Òkè Accessories; On a Journey to Attain True Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
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Many fashion brands today are embracing new ways of operation in order to ensure their products and processes are sustainable. These brands feature similar trends with their processes and offerings, which include but are not limited to the following; the use of remnant materials from production process, tapping into natural resources otherwise considered as waste and use of locally sourced materials, to mention a few. However, before we go to deep into the article, you might want to know what sustainability all about.
The word sustainable is defined as “capable of being sustained.” Therefore, a sustainable fashion industry is one that must operate in ways that can continue working for years and decades to come. –Faye Lessler
What then is sustainability?
Sustainability in fashion is designing, producing and distributing fashion products in ways that are environmentally friendly and ensure the continuity of production and processes. This term is fast becoming more popular in the industry as consumers and law makers are increasingly demanding environmental accountability. While the popularity of the term “sustainability” in fashion is causing many to inquire about the brands that are declaring an embrace of the process, a good question to consider will be, “how many sustainable fashion brands today are truly sustainable?”
The answer to this question may be harder to define abstractly. It is therefore a good thing that this article is about one fashion brand that is working its way to emerging as truly sustainable.
Òkè Accessories
Òkè fashion brand has risen out of the heart of Africa and from South-West Nigeria, as one that is confronting issues about environmental pollution and sustainability. Òkè accessories is a project that saw the light of day under an entrepreneurship development initiative program organized by two government organizations; a collaboration between the Isreali and Nigerian government, which established the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR).
Beyond this, Òkè is working its way to position itself as a truly sustainable (eco-friendly) fashion brand because it takes into consideration, one of the world’s most notorious waste problems; that of plastic pollution. But just how serious is this plastic pollution problem?
“Nigeria alone generates about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and only about 10% of that amount is recycled locally” –O. Kehinde
This seems to be a problem more serious than you probably thought before reading this article.
Òkè brand is mindful of this problem and is adopting strategies that help to creatively and actively be a part of the solution. The brand therefore locally recycles plastic waste by processing those collected from the environment into a colorful mix of semi finished materials, which are artfully pieced to give a distinct marble-like look and have a strong semblance to the ‘Adire’ pattern (a popular indigenous fabric dying pattern in Southwest, Nigeria) -Just to infuse a pop of culture.
The recycled plastics are then made into component parts of accessories (the first of which are bags) and can be distinctly identified by the monumental pattern of the stitched plastic cut-out.
In addition to the incorporation of waste plastics (now refined crafty ornaments), Òkè also sources the materials used in finishing the products locally. This creation features a mix of environmental management and deep traditional culture.
Òkè’s obsession with sustainability
Òkè accessories are works of art that can be used in ways that change the world. When consumers use Òkè, they best believe they are carrying the fate of the future in their hands as Òkè is working towards products that integrate smoothly into a circular economy.
The obsession with true sustainability comes from a need to see a change in the situation of the environment and is defined by the source of raw materials used; waste plastics which also form a large chunk of raw materials for Òkè are readily and continuously available. The brand’s production process emphasizes on the sustainable development goals 12 and 13 (Responsible consumption and production and Climate action) and is continuously evolving its processes to accommodate some of the other development goals and contribute to their achievement.
About Òkè’s first bag collection; The Alpha Collection
Òkè accessories currently manufactures top handle bags, clutch bags, satchel and tote bags and travelling bags; all enriched with recycled plastics and are versatile for any occasion.
The first set of products, all top-handle bags, features three basic designs. Two of the designs are accentuated with top and bottom flaps, upon which the plastics are carefully stitched. The third design features full plastic embellishment, all in bursting colors.
View the Alpha Collection portfolio here.
Who can carry Òkè bags?
Òkè bags are a badge of responsibility -a product that shows off your mindfulness and willing involvement in the move for environmental welness. The products identify people who care about the future of the planet. People of Òkè own the best and nothing less as these pieces meet up to the standard quality. They also have great taste in fashionable and functional bags and on top of that, are environmentally accountable.
Òkè’s products are changing the world’s view about recycling; it is no longer one organizations responsibility to care for the environment, everyone can get involved. Think recycle, think sustainable, think responsible, think you.
Pre-order your badge of responsibility here.
From the recycling stage to the finishing of the product, each oke bag is carefully handcrafted to produce the best quality.
Resources
Feye Lessler, 2021, What is Sustainable Fashion? (An Introduction and 3 steps for Getting Started).
O. Kehinde, O.J Ramonu & L.D Justin, 2020, Plastic wastes: environmental hazard and instrument for wealth creation.
