Nigerian fashion designer and creative entrepreneur Raji Yakub Ibidapo, popularly known as London tailor, made a remarkable statement at this year’s Kigali Fashion Week with the presentation of his latest collection titled, The Ascent – Oba Lola.
    
The collection, which drew attention from fashion enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and international guests, explored themes of leadership, responsibility, culture and personal growth through a blend of contemporary tailoring and African symbolism.
  
Recognised as one of Africa’s emerging fashion showcases, Kigali Fashion Week brings together designers, models, creatives, and fashion brands from across the continent and beyond. This year’s event provided a platform for designers to celebrate African heritage while pushing creative boundaries through innovative collections.
 
For Raji, the presentation was not just a fashion showcase but a visual narrative about the journey of manhood and purpose.
   
Speaking on the inspiration behind the collection, Raji explained that “Oba Lola,” a Yoruba expression meaning future king, reflects the belief that every man carries a unique destiny shaped by his responsibilities, sacrifices, dreams and life experiences.
 
“Every man is born equal, but what he carries through life is what shapes him. The collection tells the story of growth, purpose, leadership and becoming the person you are destined to be,” he said.
 
Models walked the runway wearing carefully crafted pieces accompanied by symbolic accessories that added deeper meaning to the presentation. Caps worn by the models represented crowns, highlighting individuality and the unseen responsibilities men carry daily.
  
Traditional drums transformed into fashion accessories symbolised celebration and expression, while walking staffs reflected wisdom, protection, and leadership. Beads featured throughout the collection represented royalty, honour, cultural pride, and heritage.
  
The collection also incorporated female models whose styling helped balance the narrative. Hand fans symbolised grace, dignity, and feminine strength, while baskets represented nurture, provision, and the preservation of cultural values from one generation to another.
   
According to Raji, the collection was designed to challenge conventional ideas of masculinity by presenting strength alongside emotion, discipline, purpose and responsibility.
 
“Kings are not simply born; they rise, they grow, and they ascend. That is the message behind this collection,” he added.
   
Fashion observers at Kigali Fashion Week described “The Ascent” as a thoughtful celebration of African identity, blending traditional symbolism with modern fashion design to create a story that resonated beyond the runway.