Eva Sonaike is a London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles, home décor and accessories with a distinctive and vibrant West-African aesthetic.
The company’s ethos 'Bringing Colour to Life' is reflected in its signature collections of cushions, bags, stationery, fabrics and furnishings using textiles designed by Eva Sonaike, combined with the finest velvets and leathers. Emphasis is placed on hand finishing, distinct designs and high quality manufacturing.
Creative Director Eva Sonaike graduated with an MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, where she specialised in contemporary African fashion and textiles.
She then pursued an editorial career working as UK Fashion Editor for Hubert Burda Media for six years, working for titles such as German Elle, InStyle and Focus.
Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian origin, has taken the best elements of those two cultures to inspire her work – her designs draw from the two distinct influences of colourful African clothing culture and European antique and mid century furniture traditions.
With textiles expertly printed in Germany and products manufactured in the UK, the luxury range boasts a breath of exclusive designs that bring a touch of African luxury to any setting.
Eva Sonaike’s products have been stocked in department stores such as Liberty, Fenwick of Bond Street and Selfridges in London, Globus in Switzerland and ABC Carpet & Home in New York, as well as in exclusives boutiques around the world; and are regularly featured in UK and international interiors and fashion press.
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
To me, Black History Month means being unapologetic about celebrating the achievements, the struggle and beauty of our black culture. It is about strengthening and celebrating our community and passing on knowledge and pride! We have such a diverse culture in the Diaspora and for us black people here in the UK there are different challenges than for our brothers and sisters in the US.
I grew up in Germany in the 80s and 90s and there is a strong black community, but up to now the challenges they are facing is different than what is going on here in the UK. But I think the common denominator is to confidently celebrate our achievements, feel confident and strengthen the community, wherever we are on this planet.
But I always think the ethos of Black History month should be applied throughout the year. So supporting black businesses, giving opportunities or advice to people, especially youngsters, who would otherwise struggle and for me personally, creating work that celebrates the beauty of Africa and trying to establish this on the international mainstream market
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Design This Year?
The continent of Africa first and foremost inspires my work. And in my case West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin) – the places that I visit regularly. I travel to Nigeria at least once a year and every time I am out there I am like a sponge, taking in as much visual information and energy as I can.
Colours, clothing, nature, street-scenes, architecture – everything is so vibrant and intense in this part of the world and this feeds my work. But it is not only the visual inspiration in West Africa that influence my work. It is also the positive energy and vibes, as well as the allover confidence I feel when I go home. I think to be in your natural habitat, where, despite the noise and the chaos, I feel the closest to myself, has a major impact on my work.
On the other hand, when it comes to finishing and the way I run my business, I am very much inspired by Germany. The quality of German craftsmanship and the way Germans structure their thinking is amazing. Growing up in Germany exposes you to quality and that is what I apply to my products. We use British cotton velvet for the backing of our cushions, the finest Italian leather for our bag straps and I make sure the packaging of our products fits in with our branding and looks immaculate.
To Learn More About Eva Visit:
- Website: evasonaike.com
- Instagram: @evasonaike
- Pinterest: Eva Sonaike
- Twitter: @evasonaike
- Youtube: Eva Sonaike
- Facebook: Eva Sonaike