One important quality of a good suit is a jacket that has a full canvas layer between the fabric and lining matched with pants that fit properly without being overtly tight and naff. When you see a man walk into an event and he has heads turning in approbation and not “what on earth was he thinking? Who is his tailor?” then he certainly has gotten it right in his outfit, his style must have created the attention he got and he certainly must be feeling good with himself. The same applies for any confident woman who understands the importance of being classy, fabulous and the need to ooze panache.
I must add though, that wearing an expensive attire doesn’t necessarily make you stylish if it doesn’t fit neither should you wear what you see on someone else without considering whether it suits your stature or not. “I like that style and I must have it” is what I hear many ladies say…well, there is someone qualified to help you solve your style perplexities and he graces this page this week. He is one of the most recognized and sought after designers in the industry today. He has developed a reputation for gorgeous and perfectly fitting dresses that translates into the sophisticated and elegant look every bride desires and not to forget his well tailored bespoke suits for men too. Mai Atafo is my ‘date’ for this week and he is the creative director of his clothing line Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI).
After successfully running Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI), ‘Weddings by MAI’ was created to cater for all clothing needs for weddings. In such a short time, the brand ‘Weddings by MAI’ has created a niche and is now the go-to shop for the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Mai caught the attention of the fashion industry for the creation of his brand, Mai Atafo Inspired and by enrolling at the Savile Row Academy to further train as a tailor.
Mai Atafo was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He spent his early life in Lagos, attended the University Staff School Benin then the Federal Government College Ido-Ano Ondo State, Mai Atafo later earned a Masters degree from the City University UK in Information System and Technology. Mai, upon returning from the United Kingdom in 2002 worked in various positions in the marketing department at British American Tobacco Nigeria, In 2006 he left to Guinness Nigeria where he sat as Brand Manager as of his resignation in 2010. Mai Atafo is a community mentor and he heads the Future Awards central working committee.
Though Information Technology was what Mai studied for his post-graduate degree but career-wise, he started off with marketing then fashion. “I still say I am doing the same thing, it’s only the product that has changed and now I work for myself which is more cumbersome.” Says Mai.
Mai’s upbringing has really influenced where he is today. “I come from a large family with a lot of siblings around me. There’s never a dull minute. My growing up has influenced me greatly in many regards especially having made me a people person, disciplined and focused” he tells me as the interview begins and shares further on why he started his clothing line. “I started my line in 2006 when I had a full-time job so it was more part-time for me but I went into it full time in 2010. I started simply out of my love for clothes and looking good. I have ‘Mai Atafo Inspired’ which caters to both men and women under which I have ‘Mai Atafo Inspired Bespoke’ which specialises in bespoke tailored suits. ‘Wedding by Mai’ on the other hand caters for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and groomsmen.” Atafo says.
I believe branding is very essential. This Mai agrees to and adds “Branding is very important because as you become bigger, customers move from just buying a product to actually buying brands regardless of the products. If you are focused on your unique selling proposition, and you make that connect to your customers’ use of your product, and then drive that understanding in the best way you can, it should give you a clear cut brand perception which drives uniqueness and in turn value.” He advises.
Mai has been on top of his business persevering at being the best at what he does in every way and also satisfying his customers, one of which is a dear friend, Kate Henshaw who wore one of his attires to the creative industry reception held by President Goodluck Jonathan at Eko Hotel in Lagos recently. The shift kaftan looked fab! The attire which clearly has a Niger-Delta influence made my jaw drop. I have always admired that style on men but never thought of the female version, I am sure other designers are like “why didn’t I think of that?” well, Mai has beaten you to it…
Despite being a guru in his field, Atafo tells me that “not being 100percent technically proficient in my line of business, lack of competent manpower, lack of infrastructure and lack of support by relevant bodies and the government are my challenges in this terrain”.
Mai just added another year to his years “Yes I did I turned 18, now I am legal LOL!…” he teases when I asked about his birthday but he also says “It has been a good journey and the greatest lesson is to touch lives in everything you do so you leave a legacy in the sands of time.”
Mai has been involved in ‘Multi-choice presents the fashion protégée’, ‘FayrouzL’original fashion search’, he was featured in a campaign for Etisalat Nigeria, he designed the official winner’s blazer for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Golf Tournament, he was one of the designers for the Genevieve Pink Ball Foundation, he clothed IK for the Big Brother Africa Hotshots and Highlights with IK, he participated in Mecerdes Benz Fashion Week , Johannesburg, Lagos Fashion Design Week and Glitz African Fashion Week Ghana to mention a few. You can say indeed, Mai knows his onions…no contention!
For designers struggling and wanting to call it quits, he says to tell you “Think of fashion more as a business where you generate revenue from your creativity. Never give up, you are closer to your mark than you think and giving up can never be a good option.” And to the youths, he has this to say “It will get tougher and harder and the earlier you realise this and start tackling current issues to resolve future problems, the better for you. That’s only when you will be destined for the celebration of the greatness you already have in you. You must always see the better side and know that all you are going through now is temporal, you must be determined and focused, your trials have only come to make you stronger and you shall surmount them all if you believe.” Mai says.
To the government, Mai ends the discourse on this note saying “for me, it is more about eradicating corruption, which will start by building confidence in the people and making them believe that if they are well equipped for a task, role or function they will get it. If this is supported by a strong structure, I believe people will build their skills in well-established institutions and the nation will be able to rely on all its resources.” He opines.
KEMI AJUMOBI
