The Documentary Podcast Adeju Thompson: Taking fashion label Lagos Space Programme to the world
Aug 25, 2025
Adeju Thompson, the innovative founder of Lagos Space Programme, merges Yoruba heritage with queer and futurist aesthetics. He shares insights on slow fashion, gender-fluid creations, and the artisan craftsmanship behind his designs. Discussing his latest collection unveiled in Paris, he reflects on the influence of rock'n'roll consciousness and the importance of cultural identity in fashion. Thompson also emphasizes the unique challenges African designers face on the global stage, advocating for a strong local presence before expanding internationally.
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Fusing Yoruba Heritage With Global Style
- Lagos Space Programme fuses Yoruba motifs and European outerwear to create a globally legible aesthetic.
- Adeju uses Adire and heritage techniques to make work that reads simultaneously African and modern.
Rock'n'Roll Shaping Vulnerable Silhouettes
- Adeju describes showing a closing look made from traditional Yoruba lace that feels both African and global.
- He ties rock'n'roll music to feelings of vulnerability and uses that mood to shape cuts, fabrics and silhouettes.
From Football Jersey To Balogun Lace
- Adeju recounts designing Nigeria's 2022 football jersey and using Yoruba text on a new jersey referencing Velvet Underground.
- He links shiny Nigerian lace from Balogun market to playful, confident new sides of his identity.