Foremost fashion designer and a creative force, who is redefining African and urban fashion on a global stage, Mafe Micayah Onyemaechi Adewale, has declared his intention to continue to showcase best of African fashion both in the UK and other parts of the world.
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few stories are as daring and inspiring as that of Mafe Micayah, who has relentlessly pursued his passion across continents.
Micayah is not just another tailor: his journey into fashion began in 2012, at an age when most young people were still discovering their path. Armed with an innate talent for design and a passion for excellence, he embarked on a career that would later see him break boundaries and bring African fashion to the world.
Despite holding a degree in Computer Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, his heart belonged to fashion. In 2015, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria—a city known for its thriving fashion industry—to hone his skills. There, he worked with some of Nigeria’s most renowned fashion houses, including Gabriel Tosh Luxury (formerly Gabriel Tosh Crea8ion), Exclusive Yours Clothing (EYC), Official Neye Clothings (ONC), Yomi Casual, Oye Couture, Teezy Clothings, and many more.
The experience provided him with a deeper understanding of craftsmanship, branding, and the business of fashion. It also planted the seed of a bigger dream—one that would take his designs beyond borders.
In 2018, Micayah launched his own fashion brand, Waley Clothing. This wasn’t just another brand—it was a statement. A declaration that African fashion, in all its elegance and diversity, deserved a spot on the global map.
Waley Clothing was positioned as a fusion of tradition and modernity, catering to a diverse clientele who sought both cultural authenticity and contemporary luxury. His designs—spanning from Senators, Agbadas, Natives, Suits, Pants, Dansiki, and Shirts—became a symbol of African excellence, winning the admiration of fashion enthusiasts across different backgrounds.
But Micayah’s vision didn’t stop at traditional African attires. Recognizing the growing demand for stylish and comfortable urban wear, he expanded Waley_Clothing into customized urban fashion—introducing a line of hoodies, polos, joggers, and other contemporary streetwear.
In 2023, Waley Clothing vision took another major leap forward when Mafe Micayah relocated to the UK. He arrived with an ambitious mission—to establish Waley Clothing as an international luxury and urban fashion brand.
His journey in the UK has been nothing short of phenomenal. In just a short time, he has crafted over 100 bespoke attires for different ethnic groups, a testament to his versatility and deep understanding of fashion’s universal language.
His designs have graced some of the biggest events in London and across the UK, including high-profile weddings, fashion shows, and cultural festivals. Each outfit he creates tells a story—a blend of African heritage with global fashion influences.
Micayah is not stopping anytime soon. With every stitch, he is pushing boundaries and redefining what African and urban fashion can be. His goal is clear: to turn Waley Clothing into a globally recognized fashion powerhouse, competing with the best in the world while staying true to his African roots.
