In a momentous achievement, Rekana, the Nigerian fashion brand, celebrated its runway debut during the September 2023 edition of New York Fashion Week. This remarkable milestone followed the successful introduction of its Rainy Resort 2022 collection and the release of the short film“Children of God.

The collection comprises nineteen distinct pieces that intertwine individual stories into a harmonious whole. It serves as a testament to Rekana’s dedication to sustainability, as it incorporates eco-friendly hand-dyed fabrics made with low-impact materials. This marks a significant step in the brand’s journey towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach to fashion.

The brand’s founder, Sharon Ojong, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to debut this special collection at the Jersey City Day of Fashion event:

I am beyond excited and honoured to have had this incredible opportunity to showcase this collection, tell our story, and make my runway debut. I’m so grateful to Udochi Nwogu of Building African Fashion for inviting me to be a part of something so special. This collection means everything to me. I was inspired by love, passion, and inclusion.

We wanted to create a collection inspired by real people with real stories, and real clothing made with eco-friendly fabrics using low-impact materials for our tie-dye process. And I’m proud we were able to achieve that, both with the collection and the film.

Since its establishment in March 2018, Rekana has remained a steadfast advocate for sustainability and individuality in every collection it introduces. The brand’s creations have adorned numerous notable African celebrities, ranging from accomplished author Chimamanda Adichie and popular BBNaija star Nengi to talented musicians Omawunmi and Simi, renowned actresses like Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Idia Aisien, and the ever-stunning WAJE.

Scroll to see the runway show below and watch the short film here.