By Christy Anyanwu
Outterspace Integrated Luxury has emerged as a breath of fresh air in the fashion industry, a testament to the burgeoning talent within Africa.
Founded in 2020 by a passionate group of Nigerian friends – Ayobami, Kehinde, Kayode and Unity – the brand has quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of luxury and streetwear aesthetics.
A natural leader with artistic vision, Taiwo guides the ship as CEO and Creative Director. Ayobami, the Business Head and Talent Manager, translates the creative vision into a thriving business reality. While Kehinde, the Production Manager, ensures the meticulous quality that defines integrated luxury, Kayode and Unity handle IT security, marketing and media relations.
Despite limited resources and technological challenges, the designers’ unwavering determination fueled their journey. Bold ideas and diverse perspectives collide, sparking groundbreaking creations. Their collections are a fusion of high-end tailoring and the rebellious spirit of streetwear, a unique marriage that has captured the fashion world’s attention.
Outterspace’s debut collection, OIL Collection, launched in December 2020 in collaboration with the Hennessy team in Nigeria, pulsated with the energy of top artistes like Bella Shmurda, Peruzzi and Rema. Seeing their designs not only showcased but also embraced by established names like Asake and PrettyboyDO, and selling out faster than anticipated, must have been a moment etched in their hearts.
Assisted by its business strategist and number one hypeman signed with Hennessy, Jerry Shaffer, the brand has also worked with big names like Davido, Zlatan Ibile, Ruger and Mayorkun. Interestingly, the brand has equally shot campaigns with popular cinematographer, Thankgod Omori (TG Omori) at Times Square, New York.
This year, Outterspace graced the prestigious London Fashion Week with its Time Capsule Collection – a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation. The collection blurred the lines between bespoke tailoring and contemporary style. It garnered significant attention not just for its aesthetics, but also for its cultural connection.
Designs like ‘Lagos Tropicana celebrate the brands Nigerian heritage, imbuing it with a sense of identity that resonates with the global audience. Similarly, pieces like Mouth, Lost Treasure, and Baby Angel – representing communication, motherhood and heavenly bliss – are testaments to its global outlook.
The success story of Outterspace isn’t just about the designers, its also about the impact they’re making. From garnering a loyal following in Nigeria to gracing the pages of June and July 2024 edition of British Vogue and Fashion United, the brand is rewriting the narrative of African luxury.
The recognition recently bestowed on Ayobami Zaheed by his alma mater, University of Sunderland, feels like a victory for the entire team, a validation of their journey. However, showcasing at the forthcoming Lagos Fashion Week would be an icing on the cake and resounding homecoming for the brand.
While anticipating more Afrocentric designs, weather conducive and limited editions in the Volume 2 of the collection, it is believed that Outterspace will leverage the star power of its celebrity clientele to create a global community.
Exclusive content, behind-the-scene glimpses, pop-up shops and fashion shows in key cities around the world or even fan contests – all fueled by the artists who wear their brand – will foster a deeper connection and extend Outterspaces reach beyond the runway.
As an established brand in luxury fashion, Outterspace could strengthen its already existing focus on eco-friendly materials and production practices, as this will solidify its position as not only a trendy brand but also a global leader in forward-thinking, sustainable and culturally-conscious fashion.
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