“I don’t mind introducing myself to people. I don’t assume everyone knows me,” Mai Atafo tells a room full of journalists after the screening of a documentary about his groundbreaking 2023 fashion show at the Eko Hotel.
This event was unprecedented in Nigeria, taking place in the main hall of the Eko Hotel, a venue typically reserved for concerts and award shows, accommodating up to 6,000 attendees.
Mai Atafo, born Ohimai Atafo, is the founder of Atafo, one of Nigeria’s premier fashion brands. He believes that the Nigerian fashion industry often lacks the respect it deserves. “People still think we’re just tailors; I still meet people who are upset that my shirt costs ₦250,000,” he says.
He emphasizes that creating a quality outfit involves much more than people realize, which is why imitations often fall short. “It’s about craftsmanship, creativity, and the stories we tell through fashion,” he adds, advocating for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the industry’s true value.