Designer on the Rise: Maki Oh
If you haven’t already heard of the brand Maki Oh, you’ve probably seen her clothing on singer Solange, in that Beyonce music video, and did I mention First Lady Michelle Obama?
Nigerian designer, Maki Osakwe first created her brand in 2010. Who would’ve thought that after getting contacted by McMullen Boutique that she would end up being the first and only African-based designer to be invited to the White House? With work has also being featured in Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, W Magazine, Nylon, and Forbes, Maki has definitely turned some heads.
Maki Oh creates high-fashion seduction in her pieces with a fusion of Danfo art and the female narrative. Maki brings her country’s culture to life both in front and behind the scenes. Employing Nigerian artisans, her items are handmade using the traditional Adire process. Her latest collection is a direct reference to her hometown of Lagos and the late city nights. The pieces tell the storyline of a young woman getting dressed on her way to visit her lover in the city.
Maki Oh is also famous for casting all black models on her runway, making a statement about the need for diversity in the industry all around. She tells Yahoo Style: “The aim has always been to celebrate my culture. I definitely want to highlight the depth and finesse that lies in traditional African artistry, preserving its elegance and true beauty.”
(images via makioh)
