Rising fashion brand Hajaar has released its summer collection called OVI meaning Bloom in Style in the Ebira language peculiar to the people of Kogi State in Nigeria. The brand uses its creativity to blend traditional elegance with modern-day style and create authentic Afrocentric fashion pieces.
According to Hajaar Akaba who is the creative director, this is how this collection was birthed:
My roots inspired OVI, particularly my father’s tribe, Ebira. In our dialect, OVI means “style.” A stylish person adorned with a significant sense of fashion is often called “Oza Ana zu M’ovi.” Growing up, I was nicknamed this, thanks to my mother, who sold colourful and stylish baby clothes in her small store in Ajaokuta. She made sure I was her very own unpaid, unprofessional model. This experience ignited my passion for fashion, and it seemed only fitting to create a collection that reflects my childhood and my love for colours and flowers.
These influences have shaped me and inspired the creation of Hajaar. Our summer collection is now here—a playful yet sincere harmonisation of flamboyant pieces, colours, and designs that capture the innocence of the ’90s.
Each piece in this collection is a celebration of vibrant colours and bold patterns, embodying the spirit of joy and creativity that defined my early years. The designs are thoughtfully crafted to evoke nostalgia while remaining modern and chic. We have incorporated traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating a unique blend that honours my heritage while appealing to today’s fashion-forward individuals.
See more looks from the collection below:
