Fashion store launches generate excitement as customers seek to upgrade their wardrobes, but rare are the moments when a brand unveils a new store with transcendent features that extend beyond fashion itself.
In an unprecedented move in recent times, Adidas, a global sports fashion giant, has unveiled its new flagship store in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria – with something distinct. For the first time in the brand’s fashion, the new Adidas Store in Lagos merges fashion with art in an ingenious and impactful way with the display of Bluewoman Star, a piece by globally renowned Nigerian artist and royalty – Gbolahan Ayoola.
Ever imagined walking row by row, looking in amazement at elegant sportswear and apparel, and then ending your walk to behold an art piece at the end of the corridor? That’s the impression Adidas wants to etch in the minds of its guests whenever they see the Bluewoman Star artwork.
Coming in the form of an epiphany birthed from the depths of a dream, Gbolahan Ayoola embarked on a transformative artistic odyssey, to craft the essence of Bluewoman in 2012. The ethereal embodiment of two resplendent, cerulean figures adorned with vibrant crimson lips emerged from the canvas, now gracing the illustrious women’s section of the newly minted Adidas Store in Lagos. Each stroke of Ayoola’s brush unveils profound connotations. Still, the overarching purpose of the Bluewoman Star lies in its transcendental quest to exalt and exult the indomitable spirit of women, leaving an indelible mark upon the tapestry of human existence.
According to the painter, when remarking on the depiction of his piece, he highlights that “The Bluewoman Star goes beyond a person; it connotes an identity and energy best depicted as value, true power – what it means to be a human before a woman.”
As ribbons were cut to unravel the new Adidas Store in Lagos on April 14th, 2023, guests experienced the globally sought-after artwork, and many of them could attest to the plethora of creative expressions that can be deduced from it.
Interestingly, the Bluewoman Star artwork is stationed in the women’s section of the store. This architecture has been done to send a message to women and every girl-child who visits to express their true femininity to maximize their full potential.
Real estate experts and business enthusiasts recognize the sophistication and success achieved by integrating Ayoola’s prestigious artworks into their properties. With captivating pieces like “BlueWoman Star,” “Dualism,” and “The King Head,” they enhance spaces with enduring beauty and cultural significance.
Artworks from the collection have also been featured in a series of notable shows such as Ava Duvernay’s “When They See Us,” “Harlem,” currently showing on Amazon Prime Video, and “Hit and Run,” all BIPOC-lead films, in one of which the Blue woman was used to symbolize the strength of a woman’s impact in defining moments.
Ayoola’s notable artworks include “Dualism” and “The King Head” created in 2021. His upcoming exhibition, in collaboration with the Ubuntu Project, will be held in Lagos in June 2023, followed by shows in London in October 2023. Experience the essence of Nigerian culture through Ayoola’s captivating art, including the iconic Bluewoman. Enhance your space with the imaginative wealth his artwork brings. Discover more at Ayoola’s Instagram page and embrace the essence of his artistic expression. Explore Ayoola’s work on Instagram and DM him for media placement and sponsorship opportunities.