Ben Orange is a stylist and senior fashion editor at Glamcityz, covering everything from fashion trends to weddings. With a sharp eye for style, he keeps...
Adeju Thompson is the brains behind the genderless fashion line Lagos space programme based in Lagos. He is a 29 year old designer known for his beautiful works.Based on a statement by Adeju Thompson, Lagos Space Programme is not a brand but an ethical movement. His beautiful works have drawn the attentions of top fashion publications and with no doubt Vogue is one of them.In his feature on Vogue, he tells us about his fashion background.
Through my line, I get to explore my rich heritage as a Yoruba (an ethnic group in Western Nigeria) person. I want to contribute to centuries-old conversations on African design. My ancestors left so much behind. I believe they expected us to continue telling these stories and building up on what they left. I am a huge admirer of the works of Demas Nwoko and Yusuf Grillo, two amazing artists that were part of the Zaria Art Rebels in the ’70s, a group of Nigerian artists whose works aimed to develop aesthetics, styles, and techniques relevant to a new African society. I am particularly inspired by the architecture of Demas Nwoko and I have been on research trips to study his designs across Nigeria.
On The Role Of Community In His Work
I made a manifesto when I started LSP two years ago. Community is one of my core principles. I believe in collaborations, sharing ideas, and chosen families. It’s happened so organically, and I have had the great privilege to work with amazing artists and designers from across the world. I think people have an instant visceral connection with the work—if you get it, you get it. The clothes speak to underdogs like myself. We are very protective of Lagos Space Programme, and I like that it has become a safe space for them and me.
On Refusing To Conform To The Fashion System
I never want to lose the joy and sense of fulfillment I get from my work. I am not interested in creating collections in the traditional format every season, I like the idea that in two or three seasons from now I could be exploring just the cut of trousers, designing costumes for a film, or not even creating a collection altogether and just researching without the aim to make [something]. My independence is the most important thing to me.
