MIA London is a luxury fashion brand which connects the world to African creatives. The brand provides a platform for formalwear pieces handmade by skilled tailors from across the African continent and is designed by founder and creative director, Aji Ayorinde.
Aji Ayorinde is a social entrepreneur with several years of experience dealing directly with multi-national clients. As a qualified lawyer specialising in finance law, he has carved out a niche advising on business development with a specific focus on Africa. With the launch of MIA London Aji is using his skills in a more creative way.
The MIA story begins in Africa, a continent that holds infinite beauty and is home to a generation of inspired individuals who are breaking conservative moulds. MIA London’s founder’s own African cultural genesis led him back to the continent, where he was re-invigorated by the people and experiences that he encountered. When he found himself in need of a suit he designed the first pair of MIA trousers; taking cognisance of contemporary trends, and incorporating the high-waisted fit of a bygone era. His design provided a solution to the trade-off between waist fit and leg room that many men experience and was the perfect fit for any man. The creation of the initial pair of trousers was entrusted to a local tailor of a South African brand. After experiencing the pure luxury and comfort of the trousers created, Aji Ayorinde returned to London, England to launch the brand.
“We take a collaborative approach as our aim is not to ‘colonise’ the creative talent of our chosen tailors but to showcase their skills” – Aji Ayorinde, Founder/Creative Director
