Olamiposi Somoye

Multidisciplinary designer, educator and founder of Rayo

The Importance of African Fashion in Higher Education

Olamiposi Somoye is a Nigerian multidisciplinary designer, educator and founder of fashion brand Rayo, whose practice spans fashion, education and technology.

Currently a Lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, she has more than eight years' experience in university-level fashion and product design education, including teaching at FIDM.

Her industry experience includes pattern making for Uniqlo alongside creative direction, design and fashion entrepreneurship. Through Rayo, Olamiposi creates size-inclusive fashion rooted in African culture and storytelling, while her wider educational practice explores how inclusive, culturally responsive design and technology can prepare the next generation of creatives for a changing industry.