Tosin Junaid is the founder and creative director of Naid’s Studios, a heritage menswear brand celebrated for its bold, intentional design and cultural storytelling. His work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other global publications. Junaid made the voyage from Africa to the States in 2020. He illustrates his rich storytelling and tapestry through his fashion line not only here in the States but has made a global impact as well.
He is also the convener of The Bridge, a quarterly gathering of professionals across the fashion & creative industry, which is an event with panels and networking. The event is a space where inclusion is more than a buzzword, it’s the essence. By bringing together both industry leaders and emerging talent, The Bridge helps close the gap in the fashion world and fosters a community rich in collaboration and opportunity.
Beauty News NYC’s Robert Frezza sat down with the designer to talk fashion, his rich tapestry of storytelling in his clothing, and what challenges he had to overcome to break barriers in the United States.
Photo credit: Sammy Oguejiofor.
How did you get into fashion?
I’ve been designing since I was fourteen years old. I designed the suit for my graduation ceremony and the feedback I received from it was amazing. Fashion has been a very big part of my life. I also dabbled in a handmade shoe business as well. I started selling the shoes to my friends and family for a few years. In 2019, I officially established Naid’s, which is my clothing brand and houses community gatherings called The Bridge. We started solely as a clothing brand. Fashion has been part of my life for a very long time.
Who are your fashion icons?
I have a lot but the two that stand out the most are Alexander McQueeen and Virgil Abloh.
Your line speaks volumes about your African heritage, which I love.
As far back as I believe, in my opinion, fashion originates from Africa, from where I am from. My heritage goes a long way.
I would say that something from my story was that you can’t force my heritage down on people. So, I found subtle ways. I was leading with the African themes, but everyone has different backgrounds. I switched the narrative and led with design initially but what inspired my line was Africa.
How do you balance art and commerce?
The commercial part is even more important. The design and aesthetics part is five to ten percent. The current landscape says that two out of ten fashion businesses will go out of business in five years and one out of ten will stand the test of time in ten years. It’s statistics and started looking at the numbers and made sure the commerce was leading things without losing my own personal point of view.
Photo credit: Sammy Oguejiofor.
Your line is bright and vivid.
It goes back to where I am from: Nigeria. Colors were everywhere. That leads my designs and shapes the line.
What is the next big trend in fashion?
It’s confusing with AI. We just went through the change with the rise of social media and influencers, which disrupted things. I think we are all in for a ride.
Photo credit: Sammy Oguejiofor.
You presented at Los Angeles Fashion Week. When will you present at New York Fashion Week?
Great question! When I left Nigeria, I moved to Los Angeles but just started operations here in New York about a year ago. When I moved to New York, I wanted to take time with things. I wanted community aspect behind the brand. It is very integral part of the business. The common trend in Los Angeles is coming together as strangers but leaving as collaborators. So, my team and I wanted to be more intentional and establish a space for community with The Bridge.
Tell me more about The Bridge.
It’s a biannual event. We established The Bridge at as a mixer to help launch New York Fashion Week.
Photo credit: Sammy Oguejiofor.
Where can we find your fashions?
Exclusively online at Naidsstudios.com. The businesses are making money, but the designers are suffering. It’s rocky waters in brick and mortar right now especially with big box retailers. Once everything settles down, maybe it’s something I will want to explore.
