Discover Nigeria Fashion Post-Imperial: Niyi Okuboyejo’s Global Vision of Nigerian Craft Fathia OlasupoOctober 2, 20250437 views Founded in 2012 by Nigerian designer Niyi Okuboyejo, Post-Imperial has become a defining voice in contemporary menswear. Operating between Lagos and New York, the label is known for reimagining the traditional Yoruba resist-dyeing technique and translating it into modern, cosmopolitan silhouettes. Post-Imperial brings centuries-old Nigerian craftsmanship into conversation with the global luxury fashion industry. Today, its collections are stocked in international retailers such as Mr Porter, MatchesFashion, and Bergdorf Goodman, positioning Nigerian design firmly within the luxury market. Heritage Reimagined At the core of Post-Imperial is a deep respect for adire. Traditionally made using indigo dye and resist techniques such as wax or cassava paste, adire has long carried cultural and symbolic meaning in Yoruba society. Okuboyejo collaborates with master dyers in southwestern Nigeria to produce these fabrics, ensuring authenticity and craftsmanship remain intact. Once dyed, the textiles are cut and tailored into contemporary shapes: shirts, jackets, ties, and suits that feel both timeless and modern. This approach allows Post-Imperial to preserve heritage while pushing it forward. Instead of treating Nigerian craft as a nostalgic artefact, Okuboyejo positions it as the foundation for a luxury aesthetic that resonates worldwide. Philosophy and Design Language Okuboyejo describes his work as “mythmaking.” Rather than replicating colonial notions of menswear, Post-Imperial builds new identities that reflect Nigeria, the diaspora, and contemporary culture. His collections often explore hybridity: relaxed tailoring that wears like loungewear, bold geometric patterns balanced by clean lines, and clothing that is deeply expressive yet highly functional. The result is menswear that challenges conventional luxury, rooted in comfort, identity, and cultural pride. Lagos Meets New York The brand’s dual base is central to its success. Lagos provides the cultural grounding, materials, and artisanal expertise, while New York offers the global platform. This movement between two fashion capitals enables Post-Imperial to remain authentically Nigerian while maintaining visibility in international luxury circles. ALSO READ: THIS IS US Nigeria: Redefining Sustainable Fashion Through Local Craft Ozinna: The Nigerian Virtual Concept Store Elevating African Fashion Global Recognition Post-Imperial’s reach is remarkable for an independent Nigerian label. GQ, Vogue, The New York Times, Wallpaper*, and Highsnobiety have featured it, and it has also earned industry recognition with the CFDA/Vogue Icon 360 grant. Its presence in retailers like Mr Porter, MatchesFashion, and Bergdorf Goodman further cements its status as one of the few African brands positioned in global luxury retail. By placing Nigerian textiles in these spaces, Post-Imperial reframes how the world views African fashion, not as an exotic novelty, but as an integral part of contemporary luxury. Impact on Nigerian Fashion The success of Post-Imperial has broader significance: Strengthening tradition: By investing in adire artisans, the brand helps preserve techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Defining new luxury: Nigerian craftsmanship is not sidelined as “craftwear” but elevated to sit confidently alongside European and American fashion houses. Inspiring others: For young Nigerian designers, Post-Imperial serves as proof that authentic storytelling and local production can translate into global recognition. Post-Imperial is more than a fashion label; it is a narrative about identity, heritage, and the possibilities of Nigerian design. Through Niyi Okuboyejo’s vision, adire is no longer just a traditional textile; it is a global language of luxury, artistry, and cultural pride. Post-Imperial is proof that Nigerian craftsmanship belongs on the world stage. Explore more trailblazing labels with Rex Clarke Adventures. FAQs Who founded the Post-Imperial? Post-Imperial was founded in 2012 by Nigerian designer Niyi Okuboyejo, who is based between Lagos and New York. What is Post-Imperial best known for? The brand is known for reinterpreting adire, the Yoruba indigo resist-dyeing technique, in contemporary menswear. Where can I buy post-imperial pieces? Collections are stocked internationally at Mr Porter, MatchesFashion, Bergdorf Goodman, and select luxury retailers. Is Post-Imperial made in Nigeria? Yes. Nigerian artisans hand-dye the fabrics, and they perform much of the tailoring locally before they reach global markets. Why is post-imperialism important for Nigerian fashion? It demonstrates that Nigerian craftsmanship can define luxury on its own terms, serving as both a preservation of tradition and a forward-looking design philosophy.