Foday Dumbuya is a British-Sierra Leonean fashion designer and the founder of Labrum London, a menswear brand established in 2014. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Dumbuya spent his formative years in Cyprus before moving to London at the age of 12. He pursued fashion studies at Nottingham Trent University and gained experience working with brands such as DKNY and Nike. Labrum London was conceived as a platform to bridge West African heritage with British tailoring, aiming to narrate the untold stories of the African diaspora through fashion. The brand’s name, derived from the Latin word for “having an edge,” reflects its commitment to creating purposeful and directional pieces.

Labrum’s design philosophy is characterized by a fusion of traditional West African silhouettes with classic British tailoring. Signature pieces include the Agbada shirt and the Freetown suit, which incorporate vibrant patterns and illustrations depicting everyday life in Sierra Leone. Dumbuya’s collections often explore themes of migration, identity, and community, utilizing textiles as a medium for storytelling. His work extends beyond fashion, encompassing collaborations with various cultural institutions and initiatives that celebrate the African diaspora.

In recognition of his contributions to British fashion, Dumbuya received the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2023, presented by King Charles III. Labrum London has also been part of the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN initiative for 2023-2024, supporting emerging fashion design talent. The brand’s impact is further evidenced by high-profile collaborations, including designing the Sierra Leonean team’s Olympic uniform and Arsenal Football Club’s away kit for the 2024/2025 season. Labrum’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and cultural storytelling positions it as a unique and influential voice in contemporary fashion.