The KolaNut EyeCatcher
For over a year, we've had the privilege to work together with incredibly talented people from Sierra Leone. Our teams are based in Freetown and create a big part of our newest collection called Hope Still Dae.
At Unity, we believe in the power of connection—across people, cultures, and histories. Inspired by a technique his grandmother passed down, Obai brought a unique process to Unity's drawing board that fits this vision perfectly.
Using the Kola-nut, a symbol of unity and peace in Sierra Leone, he crafted a vibrant dye through an intricate, multi-day process that beautifully colors fabric. In Sierra Leone, the kola-nut is traditionally broken and shared at weddings to symbolize communities coming together. Obai has managed to embrace this powerful tradition and translated it to our brand.
Every Sunday, the streets of his neighborhood come alive with the rhythmic pounding of the nut, as Obai and his family transform their surroundings into an open-air atelier. After creating the dye, our garments undergo a week-long process, submerged twice daily, bringing together tradition and modernity. This is far more than just a design technique; it’s a celebration of unity in every thread.
Check out our beautiful hand-crafted items in the Hope Still Dae collection.
The Bangura family