Yinka Ash
Born
Olayinka Ashogbon

January 7th, 1995 (age 28)
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. He is the founder and creative director of Ashcorp Luxury Projects Limited, the holding company for Ashluxe, Vertical Rave and Ashluxury.[2]

Early life and education

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.[3] 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. Thereafter he attended the University of the Arts, London, where he studied Luxury Brand Management.

Career

2014: Personal Shopper

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]

2017: Ashluxury

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.[5]

2018 – Ashluxe, Vertical Rave Festival and YAART Incubation Programme

In 2018, Ash facing the challenge of finding the perfect T-shirt with the desired fit and cut, prompting him to start designing, launched Ashluxe; a streetwear clothing brand also stocked in Ashluxury.[6] Ashluxe since inception as a brand has expanded into the luxury fashion space producing multiple collections a year including "Apollo" and "Paradise"[7]

In 2022, he launched the Vertical Rave festival, an annual music and fashion festival done over the course of a weekend that merges African music and fashion,[8] in its maiden year, inclusive of an array of art centered activities the festival boasted a line up of well-known African musical artistes, such as: Omah Lay, Bnxn, Made Kuti, Lojay, Ruger, Victony, Young John and many more.[9]

Ash, an avid art lover and creator, in 2023 launched the Yinka Ash ART (YAART) Incubation Programme’ a non-profit organisation that aims to hone the skills of young African creatives.[10] The programme aims to provide comprehensive training to young artists on principles of creativity and assisting them in navigating their paths during and after their academic journeys, its inaugural event in Ash's alma mater, Caleb University.[11]

Recognitions

In 2022, he was included in the Forbes' Africa 30 Under 30 list.[12]

In 2023, he was inducted in the Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 class, a compilation of noteworthy individuals in the worldwide fashion landscape.[1]

Artistry

Celebrated as a versatile designer and artist, Ash is part of a cohort of contemporary designers seamlessly blending classical fashion with the vibrant modernity of streetwear apparel.

Influences

Ash often references 90's Clothing Style, Rap and Hip-Hop Culture, and Highlife Music as key sources of inspiration in the creation of his clothing designs.[13] Ash also expressed that his creative influences stem from contemporary pop culture, drawing inspiration from the diverse individuals he encounters on the streets wherever he happens to be.[14] Ash has also recognized the influence of the music of Fela Kuti in shaping his artistic approach, an influence that, in turn, plays a role in the creation of his designs.[13]

Personal life

Ash is a lover of music, from contemporary to vintage sounds, enjoys traveling and has a genuine appreciation for art.[3][2]

Ash also has a brother also in the fashion space, who runs an Apparel design outfit known as "Crowned Gear"[3]

References

  1. 1 2 BoF. "Yinka Ash". BoF. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. 1 2 Groom, Georgina. "Soulful Soundtracks and Hedonistic Dance Houses: A Lagos Adventure with Designer Yinka Ash". SUITCASE. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 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.
  4. Njoku, Chisom. "YINKA ASH: REIMAGINING STREETWEAR IN AFRICA". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  5. BoF. "Yinka Ash". BoF. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  6. GQ South Africa. "GQ chats to Yinka Ash, the Creative Director for ASHLUXE". GQ South Africa. GQ. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  7. CUPIDO, STEPHEN. "The 'street fashion' to enlightenment with Yinka Ash". LUX AFRIQUE. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  8. Benissan, Ezreen. "From Afrobeats to Amapiano: How music is uplifting African fashion". VOGUE Business. VOGUE. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  9. BellaNaija.com (2022-11-18). "Vertical Rave Sets to Host a Global Music Festival in Nigeria | December 2022". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  10. 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.
  11. Nigeria, Guardian (2023-06-23). "Yinka Ash moves to produce next generation of African creatives". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  12. Forbes of Africa (15 July 2022). "The Class of 2022: Money and Meaning". Forbes Africa. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  13. 1 2 Okoye, Rita (28 January 2020). "Fela, pop culture inspired my fashion line – Yinka Ash, celebrity clothier". The Sun. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  14. "GQ chats to Yinka Ash, the Creative Director for ASHLUXE". www.gq.co.za. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
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