Matopeda Salami Abiola King, popularly known as Tope FnR, stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s fashion scene. Her brand, Matopeda, formerly known as FnR (Frock it, Rock it), has captivated the fashion world with its choice of exquisite fabrics and innovative fashion pieces. Matopeda’s designs accentuate the sensuality of the modern woman, seamlessly merging elegance with a memorable impact. Born in the United Kingdom and raised partly in Nigeria, Matopeda King’s multicultural upbringing profoundly influenced her fashion sensibilities. Her journey into fashion was shaped by personal struggles, including a tumultuous childhood and challenging relationships. Despite these hardships, King found her calling in fashion, driven by her desire to empower women through her designs. This mission led to the establishment of Matopeda Atelier, a Lagos-based fashion house specializing in custom wedding dresses and high-end fashion pieces.
Matopeda’s creations have adorned several high-profile celebrities in Nigeria and the United States. Notably, singer and actor Fantasia Barrino paid homage to the late Tina Turner at the 66th Grammy Awards in a stunning custom Matopeda dress. Additionally, Beyoncé celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary in Hawaii wearing a Matopeda floral dress, further cementing the brand’s international reputation. Recently, Matopeda was chosen by Noella Noel Bergener, the first black housewife on “Real Housewives of Orange County,” further highlighting the brand’s growing influence. The Matopeda brand is divided into Matopeda Atelier, specializing in bridal wear, and Matopeda Studios, which offers casual, fun, and flirty fashion options.
King’s dedication to her craft and her clients is evident in every piece she creates. Overcoming her own personal struggles, including depression and emotional trauma, has made her an empathetic and intuitive designer. This empathy translates into her meticulous attention to detail and her focus on the wellbeing of the women who wear her creations. The Matopeda brand faced a turning point when a customer’s dissatisfaction went viral on social media. This incident inadvertently thrust the brand into the spotlight, leading to a rebranding and a renewed focus on storytelling through fashion. Each Matopeda dress, adorned with gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and lace from fashion capitals around the world, tells a unique story, embodying the essence of the Matopeda woman.
Today, Matopeda is one of Lagos’s premier fashion and bridal brands, dressing A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Genevieve Nnaji, Jackie Aina, Adesua Etomi, and Porsha Williams. The brand’s collections, including the Linen, Adire, and Silk Prints collections, showcase luxurious, versatile designs that cater to various tastes and occasions. From intricate bridal gowns to embellished loungewear, Matopeda’s designs bring fashion fantasies to life.
Matopeda’s rise to prominence is a chalks out Matopeda King’s resilience, creativity, and passion for fashion. Her journey from personal struggles to becoming one of Nigeria’s most sought-after designers inspires many. Each creation from Matopeda Atelier is a masterpiece, reflecting King’s dedication to empowering women and her unwavering commitment to excellence. Matopeda Abiola King continues to wield her magic, making dreams come true for women across the globe with her exquisite designs.
