By Brian James

Cardiff-based Nigerian born designer Temitope Ogunseitan showcased his A/W 25 collection “Biophilic” during London Fashion Week and I was thrilled to be invited to view this latest body of work.

An established and well-respected designer in Nigeria, Temitope’s Lagos flagship store “Drippcity” was an ideas incubator and hub which attracted clients and creatives from across the country. In 2022 Nigerian officials unexpectedly demolished the building while his stock was stolen by looters. Having a career and creations dismantled and disappearing in front of him , the designer and his partner took the courageous step to cross continents and relocate to Wales. Founding a new brand  “DrippByTP4” in his new home, it’s one that retains the vision and values which defined its predecessor in Lagos.

This latest iteration of the designer’s fashion philosophy was recognised and rewarded by the UA in UK platform who selected the brand to appear as part of their North Paddington Fashion Show during LFW. An organisation originally founded to support Ukrainian fashion and those creatives displaced by war, while different factors led to Temitope leaving Nigeria he shares their ability to embrace unwanted and unexpected change in a way few of us can imagine and to grow even stronger from those experiences.

Premiering “Biophilic” before a packed audience in the stunning splendour of Maida Vale’s Amadeus Centre , the collection’s title references that intrinsic connection between nature and other life forms , a connection that goes to the heart of our and our world’s well being. And one which so aptly defines the environmental empathy which underpins all the designer does. From the original imprints inception in 2010, Temitope has focused on sourcing pre-loved and deadstock materials, upcycling them to produce beautiful pieces which occupy that nexus where art meets fashion.

That artistic aptitude was honed in Temitope earlier years as an illustrator and creator of album covers. One which he continues to channel in his work with this latest collection bearing the signature rich tapestries and painterly palette that have come to define his design aesthetic. It’s one that takes suiting to a different level imbuing it with a dopamine hit and which was evidenced in “Biophilic” through vivid, vibrant designs influenced by the stimulus of heritage and characterised by a meticulous attention to craftsmanship.

Standout pieces for us included the most covetable suits with fluid, abstract prints in bold colours that spoke to the designer’s artistic origins while others that were printed with numerals we numbered among our favourites. Fabulous floral prints, a monochromatic satin finish blazer emblazoned with newsprint style slogans and another bearing images of that icon of icons Marilyn Monroe were quite simply majestic and demonstrated a designer whose design development is on an upward trajectory.

“Biophilic” bears testament to the ability of Temitope Ogunseitan and his brand “DrippByTP4” to dazzle us through exceptional designs that are allied with precision tailoring. It also bears testament to his strength in undertaking a physical and creative journey that few in fashion have to take.

Resuming his fashion career and recalibrating the brand in a new country on a new continent would be a hugely impressive achievement on its own. Taking “DrippByTP4” to this stage in its evolution where the label is showing during London Fashion Week demonstrates the passion the designer has for his craft and the reserves of resilience which have brought him to this point in his career. It teaches all of us the power of turning aspiration into application and the power of creativity over chaos. We’re excited to see what Temitope Ogunseitan brings us next.