Mowalola Ogunlesi is a British-Nigerian fashion designer who has gained global recognition for her bold and innovative designs. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she moved to the UK at the age of three and grew up in South London. Ogunlesi's designs are known for their use of vivid colors, bold prints, and daring silhouettes.
Ogunlesi studied fashion design at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, where she graduated in 2017. During her time at the college, she caught the attention of some of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, including British designer Marc Jacobs and Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.
In 2018, Ogunlesi launched her eponymous label, Mowalola. Her debut collection, titled "Psychedelic," showcased her love for vibrant colors and striking prints. The collection featured leather jackets, mini dresses, and skirts with bold graphic patterns, all of which quickly caught the attention of fashion critics and enthusiasts alike.
Since then, Ogunlesi has gone on to work with some of the most high-profile names in the entertainment industry. She designed the costumes for Solange Knowles' performance at the 2019 Sydney Opera House and worked on the music video for Skepta's hit song "Pure Water."
In 2020, Ogunlesi was named as the creative director for Kanye West's Yeezy Gap collection, a collaboration between the rapper and the American clothing retailer. Ogunlesi was tasked with designing the collection's first capsule, which was released in June of that year.
Ogunlesi's designs have been featured in several high-profile publications, including Vogue, i-D, and Dazed. She has been praised for her ability to bring a fresh perspective to the fashion industry, and her work has been described as a celebration of African and diasporic culture.
Beyond her work in fashion, Ogunlesi is a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. She has spoken out against police brutality and racism, using her platform to call for change and demand justice for those affected by systemic oppression.
In conclusion, Mowalola Ogunlesi is a rising star in the fashion industry, known for her bold and innovative designs that celebrate African and diasporic culture. Her work has caught the attention of some of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in fashion.