In the fashion world, Tolu Oye’s Meji Meji brand has become a standout for its dedication to African heritage and beauty. Oye’s latest creation, the Sisi Ologe top, captures a unique blend of fashion and culture by drawing inspiration from traditional African hair designs. In this article, we explore the inspiration behind this piece and how Oye’s journey of self-acceptance and pride in her heritage shaped her brand’s identity.
Tolu Oye’s Cultural Journey: From Ohio to Lagos
Tolu Oye, born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Ohio, grew up navigating a complex mix of cultural influences. In Ohio, where diversity was limited, she felt pressure to conform to Western beauty standards, leading her to experiment with hair relaxers and avoid anything that might accentuate her African identity. However, a transformative visit to Nigeria in 2016 rekindled her love for her roots, and she returned home with a renewed pride in her culture.
In 2020, Oye launched her clothing brand, Meji Meji, to share her heritage with the world through fashion. “Now, if there’s any way that I can spread the gospel of different elements of my culture, even if it’s through hair, I want to use that as a form of storytelling,” Oye explains. Her latest piece, the Sisi Ologe top, is the latest in this effort—a design that celebrates African hair traditions.
The Sisi Ologe Top: A Tribute to African Beauty
The Sisi Ologe top, part of Oye’s Meji Meji collection, is inspired by iconic African hairstyles and the timeless beauty of natural hair. The design brings back images from 1970s wig ads, featuring styles like intricate braids, voluminous blowouts, and kinky coils. Oye collaborated with Nigerian artist Joseph Edgar to create the print for the top, which took six months to finalize, capturing every detail and celebrating the expansiveness of African beauty.
From braided up-dos to loose curls, the Sisi Ologe top embodies a wide range of African hairstyles, all of which showcase the diversity of natural hair. Each piece serves as a voice for African heritage and a reminder of the elegance and pride woven into African hair culture.
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Capturing Nostalgia and Culture: The Campaign
Oye’s vision extends beyond the garment itself, incorporating the essence of classic Nollywood cinema into her campaign. The campaign photos feature models in traditional Shuku up-dos, adding a sense of nostalgia while celebrating the beauty of African hairstyles.
Lawal and Opeyemi Oyebanji, longtime collaborators of Oye, brought the vision to life with detailed up-dos and hairstyles rooted in African tradition. “It was a way to highlight the richness and history of African hair, paying tribute to the past while keeping it modern and accessible,” Oye shared.
A Lifelong Connection to Hair and Fashion
Oye’s connection to hair goes back to her childhood, where she spent countless hours in the braiding salon where her mother worked. As early as five, Oye began helping her mother by finishing braids, and her love for styling grew. Watching Nollywood films at the salon also ignited her passion for fashion.
“I recently asked my mom if I was addicted to toys growing up, and she said, ‘Not at all, but you loved America’s Next Top Model. You would sit in front of the TV and watch the makeovers over and over. That’s when I noticed your interest in hair and fashion,’” Oye recalls. This early exposure to beauty and style led her to design clothing that bridges African traditions with modern fashion trends.
Building a Legacy: The Inspiration Behind Meji Meji
For Oye, Meji Meji is more than a fashion brand; it is a way to preserve African heritage. Oye’s vision for her designs is deeply personal and rooted in her love for traditional braiding and African hairstyles. She spent years honing her craft and experimenting with her own hairstyles, like bang braids, freestyle cornrows, and twisted mohawks.
One of her most famous creations, the Shuku+Periwinkle, is a high cone-shaped up-do with braided bangs. This iconic style has appeared everywhere, from CFDA red carpets to Jameson packaging and even in Burna Boy music videos. Oye understands the power of representation, explaining, “It’s not just about hair—it’s about preserving traditional techniques while adding a modern touch. It’s my legacy.”
Preserving African Traditions Through Fashion
As African-inspired fashion gains prominence, Oye’s Meji Meji brand stands out for its authentic connection to culture. The Sisi Ologe top is not only a statement piece but a tribute to African beauty, resilience, and pride. By celebrating traditional hairstyles and incorporating them into her designs, Oye offers a powerful reminder of the beauty and strength found in African heritage.
Through Meji Meji, Oye is on a mission to highlight African beauty and fashion for a global audience. Each piece tells a story, offering wearers a connection to African culture and a way to embrace their own heritage with pride. In a world where representation matters, Meji Meji’s designs bring African history and tradition into the future.
Final Thoughts
Tolu Oye’s Meji Meji brand has become a powerful platform for African storytelling through fashion. From the Sisi Ologe top to her celebrated Shuku+Periwinkle hairstyle, Oye’s work embodies the spirit of African beauty and heritage. As more people discover Meji Meji, Oye hopes her designs will inspire pride, self-acceptance, and a connection to Africa’s rich traditions for generations to come.
