Foday Dumbuya’s Little Black Book
My perfect day in London starts with a morning run to clear my head, followed by a cup of earl grey tea – it’s my little ritual before the day begins. Then I’d head to the Labrum studio, where ideas start flowing and the team brings them to life. Later, I’d catch up with friends or collaborators over good food and conversation. For me, a perfect day is about balance, movement, creativity, and being surrounded by community and culture.
The London neighbourhood that feels most like home is Old Street. It’s full of energy, creativity and real people. There’s always something happening, and that mix of cultures reminds me why I love the city. Working at 180 Strand has that same spirit – it’s a creative space where ideas and community come together. Between the two, I feel grounded and inspired every day.
When I need inspiration, it can hit me anywhere – but I find it most on the streets, just watching people, hearing different languages, seeing how culture moves through fashion and music. London is full of stories if you slow down to notice them. The studio is where those ideas come together and take shape, but it all starts outside, in real life. Galleries feed the mind, but the streets feed the soul.
One under-the-radar spot I love is a small café near Old Street called Shepherdess Café. Nothing fancy – just good people and good tea. It’s one of those spots that still feels real, where the city slows down a little.
For breakfast or a quiet coffee, I head to 180 Corner. It’s my go-to spot for a quiet hot drink or a simple breakfast before the day starts. There’s a calm energy there, and you always end up bumping into creative people passing through. It feels like a little community inside the city.
The restaurant I visit most in London in 805 by Marble Arch. It always feels like a piece of home in the middle of London. It serves classic West African dishes like rice, suya, and pepper soup. The food takes me straight back to Sierra Leone – the spices, the warmth, the energy. It’s unmatched. Then there’s Enish, a casual restaurant chain which has quite a few locations in the city, and Stork in Mayfair which feels more upmarket. Both serve really delicious West African dishes.
When I need a culture hit, I usually head to Tate Modern. It’s a place I go to clear my head and reconnect with creativity. Both spaces remind me how powerful storytelling can be in all its forms.
I love spending time back home in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It’s where I feel most grounded. The pace is different – slower, calmer – and it gives me space to think and reconnect with why I do what I do. Being surrounded by family, the ocean and that West African energy always fills me up creatively and spiritually.
My favourite city break destinations are Amsterdam and Porto. I’ve spent a lot of time in both, producing some of my clothes there and building connections with people who’ve become like family. Amsterdam has this creative calm with great design and good energy, while Porto feels soulful and full of warmth. Both cities remind me how beautiful collaboration across cultures can be.
If you’re looking for great menswear, London has it all – heritage tailoring, emerging designers and everything in between. The city has such a unique mix, from Savile Row tailoring to the streetwear scene in east London. You see tradition and innovation side by side, and that’s what makes it special. London style has attitude, history and honesty – it’s a reflection of the people who live here.
/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-man-lbb-foday-john-lewis-x-labrum-london-campaign-landscape.jpg?itok=0otpDhe9)
One high-street store I rate is John Lewis. After collaborating with them this year, I’ve seen first-hand the level of precision, craftsmanship and care they put into their work. They have a strong heritage, but they’re also open to new ideas — that balance between tradition and modernity is something I really value.
One item in my wardrobe I’ll never part with is my first ever Labrum jacket – the one I made when I was just starting out. It’s far from perfect, but it reminds me of where the journey began and why I started creating in the first place.
My travel essentials include my Apple Watch and a selection of fragrances. My favourite brands include Diptyque and Jo Malone London as they both have a great selection and are long-lasting.
To unwind after a busy week, I love going on a long run. Then I’ll hit the sauna and steam room, and spend time with my kids.
Shop the John Lewis x Labrum London collection at JohnLewis.com
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].
/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Fwebsite-images%2F2024%2F06%2Fmaiya03-1.jpg?itok=3cyHBZz4)
