AKIRE IN SOUTH AFRICA 2024
An invitation among friends.
Akire’s first international pop-up began with a friendship.
Before South Africa, there was a meeting at Erika A. Style Concept Store in Nairobi.
Toddre, an American then living in the city, had been introducing her guests from around the world to the House.
She brought care and curiosity to the places she chose for them. Through her, I met Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, founder of DLO Energy Resources Group.
Linda arrived as a client. Over time, a shared appreciation of fashion and art became a friendship.
Two years later, she invited me to South Africa for her fortieth birthday. I asked whether I might bring Akire to share with her friends. She welcomed the idea with a generosity that made this journey deeply personal.
On 1 January 2024, Akire held its first international pop-up at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, within Linda’s three-day celebration.
Amuka, Akiduon, Akiduwang, Akitere and Ashe travelled with me.
The occasion brought together Zulu dancers, contemporary dance performances, emerging artists and singers. Linda had made space within her own milestone for others to share what they created. To be included was a privilege I felt throughout our time there.
Within that gathering, Akire could be encountered slowly. The setting was private, the conversations personal. There was time to speak about the forms, their origins and the hands behind them and to listen to what caught each guest’s attention.
Akiduwang and Amuka became favourites. The men were particularly drawn to Akiduon, the elephant form. I found pleasure in seeing how differently each person approached the collection, and which piece held their interest.
A week after the celebrations, guests began acquiring pieces. The conversations had continued beyond our time together; something of the encounter had stayed with them.
That remains one of the most meaningful parts of the journey for me.
A collection can travel through the relationships around it: an introduction, a friendship, an invitation extended with care.
Linda was celebrating forty years of her own life, yet she chose to make room for the work and aspirations of others. I left with a deeper admiration for her generosity, and gratitude for the trust she had placed in Akire.
Our first international chapter began among friends. Through them, the collection found its way into new lives.
