Joe Bromley sits down with Foday Dumbuya, creative director and founder of Labrum London, ahead of his upcoming London Fashion Week show.
From where he shops in the capital to the inspiration behind his latest collection, he gives a glimpse of his life in London.
Home is…
In Old Street, on Shepherdess Walk. I have lived here for 14 years, and love immersing myself in the amazing energy of east London. It truly does feel like a creative hub, with art, culture and community at my doorstep.
What was your first job?
I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and grew up in Cyprus and London — and my first job here as a kid was at Poundstretcher, stacking shelves and working as a sales assistant.
Who do you call when you want to have fun in London?
I call my friends Yinka Ilori, the artist and Julianknxx, the poet and performer, who always bring positive energy to our conversation and loads of fun and jokes.
I’d turn Trafalgar Square into a massive outdoor festival
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d turn Trafalgar Square into a massive outdoor festival complete with art installations and food stalls representing every corner of the city! Everyone could explore London’s culture and cuisine without any barriers.
What do you collect?
I collect old highlife vinyl records. I love the stories each album tells and each record transports me back to the joyful sounds of West Africa. I get them at Psyche, in St John’s Wood, which sells rare vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia, and also look at Vinyl Factory, Rough Trade and Vintage Vinyl.
I also collect vibrant African textile print stickers, which bring a splash of colour into my life. They often feature intricate designs and motifs that celebrate the diverse cultures across the continent.
Which shops and outlets do you rely on?
The Vintage Showroom in Covent Garden. It’s a boutique which specialises in vintage menswear sourced from around the world. It really is a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic vintage pieces and I pass through here very often when going to my shop in Carnaby Street. I also visit The Bookshop at 17 in Soho regularly. I love this shop. I always find rare and out-of-print books I’m after.
What’s your London secret?
Going for runs that take me between museums, parks and bakeries. I like running past Postman’s Park in Clerkenwell, it’s a small park with a touching memorial to heroic self-sacrifice, honouring individuals who lost their lives while saving others. It’s a fun way to blend culture and fitness, while enjoying some delicious treats along the route.
What are you up to at the moment for work?
I’m busy with prepping for my London Fashion Week show on Saturday, and am super excited for what we have in store. I set up my label in 2014, and this collection, called Designed by an Immigrant: Sound of Us, will celebrate the vibrant tapestry of culture and diversity inspired by my journey as an immigrant from Sierra Leone.
It pays homage to the music that coloured my youth in the early 2000s, capturing the spirit and mood of an unforgettable era while elevating its aesthetic to new heights. It draws its inspiration from the diverse backdrop that is London, a true melting pot of influences and ideas.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
I’d go to the Southbank. The area is vibrant, with beautiful riverside views, and plenty of options for a relaxed stroll. For eating I’d say try Skylon — for the views — or The Downstairs at the Old Vic.
What’s your favourite London grooming spot?
180 Health Club on the Strand. Its treatments are top-notch, and I always leave feeling pampered.
My biggest extravagance is going to a restaurant called Stork
What’s your biggest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance is going to a restaurant called Stork, in Mayfair. It’s pan-African dining reimagined. The food there is so delicious.
What’s your favourite work of art in the capital?
The statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square. It always makes me smile and sparks conversations.
Who is your hero?
I can’t pick just one. Ian Wright and Maya Angelou. Ian Wright inspires me with his incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a football legend and advocate for social change.
Maya Angelou’s profound wisdom and strength, expressed through her poetry and activism, continue to empower and uplift others, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and self-expression. Their legacies keep me motivated to chase my passions and make a positive impact in the world.
Labrum London presents its AW25 collection at 7.30pm on February 22
