MOWALOLA
Lagos-born, London-based
Mowalola Ogunlesi has rooted
her aesthetic in liberated
self-expression: stiff, glossy
leathers sprayed in bold prints;
hems cut high and necklines
low. “Mine is a world where
everyone is free in terms of
what they wear, and in terms
of how they think,” she
explains. “And my women
aren’t threatened by anyone- they are taking back their
power.” That spirit – of radical
enjoyment presented as modern
rebellion – has a magnetic
energy, and it is the same that
imbues her Barbie. Dressed in a
miniature evolution of her
spring/summer 2020 collection,
with backcombed hair by
Virginie P Moreira and make-up
created by Daniel Sallstrom
(using a miniature paintbrush),
“she is a Mowalola superhero,”
Ogunlesi grins. “She’s strong
and captivating and ready to
have a really good time. I want
to be wherever she’s going.”
09-19Barbie.indd 208 16/07/2019 10:00