Foday Dumbuya is a British-Sierra Leonean fashion designer and entrepreneur based in London. He is the founder of Labrum London, a fashion community that has gained recognition for its innovative and culturally-inspired designs.
Labrum London’s most notable achievement is designing the iconic Arsenal away kit for the 2024/2025 season, which has garnered significant attention in the fashion and sports industries. Additionally, the brand offers a culture wear collection that showcases its unique blend of style and cultural heritage.
The brand was born out of a desire to defy the negative perceptions surrounding Africa, immigrants, and the movement of people. The founder of LABRUM realized early on that the rich cultural heritage of Africa, its music, food, and traditions, often didn’t get the recognition it deserved. Society tends to paint a different picture—one that can make you question the beauty of your roots. But for the founder, the stories passed down by his parents about African culture were more authentic and meaningful than the narrative society imposed.
This conflict between what society said and what his parents taught him became the foundation for LABRUM London. The brand’s mission is to tell the untold stories of West Africa, London, and the intersection of black and British cultures. When these two worlds come together, the result is something unique and powerful—a fusion that reflects the lived experiences of so many people.
One of the key motivations behind LABRUM London is the desire to leave a lasting legacy. The founder envisions a future where, 50 years from now, a young person from London or Africa who looks like him can see a path forward. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” is the driving philosophy. By creating LABRUM, the founder aims to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and believe that anything is possible.
The brand is built on the values of community, education, and excellence. From day one, LABRUM has focused on bringing these values to the forefront of everything it does. The stories LABRUM tells aren’t just about Africa; they also reflect the British experience. Having grown up in the UK, the founder can’t ignore the British side of his identity. LABRUM is where these two worlds collide, creating a narrative that educates and empowers.
For LABRUM, storytelling is at the heart of every collection. Without a story, there’s no point in creating a collection. This commitment to meaningful storytelling is what sets the brand apart from others in the fashion industry.
For those looking to break into the fashion industry, the journey is anything but easy. The founder’s advice is simple: stay true to yourself and the stories you want to tell. Make sure you’re knowledgeable about your craft, and most importantly, work hard. Fashion is not an industry where success comes overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a well-thought-out plan.
The founder of LABRUM speaks from experience. It took him five years to get to a point where the business was stable, and another five years before he felt comfortable with the growth. In fashion, building a brand takes time, and consistency is key. If you’re looking for a quick fix or fast success, fashion may not be the right path.
Fashion, as an industry, has a significant impact on the environment. LABRUM London acknowledges that sustainability in fashion is complex, but the brand takes a responsible approach to its collections. Designers need to be educated about waste and how to create more sustainable pieces.
Many large brands tout their sustainable practices, but often they overproduce, creating more waste in the process. LABRUM takes a different approach. By developing its own fabrics and only producing what can be sold, the brand ensures minimal waste. LABRUM doesn’t claim to be perfectly sustainable—after all, fashion itself isn’t truly sustainable—but it strives to be responsible.
For the founder of LABRUM, sustainability is about action, not just words. It’s about educating the industry and consumers alike about responsible practices and implementing changes that make a difference.
LABRUM London is more than just a fashion brand. It’s a platform for cultural storytelling, a bridge between African and British identities, and a source of inspiration for future generations. With a strong commitment to community, education, and sustainability, LABRUM is paving the way for a new kind of fashion—one that tells stories, challenges narratives, and leaves a lasting impact.
Through its collections, LABRUM continues to merge cultures, empower individuals, and drive responsible practices in the fashion industry. The journey is ongoing, and LABRUM London remains a shining example of what fashion can achieve when it is fueled by purpose and passion.
What You Should Know
1. Who is Foday Dumbuya?
Foday Dumbuya is the founder and creative force behind LABRUM London. He is a Sierra Leonean-born British designer, known for using his fashion platform to tell untold stories and challenge misconceptions about Africa and immigrants. Foday is passionate about blending African and British cultures in his designs.
2. Who is the founder of LABRUM?
LABRUM was founded by Foday Dumbuya, who created the brand to rebel against negative stereotypes and share the richness of African and British culture through fashion.
3. Who owns LABRUM?
Foday Dumbuya owns LABRUM. As the founder and creative director, he leads the brand’s vision, design, and storytelling.
4. What is the LABRUM brand?
LABRUM is a London-based fashion brand that focuses on storytelling through clothing. It merges African and British cultural influences to create unique designs that reflect the richness of both worlds. The brand is known for its community-driven approach and commitment to cultural education.
5. What is LABRUM Arsenal?
LABRUM Arsenal refers to a collaboration between LABRUM London and Arsenal Football Club. This partnership blends fashion with sports culture, creating unique designs that celebrate both British football and African heritage.
6. What is LABRUM London?
LABRUM London is a contemporary fashion brand founded by Foday Dumbuya. The brand is dedicated to telling stories from West Africa, black culture, and British culture. LABRUM London aims to educate, inspire, and celebrate these diverse cultural influences through fashion.
7. What is the story behind LABRUM London?
LABRUM London was created to challenge negative connotations about Africa and immigrants. Inspired by the rich stories of his Sierra Leonean heritage, Foday Dumbuya wanted to showcase the beauty of African culture alongside British culture. The brand is a reflection of his dual identity, where these two worlds collide and merge.
8. What is LABRUM London’s biggest achievement?
One of LABRUM London’s biggest achievements is its ability to successfully intertwine African and British cultural narratives in fashion. The brand’s collaboration with Arsenal Football Club is also a significant milestone, further elevating its reach and impact.
9. What makes LABRUM London unique?
LABRUM London stands out due to its commitment to storytelling. Every collection is tied to a cultural narrative, blending African and British influences in a way that educates and celebrates both. The brand is also community-focused, promoting diversity, inclusion, and responsibility in fashion.
