Yinka Ash
Yinka Ash
Born
Olayinka Ashogbon

January 7th, 1995 (age 29)
Epe, Lagos
NationalityNigerian
Occupation(s)Fashion designer and entrepreneur
Years active2014–present
Websiteyinkaash.com

Olayinka Ashogbon, professionally known as Yinka Ash (born January 7, 1995),[1] is a Nigerian-born fashion designer and entrepreneur, who has launched the brands Ashluxury and Kalakuta Republic, the Vertical Rave festival, and a non-profit foundation.

Early and personal life[edit]

Ash was born and raised in Epe, Lagos Nigeria. His father was a structural engineer and his mother an English language lecturer and writer. He often credits his parents creative interests as his inspiration to pursue a career in fashion.[2] His love of design and fashion took form while performing community service during summer school in Germany. Yinka attended Caleb University, Lagos, where he studied Biochemistry.[3] Ash's brother Tolu is the founder of fashion brand Crowned Gear.[2]

Career[edit]

After graduating from Caleb University, Ash began his career as personal shopper purchasing and importing discounted clothing items found online for resale, where in the span of two years developed a client base.[4] In 2017, Ash launched Ashluxury, a minimalist concept store in Lekki, Lagos as well as an e-commerce store for luxury fashion items in Africa. Ashluxury stocks a plethora of international luxury fashion brands including Rhude, Adidas, Naked Wolfe, Nike, Kenzo and Coperni.[1] In 2022, he launched the Vertical Rave festival, an annual music and fashion festival.[5] The following year, he launched the Yinka Ash ART (YAART) Incubation Programme, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide training to young artists and assisting them in navigating their academic journeys; its inaugural event was in Ash's alma mater, Caleb University.[6] In December of 2023, Ash introduced his inaugural fashion line, titled "Kalakuta Republic," as a homage to Fela Kuti's enduring spirit and the historical significance of his Kalakuta Republic.[7][8] The collection aims to capture the vibrancy of Afrobeats while incorporating emerging cultural elements. It collaborated with the estate of Fela Kuti, and made Ashluxe the first African brand officially licensed.[8][9] The event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, featured performances by Fela Kuti's grandson, Made Kuti.[10]

In 2022, Ash was included in the Forbes' Africa 30 Under 30 list.[3] In 2023, he was inducted in the Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 class, a compilation of noteworthy individuals in the worldwide fashion landscape.[1] Ash often references 90's clothing styles and rap and hip-hop culture as key sources of inspiration in the creation of his clothing designs.[11] The music of Fela Kuti has also inspired his designs.[11]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c BoF. "Yinka Ash". BoF. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b The Sun Nigeria (28 January 2020). "Fela, pop culture inspired my fashion line – Yinka Ash, celebrity clothier". The Sun Nigeria. The Sun. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b "The Class of 2022: Money and Meaning". www.forbesafrica.com. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  4. ^ Njoku, Chisom (10 January 2021). "YINKA ASH: REIMAGINING STREETWEAR IN AFRICA". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  5. ^ Benissan, Ezreen (8 February 2023). "From Afrobeats to Amapiano: How music is uplifting African fashion". VOGUE Business. VOGUE. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  6. ^ Tomiwa, Ajibola (23 June 2023). "Yinka Ash moves to produce next generation of African creatives". The Guardian Nigeria. The Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  7. ^ Ige, Tofarati (2024-01-06). "Ashluxe pays homage to Fela with fashion collection". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  8. ^ a b "Ashluxe Closes out 2023 in Style – Kalakuta Style – THISDAY Style". Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  9. ^ Ige, Tofarati (2024-01-06). "Ashluxe pays homage to Fela with fashion collection". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  10. ^ Ezike, Onyeka (January 8, 2024). "Ashluxe unveils Kalakuta Republic as homage to Fela's spirit". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  11. ^ a b Okoye, Rita (28 January 2020). "Fela, pop culture inspired my fashion line – Yinka Ash, celebrity clothier". The Sun. Retrieved 28 November 2023.