As a child growing up in Togo, I was incredibly observant, always attentive to my surroundings and the people within them. Growing up, I spent countless hours watching seamstresses at work in my grandmother's house. She rented out part of our home to these skilled artisans, and every day after school, I would sneak into their workrooms to marvel at their craftsmanship as they created exquisite garments.
I lived with my aunt, and I had a cousin who had a passion for drawing. After pleading with her to teach me how to sketch, she patiently taught me the basics, inspiring me to begin drawing and creating art daily. This is something I still do today.
A central theme in my work centers around family. The women who raised me—my mom, aunts, and grandmother—have been profound influences. Their tenacity and dedication to community have deeply shaped my own perspective. The foundational tools they imparted to me continue to guide how I approach my brand and future projects. While they may not be widely recognized in the contemporary fashion industry, they remain my greatest influences to date.
Being a finalist and recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2022 was an incredibly surreal experience, one that I will always cherish with immense gratitude. This recognition came at the outset of my professional fashion career, serving as a profound validation and reinforcing my self-belief, which has been pivotal throughout my journey.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund played a crucial role in the launch of my brand. It provided the necessary funds to establish and sustain Agbobly, while also bolstering my confidence and belief in myself, particularly as I transitioned from undergraduate studies to becoming a full fledged designer.
I love to listen to music that excites me and moves me to dance so I would have to say anything Afrobeat/Amapiano.
When I first started, my focus was on creating knits under the brand name Black Boy Knits. Following the launch and efforts to reach a wider audience, we rebranded in 2023 to Agbobly after being recognized by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This relaunch marked a shift towards a more expansive vision and the introduction of new product categories.
My vision for Agbobly is to establish a luxury lifestyle brand. We aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that bridges the Western world with Africa. Despite our initial resource constraints, our strategy involves establishing a foothold in the U.S. and Europe before fully realizing our production ambitions in Africa. Central to our mission is a commitment to investing in local craftsmanship, providing employment opportunities, and preserving traditional crafts in Togo. I think for our long-term goals, we would love to build a foundation for future African production in Lome, Togo.
