蜜芽传媒

Discover the artistry, the ambition, and the journey of Adeju Thompson as he pushes the boundaries of contemporary fashion, making Lagos Space Programme a name to watch.

Adeju Thompson: Lagos Space Programme and "Rock and Roll Consciousness"

We follow Adeju Thompson, the founder and creative director behind the Nigerian fashion label Lagos Space Programme as he attempts to establish the label on the global fashion scene.

Lagos Space Programme blends Yoruba heritage (notably Adire dyeing) with queer and futurist aesthetics, taking inspiration from Lou Reed, traditional Ife sculptures, or the photography of Rotimi Fani-Kayode and Robert Mapplethorpe

Thompson talks about his dedication to slow fashion, gender-fluid creations, and detailed artisan craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs.

We follow him to Paris where he unveils his collection based on the idea of "Rock and Roll Consciousness," to discuss with him the diverse inspirations that fueled this collection. We then join him at his studio in Surulere, Lagos where he discusses his new designs for 25/26.

The journey continues from Lagos to Ibadan, where we visit a profound source of Adeju Thompson's inspiration: the Dominican Chapel, designed by the esteemed architect Demas Nwoko, is a testament to a powerful synthesis of African artistic traditions and modern architectural principles. Nwoko's vision for the chapel, integrating local materials and traditional building techniques with contemporary design, deeply resonates with Thompson's own artistic philosophy. Much like Nwoko in his architectural practice, Adeju strives to bridge the gap between historical African aesthetics and contemporary global fashion, creating a dialogue between the past and the present, the local and the universal. The chapel stands as a physical manifestation of the very principles Thompson seeks to embody in the textile, form, and philosophy of Lagos Space Programme.

Beyond the creative process, the programme also sheds light on the realities of an up-and-coming fashion label navigating the competitive landscape of international fashion weeks. Thompson shares his experiences, good and bad, and the inherent challenges of showcasing a collection internationally. From logistics and production to gaining visibility and securing recognition, the journey of bringing a distinctive African voice to the global stage is laid out first hand.

In Conversation with Tayo Popoola.

A Spiritland Production

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