The Style: Agnes and Lola (African fashion boutique)

Have you met Agnes and Lola? It’s a fab little UK-based “African fashion boutique” I’ve had the great pleasure of being introduced to…

After enjoying a browse of their gorgeous ranges (Chichia dresses and Bernos tees are my faves) I had the opportunity to ask the lovely Lola to tell me more about herself and the inspiration behind the boutique, and here’s what she had to say:

When I told a childhood friend that I was staring a boutique, she reminded me that when we were younger, I used to sew clothes for my dolls so this seemed like a natural step. It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t changed much!

I was born in London, grew up in Lagos until my teens, then moved back to London. Growing up with a mother who wears things like lime green faux crocodile skin shoes and bright geles, you almost have no choice than to become fascinated by fashion. However, I moved away from this fascination and decided to study French at university. I have to admit that I was lured by the opportunity of spending a year in Paris! This turned out to be an early blessing as it was in Paris that I first noticed how people wore African prints in a contemporary style and it got me thinking about Ankara prints like I had never done before. Years later and I have opened an online boutique selling African fashion.

Agnes and Lola is my passion and keeps me inspired beyond 9 to 5. I love the designers and the different ways they use African fabrics, from the Tanzanian khanga to Madagascan raffia. We aim to be a gem of a boutique, providing chic African style with quality service, all the while remaining ethical.

*Sigh* Such enterprising stories never fail to make me happy so an official Love Harlem salute to you Lola