Meet Abasiekeme Ukanireh, the visionary founder and artistic director of Eki Kere, a Nigerian brand that has captivated audiences with its unique creations, showcasing vibrant raffia-based designs.
Founded in 2020, during the pandemic, Eki Kere has consistently been pushing the boundaries of creativity by blending authentic African traditions with a modern, sustainable approach. The brand draws on Nigeria’s rich heritage and raffia craft to create fashion pieces that align with today’s demand for ethical and sustainable products.
What inspired you to launch the Eki Kere brand?
"The pandemic was a real turning point, in which the creative community, like everyone else, was searching for ways to contribute during such a challenging time. This inspired me to delve deeper into issues like global warming, fashion pollution, and circular fashion. I also became interested in natural fibres and innovative design techniques that could support sustainable fashion, envisaging clothing that embraced local craftsmanship, requiring only a pair of scissors and skilled hands."
Your designs centre around raffia, a natural fibre that is increasingly popular in fashion and crafts.
"When I first started out, I called my father to ask what materials were commonly used fifty years ago. He mentioned various fibres, and naturally, raffia, which we produce in abundance in Nigeria, came up. After experimenting with it, I realized it was incredibly strong and versatile, but as I researched the subject I discovered that the raffia craft industry had nearly disappeared in the region. That’s when I saw an opportunity to revive this heritage, making fashion that’s not just environmentally friendly but also has a social impact."
Craftsmanship is a key plank of Eki Kere's philosophy.
"I love collaborating with local artisans. We create everything from scratch—from the paint and colours to the tailoring of the final piece. I prioritise efficiency, comfort, and colour in my designs."
Launching an independent fashion brand is a real challenge. Have you been pleased with Eki Kere’s progress since 2020?
"Absolutely! It’s been a complex journey but we’ve managed to carve out a niche for ourselves. Today, Eki Kere is available in countries such as the United States, the UK, across Europe, and in African nations like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Our e-shop allows us to ship globally."
Is this your first time at “Who’s Next”?
Yes, it’s my first time at an international fair and it’s been a great B2B experience. Meeting so many customers interested in our collection is really rewarding, while getting feedback and testing the products with an international audience creates a meaningful dialogue—crucial for a small, independent brand. It’s all about building connections, expanding horizons, and growing together."
What are your goals for the three days at “Who’s Next”?
My main goal is to gain insights into the international market—understanding the needs of buyers and consumers and learning what the industry desires. Coming from Nigeria, where we have a single season, adapting our designs to meet global expectations is a challenge, but a vital one."
What’s your ultimate dream as a young designer?
To establish an independent, ethical, and responsible fashion brand, creating fashion that’s inspiring and non-destructive. Since we’ll always need clothes, we might as well make them right."
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Meet Abasiekeme Ukanireh, the visionary founder and artistic director of Eki Kere, a Nigerian brand that has captivated audiences with its unique creations, showcasing vibrant raffia-based designs.
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Street Culture resonates with the complexity of a city’s soul. The people, as a community, are those who define and codify its intricacies. Lifestyle, Fashion, Art and Music intertwine through the cosmopolitan blend that characterizes the singularity of a city’s vibe and energy.
Since its inception in 2019, La Mode Européenne (LME) has stood out for its innovative and transformative approach to the fashion industry. By creating solidarity shops in Congo-Brazzaville and Cape Verde, stocked through donation boxes for clothing and accessories circulated in France and Europe, La Mode Européenne is committed to social and professional reintegration and creating local employment.
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Every year since 1985, Hyères has played host to the Festival de la Mode et de la Photographie.
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Reinhard Plank (Founder and milliner), originally from Vipiteno (Italy) near the Austrian border, first studied design in Vienna before turning to millinery. "I started with hats in Vienna, and my first classic model was a great success," he says. Drawn to Florence's rich hat-making heritage, Reinhard chose this city to perfect his craft.
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A key player in the watchmaking industry since the 1950s, the American Movado Group initially established itself through the distribution of traditional Swiss brands. Over time, it expanded globally, broadening its portfolio to include contemporary designs and jewellery.
Founded in 1954 by the current owner’s parents, Antonio, the Italian shoe brand Guglielmo Rotta is the perfect example of a family craftsmanship that has evolved while remaining true to its roots. At this edition, the brand presented a collection that perfectly illustrates its commitment to quality, timelessness, and Italian craftsmanship.
“Streetwear but make it Couture!” Very Rare, a lifestyle and ready-to-wear brand under the direction of Raf Reyes, embodies an avant-garde vision of streetwear through what the designer defines as ‘street couture’. Born during the 2020 health crisis, this family-run brand, founded with his older brother, stands out for its fluid silhouettes, intricate details such as embroidery, flocking, and graphic prints, and strong influences from 90s subcultures.
For over 15 years, BSL, a Turkish ready-to-wear brand, has made a name for itself in the fashion market in Turkey, with stores in the country’s major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya. Initially focused on its own retail outlets, BSL adopted a new strategy last year: expanding its distribution network across Europe.
Reinterpreting its heritage Braccialini, the iconic Italian brand from Florence, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. "We were born in Florence, and the natural and architectural beauty of Tuscany greatly inspires our creations," shares Daniela, the brand's sales agent.
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During their debut at Who’s Next, the South Korean brand Temp’s, led by Joanne Jeon Eun-jung, captured attention with its deep commitment to sustainability, combined with a modern and conceptual approach to design.
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Meet Abasiekeme Ukanireh, the visionary founder and artistic director of Eki Kere, a Nigerian brand that has captivated audiences with its unique creations, showcasing vibrant raffia-based designs.
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Who's Next presents its new edition, from January 20 to 22, 2024.
Imaginé et créé en 2013, le collectif A Jewel Made In Greece présente et promeut le savoir-faire joaillier grec.
