22/06/2023
KOMOWEARS STREETWEAR IN AFRICA
KOMOWEARS
There has been a phenomenal shift in the global spaces of music, art, and fashion, and African artistes, creators, and designers have positioned themselves as key players in these various niches. One of such shifts happened in fashion and propelled homegrown brands to the forefront. Quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship have separated the wheat from the chaff.
Ikpi Emmanuel ikpi founder and creative director of Komowears, has been able to understand the business of fashion and turn his creativity and unique sense of style into a reputable, fast-growing business with a massive cult-like following similar to attractive in Nigeria
calabar cross river state
He sits down with The Guardian Life to discuss the journey so far, the rise of Komowears, and his grand vision for the future in fashion style.
Give us some insight into your world, who is Ikpi Emmanuel , and what does komowears represent?
I’m ikpi Emmanuel , Creative Director and Founder of Komowears and Komowears is a high-end streetwear brand that represents the Nigerian fashion . It is inspired by the use of Nigeria, our lifestyle, and the fact that we like to dress up and be present by our clothes.
How did the journey into the business of fashion begin for you?
I’ve always had an expression for fashion, looking good, dressing good . I started as a personal brand in 2020, straight out of uni, I gradually built my client base over the years and in 2017 I opened my first product out of necessity because I realized the importance of the retail experience a customer gets from walking into a and mortar space. Then in 2018, I designed my first cap, and launched komowears,
What was your biggest motivating factor when starting a high-end streetwear brand in calabar?
I didn’t start off wanting to do streetwear, I was looking for the Good cap and t-shirt so I had to create my own brand of a Good T-shirt, design , cut, and fit because if you want something done, you do it yourself. Then all my close friends wanted it so I designed a collection and that was how we started.
I get most of my inspiration from Lious vitton and Gucci , experiencing how everyone around me loves to dress up, and walking the streets when I travel, to ABA , because what better way can one experience street style ABA has industrous and creative [the street]. I also watch fashion shows and pictures online so when and get my by my inspiration
