PAPER Predictions: 100 People Taking Over 2019
Entertainment

PAPER Predictions: 100 People Taking Over 2019

For PAPER's 2019 predictions list, we looked across every aspect of pop culture — music, film, art, activism, social media, fashion, beauty — for fresh new faces that are about to look a whole lot more familiar. Tierra Whack, Slayyyter, and Tayla Parx are set to feature heavily on your pump up playlists. Justice Smith, Chance Perdomo, and Emma Nelson are starring in upcoming blockbusters in cinemas and on Netflix. Writers Sally Mao and Morgan Parker are headed to bookstore shelves, and artists like Damon Davis and Jessi Jumanji will headline gallery shows. We've figured out exactly whose profiles you're about to follow: Layla F. Saad, Allen Salway, Hunter Harris. Plus the people you'll be getting fashion, makeup, and self-love inspiration from: Isaac West, La'shaunae, Crystal Methnay. It's going to be a good year! These are the 100 names worth getting to know in advance.

Adebayo Oke-Lawal

  

Illustration by Austin Call (@Duhrivative)

Who are you?

My name is Adebayo Oke-Lawal. 28-years-old and from the beautiful country Nigeria *pageantvoice*.

What do you do?

I am the creative director of Nigerian based androgynous menswear brand "Orange Culture," a brand I started eight years ago.

What are you most proud of from 2018?

2018 was quite a turbulent year for me. A lot of ups and downs. A few come to mind: being a Nigeria-based brand recognized by the CFDA; being the first African brand to be nominated for the CFDA; being on Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa; my spring 2019 collection has been my favorite collection in a long time; getting more involved in the fight against abuse which is something I've talked about in previous collections and in my counseling programs with young people.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge in 2019?

I've been self-funded for the past 8 years and we are considering opening the business to investors; that is one of the trickiest dynamics to handle.

What do you think will be your biggest opportunity in 2019?

Retail globalization and so much more. I believe that so much greatness is coming in 2019 for my brand Orange Culture and for myself as a person. On a lighter note, I could start dating. Orange Culture might finally allow me to get into a relationship.

Where can we follow you?

Personal page: @theorangenerd

Business page: @orangecultureng

As chosen by Justin Moran, Claire Valentine, Michael Love Michael, Kat Gillespie, and Jael Goldfine
Illustrations by Austin Call (@Duhrivative)

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