As the world’s interest in African art, music, and fashion grows, more African designers, creators, and artists are positioning themselves as top-flight craftsmen who can showcase their industry’s capabilities and authenticity beyond quota purchases and clichéd expressions. One of these African designers is Taiwo Akinleye Bello, the founder and creative director of Outterspace. In a few short years, Taiwo has been able to incorporate his passion for creativity and excellence as well as his understanding of the fashion business into creating a luxury streetwear brand positioned as a fashion treasure in the contemporary urban landscape. His brand has shown that it deserves all the attention it gets and is fit to compete with global fashion giants.
In a recent conversation with [x media house], Taiwo discussed his journey into fashion design, what inspired Outterspace and his designs, how his team copes with trends and expansion while maintaining a unique brand identity, and much more.
Taiwo’s journey into fashion design began with a desire to be part of the fashion industry and the desire to exert his creativity. He said that these qualities were passed down from generations, and although he possesses a B.Tech degree in Quantity Surveying and managed a number of organizations before turning to fashion design, passion and creativity led him to fashion. He also owns a chain of business in international resorts and interior decorations, Arts. Throughout his journey, he has honed his skills as an innovative entrepreneur, a compassionate yet savvy manager, and a shrewd sales manager.
Taiwo’s inspiration for Outterspace’s designs comes from everything in the cosmos, including earth, nature, God’s engineering skills, scientific and space observations, and events around him. He believes that God is the first designer of all things, and His conceivable and galactic creations form the basis for the brand. Whenever he brainstorms to come up with new designs, he involves his team, and together, they aim for excellence while reflecting the comfort they want their consumers to feel.
The fashion industry is always in a state of flux, and growth is an essential part of any brand. When asked how he thinks Outterspace will cope with trends and expansion while also maintaining a unique brand identity, Taiwo said that the dynamic nature of the industry is what keeps it alive and joyous. As creatives, they flow with what is in trend, get inspiration from all around, and improve their team with fresh ideas while supporting the experienced minds. Also, as they grow, they continue to be all-inclusive (size, gender, race, industry) and fit contemporary societal demand.
Outterpace is blurring the lines between streetwear and luxury to make it more inclusive, and is using the direct-to-consumer model to take the forefront in directing their movement with the trend.
Taiwo’s team’s unique strength is creativity and camaraderie. Everyone’s opinion counts, and when they deliberate, no one’s opinion is relegated. This strength reflects in the outlook of their brand, Outterspace Integrated Luxury, as they aim to transcend Nigeria and the African continent to have bases in Europe, America, and Asia.
When asked how often he gets feedback from customers and fashion industry professionals, Taiwo said that they get a lot, and they appreciate constructive criticisms. They put them into satisfying their customers and improving their business. Overall, they learn from all forms of criticism.
For every business, social trust is always a challenge. Introducing new products to people who have been loyal to other brands and convincing them that you’re worth every penny they spend on you is challenging. Additionally, there is the challenge of people who have different definitions of self-expression and making sure you meet all demands. Taiwo and his team have been able to handle these challenges and adapt to the changing landscape by staying up-to-date with the latest developments in their industry and utilizing innovative strategies to stay ahead of the competition. They have also built strong relationships with their clients and fostered a positive work culture within their organization, which has helped them to retain top talent and maintain a high level of productivity.
The Outterspace team continues to innovate and adapt to changes in the fahsion industry, which has made them a force to reckon with. With the collaborative mindset coupled with creativity and effective communication, the team is poised to change the game in the African streetwear industry with a voice that screams class by bringing their unique design and aesthetic visions to life on bodies across the globe.
