Our Story
Our Roots & Style
Our Roots
Founded in 2021 and became operational in 2023, Nanka Designs made its debut on the runway at New York Fashion Week in the winter of 2023. Our brand offers a versatile range of high-end clothing for men, women, and children, with each piece thoughtfully designed to blend cultural heritage with modern fashion. For updates on our latest collections and news, follow us on our social media platforms @nankaclothing for upcoming events.
Our Style
At Nanka Designs, we combine rich traditional African textiles with contemporary silhouettes, creating bold, sophisticated, and timeless pieces. Our designs celebrate culture, identity, and craftsmanship, ensuring that every garment tells a unique story.
From vibrant prints to tailored cuts, Nanka Designs is created for individuals who appreciate elegance, authenticity, and cultural expression.
Our brand is an invitation to all cultures around the world to experience what it feels or looks like to be African in style.
“As a Black woman from Africa and a Doctor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I understand the important role that our sense of fashion plays on our identity and self-worth. I struggle daily, as a resident in the United States of America to find clothing that represents who I am and simultaneously espouse the culture of my new home.
The goal for my brand is to bridge the gap that exists between Africa and the rest of the world through the lens of fashion. It is important for me, and hopefully for everyone, to constantly celebrate SELF and equally assimilate into the new culture I have embraced and come to love.
As an inexpensive alternative to travelling back to Africa just to find everyday clothing that best represents who I am, the hope and sense of belonging I desperately seek is to one day walk into a major clothing retail store and see NANKA clothing and YNAT? many other African-inspired clothing brands hanging on the racks.
Our journey begins right here with your patronage. Thank you to all who have and continue to support, encourage, critique, and most importantly share our vision.”
Emmanuella Andongatou (Ella)
International Business & Public Policy (BSc.) | Human Services Administration (M.A.) | I/O Psychology (Dr. -ABD)
As Seen in Editorial Literature
Culture & Craft
Amplifying Ella
Fusing West African textile heritage with contemporary bespoke American tailoring.
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