Nigerian-born creative director Mafe Micayah Onyemaechi of Waley Clothing presented a deeply personal body of work at REROLL 2025, a British Council-sponsored exhibition held from August 22–26 at London’s White Brick Showroom. The event focused on redefining African luxury and how it is expressed in global contexts.

For Onyemaechi, the showcase marked a turning point. Following the loss of a loved one earlier in the year, he used the exhibition to debut “ADEWALE with OKE Legacy”, a collection whose name translates to “the crown came home with a big legacy.”

The collection features hand-woven aso-oke, adire, and raffia, each chosen for their historical and cultural significance. The fabrics were not only selected for their aesthetic qualities but also for their storytelling potential, with particular attention paid to preserving traditional techniques while presenting them in a modern context.

Rather than relying on surface-level fusion of tradition and trend, Onyemaechi’s approach to design is rooted in cultural continuity and intentional craftsmanship. His goal was to build a collection that creates dialogue between Lagos and London, positioning clothing as a form of cultural communication. Onyemaechi says,

“Fashion has always been my language when words fail me. REROLL was about transforming pain into something people could wear, something that honors both what we’ve lost and what we’re building.”

During the exhibition, Onyemaechi connected with UK-based retailers and ethical manufacturers, expanding Waley Clothing’s international network while maintaining his design ethos.

Waley Clothing continues to operate between London and Lagos, serving a global client base and emphasizing that African luxury can remain rooted in heritage without losing relevance on the international stage.

The “ADEWALE with OKE Legacy” collection is available through Waley Clothing’s international channels, with select pieces customizable to reflect individual cultural narratives.