Mai Atafo was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on November 15th, 1977. He is a Nigerian popular fashion designer.
Mai Atafo Profile
Real Name: Mai Atafo Ohima
Net Worth: $500k
Date of Birth: November 15th 1977
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Education: Bsc Holder
Source of Wealth: Entrepreneur
Mai Atafo Biography
Mai spent most of his childhood in Benin City, Lagos and London. He attended the University Staff School Benin, then the Federal Government College, Ido-Ani, Ondo State. He holds a 2nd Class Upper degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Edo State University, Ekpoma, and then obtained a Post graduate degree in Information Technology, from City University London, England.
Mai Atafo Career
Prior to venturing into the world of fashion, Atafo lived life as a full blown marketer in the corporate world. After almost 7 years in the United Kingdom he returned to Nigeria to a job in British American Tobacco before moving to Guinness Nigeria Plc in 2007. In 2010, almost 4 years later, he took a career break from his role as Senior Brand Manager Guinness to become a full time Fashion Designer.
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Between 2007 and 2010, Mai established and ran his clothing line Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI) which he ran as he worked in a full time job. With designs that are versatile, timeless, notably classicist, but notwithstanding contemporary, clean-cut and urban, it didn’t take long for Mai Atafo to become a recognized name in the fashion world.
His first major debut was clothing the likes of Omowunmi Akinnifesi (MBGN 2005), Pasuma Wonder and Wale Rubber in the Maiden Edition of the TV Dance reality show “Celebrity Takes Two”. He has since been involved in the second season of “Celebrity Takes Two” clothing Stella Damasus and Yemi Blaq as well as other major TV shows and events like The Future Awards, Hip Hop World Awards, Soundcity Music Video Awards clothing high profile clients such as, Raz Adoti, Ashionye and Kemi Adetiba. Lists of the celebrities who have been spotted in MAI designs on the red carpet or for photo-shoots include actors Dakore Egbuson, Stephanie Okereke, Stella Damascus, Mercy Johnson, Gbenro Ajibade, Ramsey Nouah, Ex-Beauty Queens Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Munachi Abii, and Adaeze Igwe, Musicians include Banky W, D’Banj, 2face, M.I., Bez, Waje, and Omawumi and other important clients such as JJ Okocha, Uti Nwachukwu, Ebuka and many more.
However, despite the endless list of his celebrity clientele, the brand MAI is described by Mai Atafo as focusing on delivering the highest level of service to all his customers regardless of their status. MAI’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable in his clothing as his notable Piece-de-resistance remains his crested blazers creating a fashion staple amongst the power dressers. The 2011 official launch of “Weddings By MAI” created a wedding line brand that caters to every clothing element of a wedding from the bridal gown, bridesmaids dress, little brides dresses, groom and grooms men’s suit, waistcoat and cravat.
For 2014, he created a social media frenzy after choreographing selfies with the models on the runway. In 2016, he has Tania Omotayo among other beautiful ladies to model his wedding dresses, with a heartfelt orchestra playing in the background. In 2017, Mai Atafo launched #FollowMaiHeart campaign in partnership with Moët & Chandon on 15th November, his birthday. He chose a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theme for his collection at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week. He showcased fashion courage and entertainment at the same time, bringing glamour and surprise to Day 3 of the event. Mai in his usual dapper dressing showcased his versatile, classic and contemporary designs at the fifth edition of ARISE Fashion Week 2018 on March 31st at Lagos Intercontinental Hotel.
Mai Atafo Personal Life
Atafo loves Music, Salsa Dancing, Spoken Words, Poetry and Manchester United. He is married to Christine Atafo and there union is blessed with a beautiful girl.
Mai Atafo Awards
Mai Atafo’s success has been recognized with a number of awards and nominations, some of which include;
• 2009 City People Fashion and Style, Hottest New Male Designer
• 2010 City People Fashion and Style, Special Recognition.
• 2010 Mode Men Fashion Designer of the Year
• 2010 Mode Men, Best Dressed Man of the Year
• 2010 FAB Magazine, Fashion Brand of the Year
• 2010 Covenant University “Redefining Fashion Contribution”
• 2011 Allure, Most Stylish Man of the Year
• 2011 Thisday Style, Best Dressed Man
• 2013 GLITZ, Designer of the year
• 2015 Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Menswear Designer of the Year
Mai Atafo Net Worth
The fashion designer has an estimated net worth of around $500k