Joshua Mohamed
Soccer first brought them together in 2016 when they played on the same D1 team. Four years later, their mutual passion for fashion led to the creation of their brand, Joshua Mohamed. Sharing African roots and a love for art, they bravely launched their luxury streetwear brand in December 2020 during the height of the global pandemic. Today, they introduce their Summer Release 2024, which builds on their signature elements while incorporating current trends. The collection is now available for purchase on their website.
“We drew from core elements within the brand such as athletics, vintage aesthetics, and elegant design,” say founders Joshua Fawole and Mohamed Abdourahman about their new collection, which is inspired by a rich blend of culture, lifestyle, sports, and streetwear. This latest release is another step in their journey to tell their stories, channel their creativity, and grow their brand.
Joshua Mohamed was their answer to a need. “Our initial foray into the industry was the most challenging; finding a manufacturer that would take on a new brand, meet our quality standards, and grow with us was crucial,” they explain, reflecting on one of the hardest stages of establishing the brand, making a name for themselves, and solidifying their values and identity. “We choose not to overproduce, maintaining exclusivity in our pieces.”
In addition to exclusivity and sustainability, quality is a fundamental pillar for the brand created by Fawole and Abdourahman. “Every step in our processes is meticulously held to the highest standard, from production to delivery.” Even as they draw inspiration from industry greats like Virgil Abloh, Rhuigi, and Jerry Lorenzo, authenticity remains paramount. “These individuals achieved immense success without formal fashion education. We are inspired to do the same.”
“Although Joshua grew up in the States and is originally from Nigeria, and I grew up in France, originally from Djibouti, we found deep-rooted similarities in our upbringing that shaped our relationship today,” says Mohamed, discussing their diverse cultural backgrounds, the foundation of their collections, and a hallmark of Joshua Mohamed. The brand targets individuals who value expressing both uniformity and diversity through fashion, challenging the status quo.
For their Summer Release 2024, available now on their website, they drew from core brand elements. “The black and green mesh jerseys are inspired by vintage high school jerseys, featuring retro print and font styles, with a cropped look. The denim shorts incorporate design elements from existing signature pieces, with a subtle embroidered cursive JM logo in monochrome thread, blending modern and vintage designs.”
Who is the target audience for this new collection? “Our primary audience as of Summer 2024 is young adult men, although our pieces are unisex, and we are expanding our offerings for women,” they explain. When asked about the standout garment of this launch, they highlight the Striped Short Sleeve Origins Shirt. “It’s an iteration of one of our bestsellers, now short-sleeved with updated print colors and design details. It has a slight crop and a boxy fit, emphasizing proportions when styling.”
As the brand approaches its fifth anniversary, it’s time to consider future goals. Do they aim to enter new markets or collaborate with admired artists? The entrepreneurial duo responds, “In five years, we aim to establish a global presence in world-renowned retailers that align with our brand and open a flagship store in New York City. Most importantly, we plan to expand our global impact by hosting community events and sponsoring projects that give back.”
