Helejané
conversation starters in every way
Photo: Helejané
Nigerian fashion designer, Dolapo Deji-Torey celebrates her rich cultural heritage as well as the spirit and strength of womanhood through her line of luxury handbags. Each piece is a functional work of art that was started as a way of connecting the world with her designs. The brand’s philosophy is to create beautiful luxury leather goods out of simple materials with an artistic elegance.
“Our love for art is the center of who we are at Helejané,” Deji-Torey tells BLK Oceans. “Our bags are very unique. Each bag is designed as a part of a limited edition collection. Because no two pieces are alike, each bag is designed with unique leather and hardware to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.”
Photo: Helejané Creative Director Dolapo Deji-Torey
The designer expertly uses technology to emboss bold prints such as the beloved Nigerian print Ankara and newspaper patterns onto genuine calf leather to create cheeky layers of textures, colors, and culture. When you buy a bag, you are purchasing a unique piece of art that is exclusive to you. Even their leather accessories are designed to be conversation starters in every way.
Photo: Helejané
The Helejané minimalistic but luxurious aesthetic is visible in all bags and accessory styles, including the brand’s most popular, Bodak, Spice, and Bossi. The recent pandemic hasn’t stopped their growth, with innovative plans for the future and a growing list of high-profile clientele, including Cardi B.
Photo: Helejané
“The global pandemic and its impact has brought some changes in our design process. In the coming months, we will be engaging directly with customers in our design processes because we understand their needs are changing,” Deji-Torey tells BLK Oceans.
Helejané will continue to design bags in the most sustainable manner that is safe and environmentally friendly. In the coming months, they will also be expanding their designs to include luxury leather accessories for men.
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