Mai Atafo: Our Top Celebrity Stylist

You can’t be a fashion lover and not have heard of the name “Mai Atafo”. It’s not possible. If you have not, then please stop calling yourself a fashion lover. You probably must have been hearing the name but today, we’re bringing him to you; everything you need to know – the name, the brand and whatnot. Let’s go.

Mai whose full name is Ohimai Atafo is the creative head of the Atafo brand which is one of the top fashion brands in Nigeria and Africa. He was born of Edo parents in Osun state. He has six brothers and two sisters.

He obtained his first Degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Edo State University, Ekpoma and went on to pursue his Masters Degree in Information Systems and Technology from City University, UK. Mai Atafo is married to Ede-Christine and their marriage is blessed with a lovely daughter, Aima Atafo.

Prior to venturing into the fashion industry, Mai had worked in the corporate sector. He was a Senior Brand Manager for Guinness Nigeria plc and had worked with British American Tobacco.

Our fashion guru was once a fashion editor for Genevieve Magazine. He headed Spice TV for six months. Mai is a voiceover artist. He has voiced a commercial for Glo, a multi-communication network, and that’s not all. This talented man is also an event host and a compere.

Mai is one of the most iconic fashion designers in Africa and his brand, Atafo is already an household name. He has managed to stay relevant in the fashion scene for almost a decade. The reason is not farfetched; his designs are iconic, plus, he is a unisex designer; we don’t get that everyday. Every year, he keeps birthing incredible designs and concepts.

In 2014, he launched a sister brand Weddings By Mai. They make clothings for wedding which include suits for grooms and his groomsmen, brides and bridesmaid dresses.

Mai’s label attracts top clientele in the society including A-list celebrities and superstars like Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Banky-W, Basketmouth, Tuface, Adesua Etomi, Omawunmi Akinifesi, Omoni Oboli, Linda Ejiofor, Nancy Isime, to mention but a few.

He was the official designer for the 2016 blockbuster, The Wedding Party. He made the breathtaking wedding dress Adesua Etomi’s character “Dunni” wore. He also made the suits and bridesmaids dresses too.

It’s no coincidence that Mai Atafo ended up dressing Adesua and Banky for their actual wedding, down to the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Weddings By Mai also dressed Linda Ejiofor and Ibrahim Suleiman on their wedding day which took place towards the end of 2018, not forgetting the groomsmen and bridal train.

Mai Atafo has made his intention of going retail known. He wants his brand to be sold in clothing stores across the country.

Mai Atafo’s Awards

• Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs), Fashion Designer of the year – West Africa (2017)
• Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs), Lifestyle/Style Fashion Icon Achievement Award (2016)
• Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Menswear Designer Of The Year (2015)
• Glitz, Designer Of The Year (2013)
• Allure, Most Stylish Man Of The Year (2011)
• Thisday Style, Best Dressed Man (2011)
• FAB Magazine, Fashion Brand of the Year (2010
• City People Fashion And Style, Hottest New Male Designer (2009).