By Uzoma Chijioke
Leather, in its most refined state, tells a story. It ages like a well-kept secret, whispering its history through every crease.
But at Jakar Lagos, leather has proven to be more than just a material – it’s a canvas. Founded in 2016 by Oluyemisi Oni and Aishat Alimi, this brand has spent nine years weaving intricate tales through fine leather handbags. Their latest release, the Akwoche Anniversary Collection, marks this milestone with an explosion of colour, texture and technical mastery.
Released on January 17, 2025, the collection doesn’t just commemorate nine years of Jakar; it cements the brand identity as masters of leatherwork.
Akwoche is vibrant, unrestrained and daring – a collection that challenges the subdued elegance often associated with leather accessories. Each bag in the collection is a three-dimensional mosaic – a patchwork of richly coloured leather, geometric symmetry, and unexpected asymmetry.
The pieces feel sculptural, as though meticulously assembled from fragmented paintings. Some designs feature razor-sharp angles, reminiscent of Cubist compositions, while others play with fluid, organic curves that soften the bold hues.
But the complexity isn’t just visual. The construction process behind these bags requires a profound understanding of pattern-making, hand-stitching, and edge-finishing techniques.
Achieving seamless colour transitions in multi-tonal leather work demands precision; the stitching must remain invisible while ensuring structural integrity. The layering of leather panels, combined with their signature reinforced edges, results in a bag that is as sturdy as it is artistic.
The collection defies the understated tones typical of luxury leather goods, embracing electric blues, fiery oranges, regal purples, and sunlit yellows. The combinations are neither arbitrary nor trend-driven; they are rooted in contrast theory, where complementary and analogous hues create both harmony and striking visual tension.
Some pieces feature monochromatic intensity, using variations of a single colour to create depth. Others rely on triadic colour schemes, where three equidistant colours on the colour wheel form an arresting yet balanced composition.
What makes these choices particularly intriguing is their application on leather, a material that traditionally absorbs colour in deep, muted tones. Here, the vibrancy is amplified, thanks to a specialized dyeing process that locks in saturation without compromising texture.
With sustainability woven into its manufacturing ethos, Jakar Lagos caters to a clientele increasingly conscious of ethical production. The use of responsibly sourced leather and handcrafted techniques positions the brand against mass-produced competitors, offering an exclusivity that extends beyond mere branding.