Welcome to ‘Faces of FAT’, a captivating series that takes you behind the scenes of Fashion Art Toronto 2025. Dive into the compelling narratives and creative journeys of diverse designers, as we uncover the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that shape their unique visions. From innovators to emerging talents, each episode unveils the fascinating stories behind the runway. Join us as we celebrate the diverse voices and untold stories of the fashion world, one designer at a time.
Name: OAMA
Website: www.oama.co
Instagram/ Social Handles: @oamaofficial
Showtime: Saturday, May 31st at 9PM
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi I’m Doyin. I’m the founder and creative director of OAMA, a womenswear brand born in Lagos and created for Women who walk into rooms and don’t shrink, for women who wear colour like courage and style like a second skin. Fashion found me early, from tying scraps of fabric on my dolls when I was younger to launching over 15 collections that now grace women across the world. My journey is about more than clothes, it’s about reclaiming identity, celebrating heritage, and turning every outfit into a story.
What inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by travel, by the colours, textures, and emotions I experience in every corner of the world. From the whitewashed serenity of Santorini, to the rhythmic energy of Lagos, to the rich history layered in the streets of Panama, each destination leaves an imprint on my soul. These places inspire me because they awaken a sense of freedom, joy, and possibility, the same feelings I aim to evoke through my designs.
When I travel, I’m not just collecting souvenirs, I’m collecting moments. A sunset over the Aegean, the beat of Afrobeat drums, the mosaic tiles of a hidden alleyway, they all find their way into my sketches, my colour palettes, and the stories I tell through each collection. For me, fashion isn’t just about fabric; it’s about feeling. And I design to help women wear their boldest, most beautiful selves, no passport required.
Tell us the story behind your brand/ art.
OAMA is my love letter to heritage, womanhood, and the world. The name is a flipped version of my surname a quiet tribute to my parents, whose love and belief gave me permission to dream boldly. But OAMA is bigger than me. It’s a brand for women who take up space unapologetically, who live in color, speak in confidence, and wear their stories like art.
After years of designing for friends and family, I officially launched in 2021 with one goal: to create clothing that feels like a celebration. Every collection is inspired by my travels, my roots in Lagos, and the beauty of becoming. My pieces aren’t just garments, they’re invitations. To stand tall. To feel seen. To be unforgettable.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
Stay true to your voice. In an industry full of trends and noise, authenticity is your biggest asset. Build a brand rooted in who you are, not just what sells, and let your values lead the way. And don’t be afraid to start small. Learn, evolve, and take the journey one beautiful collection at a time.
What do you love most about FAT?
FAT is such a vibrant celebration of creativity. I love how it brings together fashion, art, and community in a way that feels inclusive and experimental. It’s a space where stories are told without limits, where every designer, regardless of background, is encouraged to bring their full self to the runway.
What does 2025 hold for you?
2025 is all about elevation. We’re expanding OAMA’s global footprint, Personally, I’m leaning into storytelling, collaboration, and designing pieces that move people, emotionally and literally. There’s a lot to be excited about, and we’re just getting started.
Want to read up on more of the designers in our Faces of FAT Series? Check it out here.
