Mai Atafo (DESIGNER INSIGHT)

Mai Atafo was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Though an indigene of Edo State, he spent most of his childhood in Benin City, Lagos and London. He holds a 2nd Class Upper degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Edo State University Ekpoma and then obtained a Post graduate degree in Information Technology, from City University London, England.

Before Mai Atafo ventured in the world of fashion he lived life as a full blown marketing dude in the corporate world. After almost 7 years in the United Kingdom he returned to Nigeria for a job in  British American Tobacco before moving to Guinness Nigeria Plc in 2007. In 2010, 4 years later he took a career break from his role as Senior Brand Manager Guinness to become a full time Fashion Designer or Fashion Artist as he prefers to be called.

Between 2007 and 2010 Mai Atafo established and ran his clothing line Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI) which he ran as he worked in a full time job. Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI) specializes in suits for men and glamorous red carpet dresses for ladies and most recently, bridal dresses. His designs are versatile, timeless, notably classic, but notwithstanding contemporary, clean-cut and urban.

Mai Atafo first major debut was clothing the likes of Omowunmi Akinnifesi (MBGN 2005), Pasuma Wonder and Wale Rubber in the Maiden Edition of the TV Dance reality show “Celebrity Takes Two”. He has since been involved in the second season of “Celebrity Takes Two” clothing Stella Damasus and Yemi Blaq and other major TV shows/events like The Future Awards, Hip Hop World Awards, Soundcity Music Video Awards clothing high profile clients such as, Raz Adoti, Ashionye and Kemi Adetiba. Lists of the celebrities who have been spotted in MAI designs on the red carpet or for photshoots include actors Dakore Egbuson, Stephanie Okereke, Stella Damascus, Mercy Johnson, Gbenro Ajibade and Ramsey Nouah. Ex-Beauty Queens Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Munachi Abii, and Adaeze Igwe. Musicians include Banky W, D’Banj, 2face, M.I., Bez, Waje, and Omawumi. And other important clients such asJJ Okocha, Uti and Ebuka just to mention a few.

However, despite the endless list of his celebrity clientele MAI is focusing on delivering the highest level of service to all his customers regardless of their status. A Critic’s favourite, MAI’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable in his clothing. His notable Piece-de-resistance remains his crested blazers, which remains a fashion staple amongst the power dressers.

In 2010 Mai Atafo Inspired Atelier was opened at Suite B2a Falomo Shopping Centre, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos followed in July 2011 by the official launch of Weddings By MAI; the wedding line brand that caters to every clothing element of a wedding from the bridal gown, bridesmaids dress, little brides dresses, groom and grooms men’s suit, waistcoat and cravat.

Though Mai Atafo continues to strive as a fashion designer, he still consults as a marketing specialist, is the fashion editor of Genevieve magazine, he develops concept, coordinates and  produces events 

and TV shows, and also is a top event compere.

Mai Atafo’s success has been recognized with a number of awards including: two awards from City People Fashion and Style as Hottest New Designer Male (2009) and Special Recognition (2010); Mode Men Magazine Fashion Designer of The Year (2010) Best Dressed Men (2010) (2011); FAB Magazine Fashion Brand of The Year (2010). The Redefinition Covenant University contribution to fashion (2010) Allure Most Stylish Man of the Year (2011); This Style Best Dresses Men (2011).

DESIGNS INSPIRED BY MAI-ATAFO.