By: Ian Vize
Graphics: Eury Kim
Let's all be honest, as seniors in high school, most of our waking time was spent trying to figure out what we wanted to do with ourselves. Whether it be what we wanted the rest of our lives to look like, what our plans were that night, even what we wanted to eat for dinner (no you pick!), we were constantly bombarded with questions about our future.
Unlike most high schoolers however, Taofeek Abijako had an answer. At the age of 17, Abijako founded HEAD OF STATE (HOS), a luxe streetwear line priding itself on providing “representation of postcolonial African youth culture today.” And now, almost three years later, Abijako finds himself sitting atop the Forbes 30 Under 30 2019 list for arts and style.
Starting out with customized vans, Abijako has expanded his line into one of the premier up and coming brands today, taking a unique approach to his designs, heavily influenced by his homeland, Nigeria. With an idea, a vision, and few resources, Abijako turned his New York childhood bedroom into his studio, providing us all with inspiration of what a person can achieve with time and dedication. Abijako released his first collection on his twitter feed as a high school senior and within weeks had garnered interest from United Arrows, a japanese luxury retailer.
One of Abijako’s earliest collections, “Hooligans,” focused on the rebellious and powerful messages Abijako took from one of his personal heros, Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti. The line itself, gets its name from one of Kuti’s most famous songs, “Coffins for Head of State.” Lyrics from the song can be found on pieces in the collection, providing context and purpose to the collection, speaking out against the violence and corruption Abijako experienced in his homeland.
A proven designer at the age of 17, the youngest designer to show at Men’s New York Fashion Week, and a dedicated and politically active member of his community, Taofeek Abijako, and HEAD OF STATE has a bright future ahead of them.