Meet the designer

Mutayo Ekiye's venture into the realm of fashion and handbag design is a testament to her lifelong dedication and passion. Born in Austin, Texas, she spent her formative years in Nigeria, where her love for fashion blossomed. It was within her aunt's tailor shop that she first encountered the captivating art of design, with a particular fascination for handbags. Mutayo's innate talent and keen design sensibilities flourished during these early experiences.

At the age of 16, she and her family returned to the United States, where she pursued education, ultimately studying computer science in college. Her choice of major was influenced by the intricate design processes she observed in the world of technology, echoing her experiences in the realm of fashion.

Mutayo's journey took a transformative turn during a vacation in Italy, a country celebrated for its exceptional materials and craftsmanship. There, she sought guidance from an Italian handbag designer, immersing herself in the world of luxury handbags. This experience revealed a stark contrast between Eurocentric mainstream designs and the underrepresentation of Afrocentric-inspired creations. This realization ignited Mutayo's dream to establish her own fashion brand, one that would bridge this gap and infuse the industry with the richness of Afrocentric design.

What distinguishes Mutayo as a designer is her unwavering commitment to introducing high-end, authentic African-style luxury handbags to a market yearning for diversity and innovation. In a landscape dominated by a singular perspective, she recognized the necessity for a broader spectrum of ideas, visions, and cultural influences. Fueled by determination and creativity, Mutayo embarked on a journey to bring her exceptional brand to life. Today, her unique handbags reflect her boundless creativity and design passion, offering a fresh perspective and an infusion of Afrocentric elegance to the world of high-end fashion. Mutayo also draws significant inspiration from the Ekpeye cultural designs, further enriching her creations with cultural depth.