Ayobami Zaheed Amole—The Brains Behind Outterspace Integrated Luxury 

As a rising force in the fashion industry, Ayobami Zaheed Amole has made waves with his unique vision, strategic leadership, and relentless push for African creatives on the global stage. Featured in national dailies and British Vogue, Ayobami’s journey from learning the craft under Mum Camila Stitches and G Gold Fashion Institute to working on London Fashion Week 2024 and networking in New York’s elite fashion circles is nothing short of inspiring. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his role as the Creative Designer, Talent Manager, and Support Set Designer for Outterspace Integrated Luxury, his experiences in the global fashion space, and his vision for the future.

Ayobami, let’s start with your journey. When did the dream of fashion design begin for you? 

Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my mum, Camila Stitches, create stunning outfits, and that sparked my curiosity. Later, I trained at G Gold Fashion Institute, where I honed my skills and developed my design philosophy. My male siblings also took to tailoring, while my female siblings pursued hair making, so creativity runs deep in my family.

You are called the “Brain Box” by your team. Why is that? 

The nickname came from my ability to analyze trends, predict shifts in the market, and strategize beyond just designing. I oversee not just creative direction but also talent management and set design for our brand. I connect the dots between creativity, business, and culture, ensuring that Outterspace Integrated Luxury stays ahead.

You played a role in organizing London Fashion Week 2024. Can you tell us about that experience?  

London Fashion Week 2024 was a defining moment for me. It was an opportunity to see how global fashion operates on a large scale while contributing behind the scenes. From curating collections to ensuring smooth execution, my role allowed me to combine both my design expertise and organizational skills.

You were sent to The Folklore Group’s New York fashion showroom. What was the purpose, and what did you gain from the experience? 

The Folklore Group is known for championing emerging designers, especially Black creatives. Being selected to represent our brand in New York was an honor. It was about visibility, networking, and understanding the U.S. market dynamics. I got to meet industry leaders, see how brands position themselves for international success, and receive direct feedback on our designs.

You met representatives from Nordstrom and Black in Fashion Council U.S. members. How did that shape your perspective? 

It was both validating and enlightening. The Nordstrom team and Black in Fashion Council members emphasized the importance of representation and quality in breaking into the global fashion space. They encouraged me to keep pushing, refine our production standards, and ensure our designs resonate internationally.

What are some of your past and upcoming projects? 

One major milestone was submitting my designs to DopeBlackArt for a BAFTA-winning A24-backed series airing on BBC and Showtime. Though I wasn’t selected, it motivated me to improve and aim even higher. Looking ahead, I’m focused on submitting for the LVMH Protégé program and expanding Outterspace Integrated Luxury into a globally recognized powerhouse.

How has your training as a fashion designer shaped your perspective on the industry?

It gave me a technical foundation, but more importantly, it made me understand that fashion is about storytelling, problem-solving, and innovation. Learning the craft from my mother and at G Gold Fashion Institute taught me that quality and authenticity matter more than hype.

How do policies and regulations impact creative teams like yours? 

Policies, especially in Africa, can be both a barrier and an opportunity. The UK and U.S. economies offer structures that support creatives—grants, mentorship programs, and fashion councils that push designers forward. Africa needs to adopt similar frameworks, like the Enterprise Hub UK, to nurture young designers instead of stifling them with unnecessary bureaucracy.

You’ve advised other fashion brands. What’s the biggest lesson you share with them?

I always emphasize clarity of vision, market positioning, and branding. Many designers have great ideas but lack the strategy to scale their brands. I’ve helped brands navigate these challenges by offering advisory support on branding, production quality, and global positioning.

What’s next for Outterspace Integrated Luxury? Any big plans for the future? 

We are pushing for bigger collaborations, more aggressive marketing campaigns, and a stronger global footprint. We’re also advocating for African mentorship programs for creatives, similar to the Enterprise Hub in the UK. My personal goal is to keep challenging myself and upcoming creatives, ensuring we compete for awards, enter global competitions, and put African fashion on the map authentically and powerfully.