"Design is where science and art break even."

There Is No Finish Line.
Le Départ Photo by FK
In Nigeria women wear a head wrap called the Gele. Gele is the Yoruba word for the Head wrap, while in the Igbo culture it is called Ichafu. Here is a video to show its sub-cultural influence. It is a large rectangular cloth tied on a woman’s head in a variety of fashions. The material used to make the Gele is usually of a stiff, but flexible nature. These materials come in a wide array of colors, patterns and textures such as Aso-oke (thickly woven silk), Brocade (cotton) and Damask.  Gele tying is an Art form that takes practice, patience and often times a well-toned arm, but once tied, a Gele can make any woman look regal. Every Gele is unique and there is no true formula to achieve the exact look twice. Temi adebayo and I then realized men didn’t have a complex hat of that nature. The head gear worn by Nigerian men are usually simple and made very easily. This inspired our five panel, a complex hat to make by hand since the components are extremely hard to source. Reinventing the head gear for Nigerian men. Side note, this is the first 5 panel made in Nigeria. Might not seem like a big deal since its been made everywhere else but this is progress for me in my country in hand made goods. Stay blessed.
Often i think to myself about morphing the Nigerian Aesthetic and all that comes to mind is the Practical Tribal Representations as opposed to the uncomfortable western ideals that have turned into cliches. Sometime last year, Temi Adebayo and I spoke about creating proper hand crafted goods with Engineered African Wax Prints that wouldn’t be a cliche piece of clothing. We settled on a five panel, as some know is tough to make, which is why it took nearly a year to realize. After working closely with a skilled Nigerian menswear tailor here in Lagos, it was realized gloriously in 2 weeks. We plan to keep pushing Quality Dry Goods that stem from Innovation, Function and Culture. This photo was taken in the Ajah market, same place the hat was made, marking the start of the Nigerian Nostalgia Nexus Project. In my next post in the series i will have a more in depth analysis on our inspiration for this 5 panel and the rest of this capsule collection. Stay Inspired.

Good Design Is Innovative.

Good Design Makes a Product Useful.

Good Design Is Aesthetic.

Good Design Makes A Product Understandable.

Good Design Is Unobtrusive.

Good Design Is Honest.

Good Design Is Long-lasting.

Good Design Is Thorough Down to the Last Detail.

Good Design Is Environmentally Friendly.

Good Design Is as Little Design as Possible.

Drank
neon mother
I spoke earlier about being on the News, well more precisely on a Reuters African Media Broadcasting Network, that aired on a couple million televisions worldwide. This is the link to the Interview that explains a little about my current project and ongoing degree, this is my first real chance given to me by Heel The World shoes. Please follow the Link for the Video, Reblog the photo and Share the movement. Stay blessed and inspired.
FSNKLVR bag details Photoset by FK

It has been exactly a year since i started this tumblr blog. Many of you may know me from my former one and others just joined the movement. A lot has happened in my life in just 12 months. I am where i want to be as a product design major and reaching for more in my future career. For those who don’t know i design shoes among other things in the industrial field. If you do know my aspirations then i respect your opinions and if you have questions i am always willing to advice. I am just a young Nigerian trying to make a positive impact and grow from my mistakes. Thank you for reading and following.

- Funfere Koroye

FSNKLVR Elevator Shoe designed by Funfere Koroye
Style Illustrated X High Snobiety