Versatile, stylish, urban, classic, contemporary, clean, perfectly put-together. These are the words to describe the artistic and fashionable designs of one of the most recognized and sought-after designers in the fashion industry, Mai Atafo.
Dakore Egbuson, Stephanie Okereke, Stella Damascus, Mercy Johnson, Gbenro Ajibade, Ramsey Nouah, Ex-Beauty Queens Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Munachi Abii, Adaeze Igwe, Banky W, D’Banj, 2face, M.I., Bez, Waje, and Omawumi, JJ Okocha, Uti Nwachukwu and Ebuka are some of the celebrities who have been spotted in MAI designs on the red carpet or for photo-shoots.
The Edo state indigene, Mai (short for Ohimai) Atafo, was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He spent most of his younger days in Lagos, Benin and London. He attended the University Staff School Benin and the Federal Government College Ido-Ano Ondo State. He holds a 2nd Class Upper degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Edo State University, Ekpoma, and later earned a Masters degree from the City Universitiy, UK in Information System and Technology.
After about 7 years in the United Kingdom, Mai returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom in 2002 and worked in various positions in the marketing department at British American Tobacco Nigeria before moving to Guinness Nigeria Plc in 2007 and resigned in 2010 Senior Brand Manager to become a full time fashion designer. He enrolled in the Savile Row Academy to further train as a tailor.
He then started a clothing line called Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI). He is known to create glamorous red carpet dresses, the most fantastic suit pieces for men and more recently woman as well.
His first major debut was clothing the likes of Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Pasuma Wonder and Wale Rubber in the Maiden Edition of the TV Dance reality show “Celebrity Takes Two”. He has since been involved in other major TV shows and 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.
In 2011, Mai Atafo through his parent brand Mai Atafo Inspired, launched a wedding line called Weddings by Mai. The wedding line 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 still consults as a marketing specialist, develops concept, coordinates and produces events and TV shows. He sat briefly as Fashion Editor for Genevieve Magazine.
His contribution to fashion and style has won him several awards such as 2009 City People Fashion and Style, Hottest New Male Designer; 2010 City People Fashion and Style, Special Recognition; 2010 Mode Men Fashion Designer of the Year; 2010 Mode Men, Best Dressed Man of the Year; 2010 FAB Magazine, Fashion Brand of the Year; 2010 Covenant University “Redefining Fashion Contribution”; 2011 Allure, Most Stylish Man of the Year; 2011 Thisday Style, Best Dressed Man; and 2013 GLITZ, Designer of the year.
On a personal note, Mai Atafo is married with a daughter. He loves Music, Salsa Dancing, Spoken Words, Poetry and Manchester United.
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