In a world where fast fashion reigns and cultural roots are often sacrificed for trends, Abasiekeme Ukanireh is rewriting the narrative—one handcrafted piece at a time.
As the founder of Eki Kéré, a sustainable fashion brand rooted in African heritage, Ukanireh is not just designing clothes—she’s preserving identity, empowering artisans, and championing ethical fashion on a continent known for its colour, creativity, and craftsmanship.
What started as a personal love for textile art and cultural expression soon evolved into a mission-driven brand. With Eki Kéré—which means “woven cloth” in the Bini language—Ukanireh set out to showcase the timeless beauty of indigenous African fabrics and weaving techniques.
Her designs are a celebration of heritage, fusing traditional handwoven materials with modern silhouettes that speak to both legacy and luxury.
“At Eki Kéré, every thread tells a story,” she says. “We are not just creating fashion. We are preserving traditions, dignifying labour, and reclaiming African narratives.”
Beyond its striking aesthetics, Eki Kéré operates with a social conscience. The brand partners with local weavers, many of whom are women and young people in rural communities, ensuring they earn fair wages while passing down intergenerational knowledge. This community-driven approach has transformed the brand into a micro-economy of hope—where artistry meets empowerment.
Under Ukanireh’s leadership, Eki Kéré has received accolades not just for its beauty but for its commitment to sustainability and slow fashion. The brand minimises waste, promotes ethical sourcing, and advocates for conscious consumerism in Africa’s growing fashion industry.
Abasiekeme Ukanireh is more than a fashion designer; she’s a cultural ambassador. Her collections have graced international platforms and exhibitions, telling authentic African stories through fabric and form. She challenges global stereotypes of African fashion, proving that tradition can be innovative and that Africa is not a trend—it is a timeless influence.
As the global fashion world slowly wakes up to the importance of sustainability and cultural preservation, Ukanireh stands at the forefront—bold, intentional, and unapologetically African.
Through Eki Kéré, she is not only stitching fabrics but also stitching together the past, present, and future of African identity.
“I want every person who wears Eki Kéré to feel connected—to something bigger than themselves. To Africa, to our stories, to our strength,” she says.
And with every piece she creates, Abasiekeme Ukanireh ensures those stories will never unravel.
Image Credit: Business Elites Africa
