategies, and beyond. Atafo expressed his pleasure in introducing Fashion Conversations to Abuja after a successful run in Lagos. The positive response has encouraged the expansion of the event to the capital city. The main objective is to give fashion enthusiasts a platform to excel in their field. Through partnerships with organizations like The Macallan, the focus remains on delivering high-quality content and experiences.
Atafo stressed the importance of thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas in the field. He motivated the mentees to aim for high standards in their work. The Lagos event in March 2023 provided opportunities for 40 budding designers, but the Abuja workshop went a step further by accommodating 50 fashion fans. Uguma Emmanuel, a 27 year-old tailor with a passion for fashion, was excited to explore the business aspects of the fashion industry.
Mai Atafo was named as an influencer icon by The Macallan in Oct. ’21.
He was able to develop his skills in marketing and branding, as well as connect with fellow young creatives, which he found invaluable in his journey as an aspiring designer. He was named as an influencer icon by The Macallan in October 2021, as part of their partnership with outstanding brands and individuals who have achieved success in their respective fields. After a hiatus from the fashion industry for three years, the whisky brand and Atafo joined forces to host The Atelier, a carefully curated high-end fashion show, on November 20, 2022.
More so, Mai Atafo, originally named Ohimai Atafo, is a renowned fashion designer from Nigeria. His eponymous brand, Mai Atafo, has garnered widespread acclaim in the industry. He honed his tailoring skills through training at the prestigious Savile Row Academy in Leeds, UK. In 2002, Atafo came back from studying in the UK and started working at British American Tobacco Nigeria in different roles within the marketing team. Later, he transitioned to Guinness Nigeria and worked as a Brand Manager until leaving in 2010.
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Additionally, Atafo left his mark on Guinness Nigeria before launching his fashion brand, Mai Atafo Inspired. This label quickly caught the eye of celebrities such as Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Banky W, and IK Osakioduwa. Following this success, Atafo took on the role of Fashion Editor at Genevieve Magazine for a short period of time. Mai Atafo Inspired launched a bridal collection named Weddings by Mai in 2011. Atafo is quite the multitalented individual. Not only is he the Creative Director at Mai Atafo Inspired, but he also takes on the responsibility of Strategy Director at Firehouse Group, served as an emcee for events like the Miss Nigeria Pageant, and leads the working committee for the Future Awards Central.
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