Korlekie — Brand Review

The Lowdown of Korlekie

So, Korlekie is basically luxury fashion with a really personal touch. Think handcrafted knitwear, crochet, and pieces that are steeped in African heritage but still totally wearable in London today. It’s the kind of brand that blends British tailoring and craftsmanship with Ghanaian textile traditions, giving you this vibe that’s elegant, feminine, and seriously unique.

Where It All Started

Korlekie kicked off in 2013, in what sounds like a super humble way — Beatrice Korlekie Newman, the founder (and a total creative powerhouse), started making pieces in her Peckham bedroom for women in her local church. The name “Korlekie”? That’s actually her middle name, from her dad’s Ga‑Adangbe tribe in Ghana, and it means “Queen of Eagles”. Pretty cool, right? She’s got the credentials too — a BA in Fashion Design from De Montfort University and an MA in Digital Fashion at London College of Fashion.

The Vibe

If I had to sum up Korlekie in a sentence: it’s feminine luxury that feels handmade. But there’s more to it than that. The pieces aren’t just “African-inspired” on the surface — they’re rooted in Beatrice’s own heritage, mixing traditional knitwear, crochet, and hand-weaving techniques with sleek, modern silhouettes. It’s like wearing a story, not just a garment.

How They Make It

Everything Korlekie makes is handcrafted and made-to-order, mostly in the UK. Knitwear and crochet are their bread and butter, often using hand-woven fabrics, crochet cord, and African wax print yarns. Every stitch is deliberate.

Some of the standout pieces?

• The Ashanti Handmade Crochet Skirt — fringe, wax-print yarn, totally a statement.

• The Madamfo Handmade Crochet Maxi Dress — long, flowing, lace stitch details, basically a work of art.

And yes, you can get these shipped internationally.

Heritage & Heart

Korlekie isn’t just about looking good — it’s about culture and story. Collections sometimes nod to West African traditions (like the “Highlife” collection inspired by Ghanaian music) and the brand actively collaborates with cultural and craft organizations in Ghana, like the Nubuke Foundation, to source authentic textiles and support artisans. So wearing it? You’re kind of carrying that story with you.

Who’s Noticing

This is a label that’s caught some serious eyes. Celebs like Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Anna Friel, and Alesha Dixon have worn it, and it’s popped up in Vogue, Elle, i-D magazine — you get the idea. And on social media, the brand keeps it real, showing the craftsmanship, the stories, and the behind-the-scenes of making each piece.

The Big Picture

At its core, Korlekie is all about:

• Craftsmanship over fast fashion

• Design with a cultural narrative

• Heritage techniques mixed with modern silhouettes

Basically, it’s handmade luxury with soul — a bridge between African tradition, British creative training, and high-end fashion. If you want your wardrobe to feel meaningful and personal, this is the kind of label you notice.