Encomium
The Macallan, world-renowned Single Malt Scotch Whisky, in partnership with award-winning Nigerian fashion designer Mai Atafo, upskill aspiring fashion creatives. This initiative took place at the ATAFO workshop on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The fashion workshop themed “Fashion Conversations with Mai Atafo” is a developmental initiative by the award-winning designer and fashion maestro Mai Atafo to inspire and enable the next generation of fashion creatives. The workshop involved interactive sessions that focused on topics such as understanding the fashion industry, the skills needed for growth in the Nigerian fashion industry, and a guide to running a successful fashion business in Nigeria, among other insightful themes.
ATAFO’s creative designer Mai Atafo passionately addressed the young designers, sharing valuable insights and actionable advice gleaned from his extensive two-decade career equipping attendees with practical tools for success.
This is not the first time The Macallan will partner with the designer. This workshop marks the third edition of the series in the past year. In 2023, the brand successfully trained over 90 creatives in Abuja, while 50 designers were trained in Lagos during the same year. The Macallan’s investment in these intimate masterclasses demonstrates its commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria’s youth population by supporting the infrastructure for achieving mastery in the craft of fashion. The Macallan also partnered with Mai Atafo for the Spring Summer ’23 and Spring Summer ’24 fashion showcase for his eponymous brand.
Acknowledging the significant growth and international recognition of the Nigerian fashion industry, the Brand Manager, Edrington portfolio in Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi, affirmed, “The Macallan is known for its quality, uniqueness, and distinctive character. Our whiskies are the result of meticulous processes and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. This dedication to excellence is reflected in aspects of our brand. Today, we find ourselves celebrating a shared passion for this very concept—the importance of craftsmanship in the Nigerian fashion industry.
The world of fashion, like the world of whisky, thrives on the dedication of skilled artisans who dedicate their creativity and expertise to every stitch and design. That’s why The Macallan is proud to be a three-time partner with Mai Atafo on this initiative. We understand that nurturing the next generation of creative minds is paramount to ensuring a future where exceptional craftsmanship continues to flourish in the fashion industry.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership with The Macallan and the workshop’s impact, Mai Atafo stated, “This collaboration with The Macallan goes deeper than just fashion sponsorship. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship. My commitment to the art of craftsmanship is what brought us together. The Macallan appreciates craftmanship, and fashion is a tangible expression of that. Their dedication to their craft mirrors mine, as they meticulously curate the whisky. This partnership is a testament to the shared values of craftsmanship and dedication. I’m thrilled to be passing on this appreciation for craftmanship to the next generation of fashion designers.”
With a history dating back two centuries, The Macallan is synonymous with heritage, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. This dedication to excellence resonates in its strategic collaborations in the country.
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L-R: Fashion Lawyer & Founder, Fashion Law Institute, Bernice Asein; Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi; Creative Director, ATAFO, Mai Atafo; The Macallan Brand Educator and Ambassador, Lagos, Daniel Atteh; and Creative Director, Outspoken Clothiers, Adesola Balogun during The Macallan-sponsored Fashion Conversation with Mai Atafo in Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Fashion designer, Mai Atafo and participants of the Fashion Conversation
