Launched in 2019 by British born Ghanaian designer Emefa Kuadey, the contemporary clothing and accessories brand redefines minimalism through structure and bold femininity.
Inspiration for the Toronto based brand comes from a juxtaposition of the designer’s interests; fashion and a past life as a civil engineer. ISRAELLA KOBLA pieces highlight an appreciation for architecture and timeless design. Ultimately, the goal is to redefine the way we look at minimalism and modern fashion.
We sat down with the founder of ISRAELLA KOBLA, founder Emefa Kuadey, who’s fashion journey officially began in 2012. After her brother’s untimely passing at the beginning of that year, she took the semester off from her civil engineering studies. She went to her motherland, Ghana for a period of time and spent most days with her Aunty learning the basics of pattern drafting and sewing; something she had always wanted to do.
She found the techniques easy…
to pick up and after returning to Canada she found herself letting her creativity flow and building on the basics her Aunty had taught her. While completing her engineering degree, she would create custom outfits for her friends, just for fun.
Almost three years into her career as an engineer, something triggered her to give her long time dream of becoming a fashion designer a real go. By the start of 2018, she had moved to Toronto to attend fashion school at George Brown College.
After graduating from fashion school, she debuted her first collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. Last year, Emefa reached out Hudson’s Bay Company to become a retail partner with her line, which the merchandising team was willing to work with her through their e-commerce arm to being her line onto Thebay.com.
Members-only article
Unlock the rest of this story
Join free to keep reading RetailBoss retail coverage, industry analysis, and market intelligence.
- Full article access
- Industry analysis
- Free account
Free access. No credit card required. Your account is created after you verify your email.
Discussion
0 Comments
No comments yet
Start the conversation
Share your take on this story and help shape the discussion.
Sign in to join the discussion.