‘Designs by Ekundayo’ is an online based fashion store celebrating and promoting African fashion through the selling of African influenced products.The company was established in March 2012 but officially launched [online] in July 2013 by the founder and owner of the brand Bunmi Ekundayo. Bunmi originates from African descent and has always had a dream of starting her own business, particularly in the fashion industry. A Marketing, Advertising and PR graduate as well as an enthusiastic fashion lover, she managed to find that platform for herself utilizing all her talents and heritage as a source of inspiration – and out of it came the birth of ‘Designs by Ekundayo’. Not just her surname – Ekundayo – but also a word with strong meaning, “tears become joy” Ekundayo seems the perfect brand name.
Designs by Ekundayo is up and running and its main line of focus is currently selling quality African (Ankara) fabric in vibrant colours and bold prints at affordable prices and also the production and selling of African inspired accessories. The near future plans would see Designs by Ekundayo produce an African inspired contemporary clothing line, celebrating African fashion by putting a contemporary twist on it as well as incorporating African prints with everyday high street fashion.
Designs by Ekundayo is looking well underway to making the impression it needs to make having already been featured in Duvera Magazine (Issue 2) in July 2013 as well as being a part of Africa Fashion Week London 2013 as exhibitors, Bunmi is already utilizing all platforms to get her brand out there, so keep your eyes open ‘Designs by Ekundayo’ might just be the next big thing in contemporary African fashion.
By: Mpona Lebajoa