Hazel Eki Osunde is a German-Nigerian fashion designer who now resides in the United Kingdom. She is the founder and creative director of EKI, an African-inspired luxury silk print fashion brand.
Osunde designs prints that narrate positive African stories. She believes fashion can be very impactful. Fashion “can light up a room and also create a platform for change. It is powerful and it can be used as a tool to educate consumers on the importance of matters,” she told Business Africa Online.
Despite her strong love for designing, her career trajectory started in the bank. She spent a decade in the banking hall until she fell pregnant and “found a new meaning to life.” It was during this period that she convinced herself to follow her passion and build an empire out of it.
Prior to that, a friend passionately talked to her about her career in media and she realized she hadn’t put much love into the work she was doing. “So, I ventured on a journey of discovery. It soon dawned on me that I had a love for textiles, designs and nostalgia for Africa. And that’s how it started,” she said.
Osunde’s designs have a clear African influence and it is printed on silk to give them an international appeal. What is more, her garments are flowy and can be worn casually or dressed up.
Born in a rural town in Germany but raised in Nigeria, Osunde said the inspiration for her designs is drawn from Africa, adding that she always taps into nature, culture or travel and narrates the story from an African point of view
The uniqueness of her brand comes from the interpretation of her prints, she said.
“I don’t design prints for everyone, nor do I follow trends. I pick shades and colors that I am drawn to and know my customers like. The designs of our dresses are quite simplistic and classic allowing for that commercial appeal. I believe with the bold EKI prints are balanced out with the styles we choose,” said the German-Nigerian designer, who recently presented her latest collection in Lagos, Nigeria.
Being someone who respects nature, Osunde incorporates sustainability into her brand. “All of our printing is done digitally as it consumes less water and ink. It was a conscious business decision to opt for digital rather than litho printing, even though the latter is less dear. For us the long-term effects on the planet pay a higher price,” she said.
Her advice for young designers just starting out is that they should keep it creative, small and not overstretch themselves financially until they have created their clientele base who not just likes and follows their pieces but also purchases.
Disturbing footage from Rio de Janeiro has revealed a bizarre occasion where a Brazilian woman…
Beyoncé’s latest album is influencing almost every facet of the economy. Levi’s stock rose 20%…
Wahu Mobility, a producer of electric bikes, recently unveiled its first EV assembly plant in…
Naya Ellis' revolutionary idea is garnering headlines. Inspired by her family's experiences, Ellis, who is…
Deryl McKissack is the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, a Washington, D.C.-based construction…
It may come across as daring and perhaps unconventional, but, that was the approach an…
Amira Rasool is the founder of The Folklore Group, a business-to-business platform that connects retailers with brands…
The Songwriters Hall of Fame is going to present Solána Imani Rowe, better known by…
During a recent interview on Call Her Daddy With Alex Cooper, gymnast and Olympic champion…
The NBA on Wednesday announced it has banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter after an…
Authorities in Nigeria have brought charges against Cubana Chief Priest - a popular businessman and…
The 2014 Boston Marathon's true winner, Buzunesh Deba, has yet to receive her $100,000 prize.…
Keishall Barrow was unprepared for the extent of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in…
Duke University has ended its full-ride scholarship program for Black students following the 2023 Supreme…
Will Drewery is the co-founder of Diagon, a startup that helps manufacturers procure equipment. After…