Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Foday Dumbuya is fashion designer and founder of the LABRUM London currently based In the United Kingdom. Foday Dumbuya’s recent collaboration with global sportswear giant Adidas to design Arsenal’s striking second kit for the upcoming season has gone viral.
Foday Dumbuya’s passion for creating the LABRUM London is rooted from his heritage from Sierra Leone and growing up in London. Foday Dumbuya created the LABRUM London to rebel against those negative connotations about Africa, about immigrants, about people’s movements. Foday realized and learned so much from the stories that his parents taught him about the Sierra Leone culture, the rich culture, the music, the food — “this is beautiful, but society make you feel that’s not really beautiful.” He. Noted during an interview.
“I have these two things: society said this, my parents said this.” Foday said “Which one is legit?” asking. For Faday, He went to the part of his parents which guided him to be where he is today. “I thought that’s what I wanted to do with LABRUM.” He said. Foday wanted to tell untold stories about West Africa, about London, about black culture, about British culture. “When those two intertwine, what does that look like? What does that feel like?” He asked
Foday wants to leave a legacy where in 50 years or so a kid from London or Africa that looks like him will be able to have a reference point, noting “you can’t be what you can’t see.” Foday wants to help those kids to be able to do what they want to do, but also believe that it’s possible and anything is possible. “That’s why I do what I do, I want to be able to leave that.” He said during an interview.
Foday believes that it is about how they bring their community to the forefront of what they do. “We tell stories not just about Africa, but also about British culture.” He said during an interview. Foday grew up in the United Kingdom his whole life. His desire to tell the African and British stories.
Foday advices young designers to stay true to their selves. “Believe in the stories that you want to tell.” He added adding that they should make sure they are knowledgeable about whatever they want to do and work hard. “And it’s hard in the business that we’re in, so have a plan and make sure you know how to execute it. Stick with it.” He advice.