#KingStitch: Interview with Tokyo James of Tokyo James

Tokyo James is British-Nigerian designer blending elegance with streetwear since he debuted his self-named brand in 2015 at South African Menswear Week. He balances an aesthetic that fuses traditional European tailoring with innovative designs inspired by his Nigerian background in an attempt to disrupt the traditional men’s wardrobe.

He started out as a Creative Director and stylist from London, and was an Editor-in-Chief for a few magazines, now he’s one of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers. Tokyo James is shattering societal norms with his unique style and futuristic collections. He is one of the designers selected to champion Budweiser’s game-changing campaign tagged, The King’s Stitch, targeted at showcasing and celebrating the individuality of Nigerian youth.

Read Bud’s chat with Tokyo.

With a degree in Mathematics, what inspired the switch to full time designing?

Tokyo James: This started from my A-level days when I began to understand the power of cloths, I could say who, what and how I felt through them without having to say a word. So I started exploring the world of fashion. I was scared at first, but as time went on and hours of research I started to become more and more confident about it and started following my instincts. I created what I wanted and quickly realized that my creations attracted people. After a decade of being a creative director and stylist for so many brands, I knew it was the right time for me to make a transition into design as it was something I always wanted to do.

Transitioning from publishing a digital magazine to becoming a fashion power house, how did you know this was the next logical step for you?

Tokyo James: The time felt right, I wanted to create cloth that had meaning to them and it was very important for me to do it from Africa to help change the perception of what was achievable from the continent, while also contributing to the overall perception of Africa in a positive light at the same time helping to improve the fashion industry and create jobs.

Clearly, your bold switch from Mathematics to fashion design resonates with the Kingʼs Stitch campaign. Would you say this is one of the reasons why you are one of the designers headlining the campaign?

Tokyo James: I do think so because The King’s Stitch is about shining a light on the creativity of individuals doing their own thing and making things happen for them which is exactly what the Tokyo James brands stands for.

View this post on Instagram

British-Nigerian designer, Creative Director and stylist, Tokyo James is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers shattering societal norms with his unique style and collections. #KingStitch by @budweisernigeria celebrates the individuality of Nigerian youth. #chooseyourlabel

A post shared by More Branches (@morebranchestv) on Apr 2, 2019 at 2:17am PDT

How does this campaign impact you first as a person and then as a designer?

Tokyo James: The campaign resonates with me because it celebrates the individual and the spirit of hard work.  It says it’s ok not to be like everyone else and you do not have to accept the norms of the society you come from. You can chart your own course and rise above societal expectations. As a designer, it is saying to me that my dreams are valid.

How do you intend to promote the objectives of the Kingʼs Stitch campaign with your designs?

Tokyo James:Being creative is key and keeping to the Tokyo James philosophy which stands for creating and living your own individuality which is something that is at the heart of The King’s Stitch.

Your career path started oversees, how will you describe the Nigerian fashion space and how was the reception when you returned to the country?

Tokyo James:Although my career in fashion started in Europe, London specifically, I would say I have always felt connected to Nigerian fashion, music and culture. So it felt natural to return. I did my secondary education in Nigeria before returning to live and work in London and both places have always informed and influenced my work. I think as a designer I received a warm reception from many, particularly those on the scene who were curious and excited by my creative point of view.  Obviously, I may have ruffled some feathers, but that’s what happens when you have new entrants who are also breaking territories with their work which has always been at the heart of the Tokyo James brand. I am excited to be part of a new generation of designers pushing African aesthetics forward both on the domestic and international stage.

Do you think your Nigerian background influences your collections?

Tokyo James: Yes it does. Nigeria is a beautiful country with such diverse people, norms and culture. I try to make sure that every collection I put out there has some aspects of Nigeria in it.

View this post on Instagram

💚🖤💚🖤💚

A post shared by Tokyo James (@tokyojamess) on Mar 22, 2019 at 2:43am PDT

View this post on Instagram

The graphic spider 🕷 suit from our SS18 collection entitled “ African Cow Boy “

A post shared by Tokyo James (@tokyojamess) on Mar 10, 2019 at 10:22pm PDT

Several designs of yours feature bugs/insects. What is the inspiration for this?

Tokyo James:We live in Africa where bugs/insects are intrinsically African and part of our day to day life. They are in our homes, places of work, even to the tallest skyscrapers in our city. We have an unspoken connection with them and them to us. They are nature’s most perfect creations, from their colours, to their shapes and their existent within nature it’s just a beautiful thing.

What has been your most challenging moment as a designer and was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Tokyo James:Sometimes the politics in the industry can be distracting and disheartening, especially as a designer my main goal is to share my vision from season to season with my customers. I choose to focus on the positive which is growing and developing Tokyo James rather than get bogged down by anything else.

Who are your role models in this industry?

Tokyo James: Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen and Thom Browne.

Any message for the Nigerian youth?

Tokyo James:CREATE and never stop creating, it is not going to be easy but be rest assured that it will be well worth it.