So, Friends,
I'm going to be perfectly honest and say that this review won't be a long one, at all.
Akwa Baby, an African-inspired children's clothing brand has soooo kindly sent me this adorable little outfit for my toddler.
They looked super cute when I first saw the designs earlier this year, and now that we have the real-life, physical outfit, all I have to say is:
I LOVE IT I LOVE I LOVE IT I LOVE I LOVE IT!
Did I mention that I love this little romper?
Here's why:
My son (and honestly, all of the babies I've seen in this print) looks ridiculously adorable in it.
The material, made with a blend of organic cotton and bamboo, feels insanely soft. Like, I've generally found some decent quality kids' clothing, but they also come with a hefty price tag. Not only is this collection gorgeous to the touch, it won't damage your bank account!
Another material bonus, the website states they are Oeko-Tek tested which means only the safest of materials are used to produce these clothes. And, I must say, after months of washing, it still feels amazing. Need I say more? Okay, I will.
Ummm, have you seen this print?
Portions of their sales go to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya (elephants are my favourite animal, no joke!)
Lastly, one of my personal favourites, Akwa Baby is a living wage employer, which means they provide ethical working conditions and a safe environment for their employees to work in - AND they pay a wage that they can actually live on, in case that wasn't obvious.
Now, I allowed myself a little leeway here. I included my love for the brand, as well as the clothes, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the reason that I was so attracted to Akwa Baby in the first place.
Akwa Baby is run and owned by a British-Nigerian couple who incorporate both love and culture into the brand. As a Nigerian mother to a mixed-race child, one of my priorities have and will always be raising my son with as much awareness of his Nigerian heritage as possible. This includes in his food, his language, and, of course, his clothing.
I've long searched for a brand that stands for everything I do on an ethical and cultural level, and I can't believe how easily and organically I found these guys. Talking with the owners was so natural, and over the past few months, sharing experiences of parenthood, postpartum life, and lockdown difficulties, has only made me fall more in love with Akwa Baby.
The OBI Collection is only the first of what I'm sure will be many designs from Akwa Baby, and let me tell you what, this Mama, cannot wait to have her baby dripping in Akwa couture.
To get your Akwa fill, check out their website here. And keep on the lookout for more designs!