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Niyi Okuboyejo doesn’t just serve looks, he curates entire moods. He’s an award-winning Nigerian fashion designer and founder of the brand, Post-Imperial. His creations have been featured in The New York Times and GQ, and he’s also been a recipient of the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in Menswear Award.
Niyi moves through NYC drawing inspiration from cultural spaces, sidewalk style, and long conversations over good food. Whether deep in thought at a gallery or catching up with friends in a corner booth, his city days are the perfect blend of motion and peace.
For our Father’s Day edition, the stylish designer and Dad shared his favorite leisure and relaxation spots in NYC.
Okayplayer: When you want to be "outside" without really being outside, where do you go in NYC?
Niyi Okuboyejo: Having spent most of my time seeing New York through the eyes of Harlem (Where I lived for 14 years), I am getting to experience it from a different perspective in Brooklyn (Where I currently am).
And I am falling in love with the city again. One place that has truly stood out for me is Public Records. Their listening Lounge Upstairs is a sensory, joyous experience.
It is the most elevated house party where Dance tracks transition into Brazilian Tropicalia bops, which transition into Spiritual Jazz mantras and then into breakcore beats and Hip-Hop.
The space is minimal and intimate, with huge custom-built speakers attached to Altec horns. The DJ plays on a couch set among the other guests, which feels very communal. A few weeks ago, I got the chance to see DJ Benji B spin there till 3am. In my 40s, nothing can make me stay up till 3am. Public Records did.
Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not overwhelmed by people?
Even though Brooklyn gives me a fresh view of the city, Harlem still has my heart, especially Little Senegal. It is the closest thing to a West African community that New York has.
Tucked away amid the vibrant streets of Malcolm X Boulevard and 116th, along with Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and 120th, it embraces a tapestry of shops and restaurants that celebrate the French West African community that lives there.
It is primarily a Muslim community, and Fridays are the holy day when men and women head to the Mosque for prayers, draped in the most elegant boubous and babouches. Being around that gives me so much joy. If there is any proof of why Harlem is the most stylish neighborhood in New York, it is on Fridays on the 116th and Lennox.
What does your perfect NYC day look like, from morning to night?
To experience a perfect day in any city, I always begin with my personal ritual, which starts with a morning meditation, followed by a gratitude journal and a passionate workout to energize my spirit.
Once my mindset is aligned with positivity, I dive into my day by tackling emails and attending inspiring meetings.
Exploring an art institution is non-negotiable for me. The Met currently features a captivating exhibit on Black Dandies and intricate tailoring. The Whitney is showcasing an impressive exhibit of Amy Sherald's art, while the Guggenheim is celebrating one of my all-time favorites, Rashid Johnson, with an amazing retrospective.
I will then meet up with friends at Les Ambassedes in Harlem for some Senegalese food and end up lounge hopping between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The foot traffic is crazy, but I burn calories and get my 10k steps in. It is a win-win.
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