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Foday Dumbuya
FD

Foday Dumbuya

Designer, Creative Director & Founder

LABRUM

About

Category: Culture & Creativity

Track: Fashion

Industry: LABRUM

Country: United Kingdom

Description

Foday Dumbuya is a Designer, Creative Director, and the founder of the luxury clothing brand LABRUM. His work exists at the dynamic intersection of fashion, culture, and art, and is a true celebration of creativity and innovation.

Having graduated from Nottingham Trent University, he went on to work for DKNY and Nike before launching his brand LABRUM London in 2014.

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and raised in Cyprus and London. Foday’s life has been an incredible journey through diverse cultures have shaped his unique approach to design. This blend of global influences fuels his creative process, resulting in designs that are both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in tradition.

Foday’s designs are known for their bold use of colour, intricate patterns, and a contemporary take on classic design. Foday expertly incorporates ancient techniques passed down through generations, merging them with modern British tailoring to create designs that are not only beautiful but tell a story. Signature pieces like the agbada shirt are reimagined with a contemporary twist, making each collection a fusion of heritage and innovation that’s distinct to his brand, LABRUM.

The accolades that Foday has received are a testament to his groundbreaking work. In May 2023, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by The British Fashion Council, a prestigious honour recognising his contributions to the fashion industry.

In 2024, Arsenal FC’s released their away kit designed by Foday, and in a groundbreaking collaboration with adidas, he made history by launching the first-ever fashion show at the Emirates Stadium, solidifying his place in both the worlds of fashion and sport.

As the global ambassador for Sierra Leone athletics team Foday was assigned to design the official kit for team Sierra Leone at the Paris Olympics 2024 in collaboration with adidas.

Foday’s work is deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. He uses his designs as a platform to celebrate identity, heritage, and the transformative power of self-expression. His mission to "inform the unknown" challenges the conventional and invites the world to see culture and style through a new lens. Foday is not just creating clothing, textiles & furniture; he’s shaping narratives and elevating voices that are often unheard.

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