By Jemi Ekunkunbor
A small community of Gen Z creatives made up of fashion designers, textile designers, artists and culture enthusiasts, recently gathered together in Lagos, to honour pioneer fashion/textile designer and artist, Jimi King.
Described as a man who saw tomorrow, the Heritage craze which many designers are today reimagining into contemporary designs, were what Jimi King pioneered four decades ago.
Convened by Seun Oyedele, a new generation textile designer, the event which took place at the Jimi King flaship store in surulere, Lagos, not only honoured his legacy but also served as a bridge to connect him with with the younger generation of textile artists.
Firesideside chat, pop-up exclusive dyeing workshop, live documentary screening and immersive fashion showcase textile artist put the show together.
Up cycle pieces, made up of denim, linen, silks, bunch of styles kembe, danshiki, etc
To put together an event that inspired by a man whose workks was the only reference point for her for textile she found interesting. So he had mentored her from afar.
Many young people didn’t know Jimi King paved the way for younger people to follow.
To honour him and to introduce his work to a younger audience as a powerful reference point for creativity, culture and innovation. works.
How Jimi King imagined the world African fashion and textiles before the world caught up with him
Whose works were already futuristic decades ago.
Africa fashion has taken center stage in global culture
His pieces were already rooted in timeless elegance
Fulfilling his heart desires to mentor young people in the creative industry.
The panel session revealed where his heart is to pour back into young people and mentor them.
The event gave young designers access to him— his heart and brand
Event highlight was fireside chat and panel session questions asked that captured his 40 years plus in the industry and his creative process.
Seun, a textile designer also put up a documentary honouring him.
