“Tobi.RTW (Tobi Ready-to-Wear) is more than just clothing, We are storytellers. The brand embodies a lifestyle, values, and emotions that go beyond the idea of fabric and design. We represent identity, self-expression, community, and culture”. These were the words of Tobi founder, Olúwatóbilọ́ba. While on set, styling Ghana’s hottest artiste, Moliy for an undisclosed shoot, I held a conversation with the Nigerian behind the scenes. We spoke about the brand’s genesis, balancing styling and being a designer, and more, for The iMullar.
For the first timers, What is TRTW? Where did the name come from? And what’s the story behind it?
Tobi.RTW is actually derived from my own name. My full name is Olúwatóbilọ́ba, a Yoruba name that carries a lot of meaning. In Yoruba culture. Names aren’t just labels; they hold deep significance and often reflect destiny, blessings, and purpose. Olúwatóbilọ́ba is made up of three parts: Olúwa meaning “God” or “the Lord”, Tóbi meaning “is great” or “is big”, Ọba – meaning “king”. So, my name translates to “God is a great king”, which is something I’ve always carried with me. It represents strength, greatness, and a sense of purpose. When it came to naming my brand, I wanted it to be an extension of who I am. I took the “Tobi” from my name and combined it with RTW, which stands for Ready-to-Wear. It reflects the brand’s mission: creating accessible, thoughtfully designed fashion that embodies the essence of greatness, confidence, and culture. That’s how Tobi.RTW was born.
The name holds so much significance for me because it’s not just a brand name, it’s a reflection of my identity, my heritage, and my vision. It represents something bigger than just fashion; It is fashion with a soul, designed for those who understand that style is more than just clothing; it is identity, energy, and legacy.
What inspired you to get into fashion? Has it always been a craft attached to your palms or something else triggered it? Where did you get your inspiration from? Share the story with us.
Fashion has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I grew up with a mother who was a fashion designer, and she was always on the runways in Nigeria. Seeing her bring designs to life, working with fabrics, and creating pieces that walked the runway made a huge impression on me from a young age. It wasn’t just about clothing, it was about expression, artistry, and storytelling. I started sewing at 16, but my love for fashion started much earlier. Being surrounded by it daily, watching my mom design, and seeing the creative process firsthand made fashion feel like second nature to me. It wasn’t something I had to force, it was always there, woven into my life. But beyond the art of creating, what truly draws me to fashion is the way it builds bonds and relationships, and I saw that firsthand through my mother. She wasn’t just making clothes; she was building connections. I watched as her clients would walk into her space as customers and, over time, become so much more. What started as fittings and consultations turned into genuine friendships, into real sisterhood. These women trusted her—not just with their style, but with their stories, their milestones, their lives. That stuck with me. It showed me that fashion isn’t just about fabric and design, it’s about people. It’s about the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the connections that last beyond the clothes themselves. Fashion has this incredible way of cutting across backgrounds, cultures, and personalities, bringing people together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. That, for me, is the heart of fashion. It’s my craft, my passion, and my way of creating something meaningful, not just garments, but relationships, memories, and bonds that stand the test of time.
What was your first ever design? And how essential was it to your future trademark design?
Thinking about my first-ever design gives me such a deep feeling of nostalgia. I remember it so vividly, sitting with my mom while she worked on a children’s fashion collection for the runway. I must have been around 11 or 12, still in junior high school, just watching her do what she always did. Then, in the middle of everything, she casually asked me, “What kind of dresses would you want kids your age to wear?” It felt like just a regular day vibing with my working mom , but looking back, that moment meant everything. I started throwing out ideas, describing dresses the way only a child could, excited, unfiltered, full of imagination. And instead of just nodding along, my mom actually listened. She took my ideas seriously, played around with them, and before I knew it, one of my designs had made it into the collection. She made me feel seen, like my creativity mattered. That experience shaped so much of who I am as a designer today. It taught me that fashion is about expression, about trusting your instincts and allowing your creativity to have a voice. It also showed me the power of collaboration and mentorship, something that I carry into my own work now. That first design wasn’t just a moment, it was the spark that set everything in motion.
Tobi.RTW is all about bold self-expression, culture, and timeless style. For me, fashion isn’t just about making clothes—it’s about telling a story. Every fabric, every detail, every silhouette is intentional, designed to reflect confidence, strength, and individuality.
The way I communicate through Tobi.RTW is through symbolism and craftsmanship. I believe fashion speaks without words, and I use textures,art , embroidery, and structure to create pieces that mean something. It’s about blending heritage with a fresh, modern perspective, taking inspiration from culture and translating it into designs that feel powerful and authentic. If Virgil saw fashion as a language, then Tobi.RTW speaks in a dialect of bold design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and cultural depth, where every piece isn’t just worn but felt, understood, and remembered.
What is your design process like? And how do you deal with the difficulties as a creator?
My design process is very instinctive and storytelling-driven. I don’t just make clothes, I envision a mood, a feeling, or a message I want to communicate. Sometimes, inspiration comes from culture, art, nature , people and even personal experiences. Other times, it’s the texture of a fabric that sparks an idea. I start by gathering references, sketching out ideas, and experimenting with fabrics and techniques until everything aligns. As a creator, challenges are inevitable, whether it’s technical limitations, creative blocks, or the pressure to constantly evolve. But I’ve learned that difficulties are part of the process. Whenever I hit a creative wall, I step back, reset, and allow myself to be inspired again. Whether it’s revisiting past work, seeking new influences, or simply taking a break, I remind myself that creativity isn’t forced, it flows when the mind is open. At the end of the day, fashion is problem-solving. Every challenge pushes me to think differently, to refine my craft, and to grow as a designer. It’s all part of the journey.
Sensational Ghanaian artiste, Moliy, has been posting your work on her instagram story, what’s your relationship with her? Can you tell us what you worked on? And the thought process going into this work with her?
When Moliy’s management reached out to me, it was through a referral from video director Junie Annan, someone I’ve worked with on multiple projects. They were looking for a stylist for the music video of her hit single, “Shake It To The Max,” and that’s how our collaboration began. Working with Moliy was a seamless and truly collaborative experience. She already had a vision for her look, and my role was to bring that to life in a way that aligned with her personality and the energy of the video. We found the perfect balance between her ideas and my creative input, ensuring that each outfit reflected her unique style while complementing the vibrant aesthetic of the project. Beyond the music video, I’ve also created a few custom looks for her. She’s someone who understands and appreciates fashion as a form of expression, which makes working with her effortless. As a stylist, I’ve worked with a couple artists, but what stands out about Moliy is her confidence and artistic clarity. It’s always inspiring to work with musicians who see fashion as an extension of their artistry, and Moliy embodies that perfectly.
Do you need to switch modes between Styling and being a fashion designer?
For me, styling and fashion design are not separate worlds, they work hand in hand. When I’m styling, I’m not just putting looks together; I’m crafting a visual story, and sometimes, that story requires pieces that don’t exist yet. That’s where my fashion design background comes in.
Not every outfit can be outsourced. Some looks need to be created from scratch to fit the vision perfectly, whether it’s for a music video, a shoot, or a special project. That’s when I switch into designer mode, selecting fabrics, sketching, and bringing a concept to life. At the same time, being a designer enhances my work as a stylist. It gives me the ability to push creative boundaries, customize pieces, and make sure every detail aligns with the overall aesthetic. So rather than switching between two different modes, I see it as a blend because both skills feed into each other, making my work more dynamic and intentional.
Moliy is currently one of the hottest artist out there to work with, what next for TRTW?
With my debut collection, officially launched, my focus is now on pushing Tobi.RTW as far as I can take it. The collection was a defining moment for the brand, setting the tone for the kind of bold, intentional fashion I want to create. Beyond that, I’ve been heavily involved in styling, working on several exciting music video projects. There are a few unreleased projects, and I can’t wait for them to drop. Each project has been an opportunity to merge fashion with storytelling, curating looks that bring the artist’s vision to life. Right now, it’s all about expanding the reach of Tobi.RTW, styling more artists, working on impactful projects, and continuously evolving. The goal is to keep building, keep creating, and keep making statements through fashion.
