Tolulope Olafimihan, the CEO of GNATION Company and Creative Director of GNATION NIGERIA, has spent over 15 years building a thriving fashion brand that specializes in contemporary menswear. Born and raised in Kaduna, Tolu’s love for art and design led him from studying architecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, to pursuing a fashion course at Central Saint Martins in London. His journey from creating budget-friendly pieces as a young lad to styling private individuals and corporate clients around the world highlights his versatility, working across industries like entertainment, events, and even faith-based institutions.
He tells Vanessa Obioha about his journey so far, sustainable practices in fashion and how African fashion brands can be a reckoning force globally In what ways did growing up in Kaduna contribute to your love for fashion and design? Kaduna was such a wholesome town and growing up, though it was the heart of Northern Nigeria, it had such cultural diversity that was so tangible where parents had friends that cut across Muslim, Christian, ethnic tribes of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, expatriates and foreigners. We celebrated with everyone, we watched their movies and shows, saw the fashion and even learnt the languages. To say I can pinpoint this exposure at an early age would definitely be something to consider.
I grew up in the days when kids played outside with other kids on the same street, escaped into worlds through books, magazines and pr.
