Eva Sonaike: African-inspired Home Couture

The London-based home furnishings label Eva Sonaike produces luxurious textiles and home décor accessories. The designer, driven by her passion for her culture and roots, launched the Eva Sonaike brand in 2009. 

Nigerian by origin, and born in Germany, Eva Sonaike trained in Journalism at the London College of Printing before working as a TV producer/director for the cult youth and travel program ‘urbanation’. In 2003 she became Deputy Editor of the fashion magazine BOLZ, while successfully freelancing as trend reporter, fashion consultant and interior stylist. In 2005 Eva acquired an MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, specializing in contemporary African fashion and design. In 2006 Eva became UK Fashion Editor of Hubert Burda Media, which publishes magazines such as German Elle, Instyle and Focus.

The Eva Sonaike brand derives inspiration from the two diverse influences that have shaped her life - vibrant African clothing culture and European antique and retro furniture traditions. This lends the designs an inimitable charm; a quirky, cozy eclecticism that is being welcomed by the Londoners. 

Key pieces are the cushions from the Ikoyi collection Didara, Wura and Ewe. The colours and vibe represent what the label is about: African chic with a touch of British understatement. Shopping bags Faji, Orun and Alade, are colourful and stylish. Also popular are colourful and bold wax print cushions, notebooks and shopper bags, as well as a new range of hand-woven silk ‘aso-oke’ (traditional Nigerian cloth) cushions.

Cushions, chairs, footstools, floor rugs, lampshades, handbags and more – the Eva Sonaike label collaborates with various other décor styling brands for special occasions/seasons. The brand lays emphasis on hand-finishing, distinct designs and high-quality manufacturing.

For instance, Eva Sonaike recently collaborated with Swoon Editions for manufacturing and selling the Marley Footstool – for a spring refresh.  Draping the footstool is Eva Sonaike's Wewe fabric from her Aburi Collection; with a vibrant pattern with a two-tone green banana leaf against a small banana leaf print background, and was inspired by a trip to Aburi Botanical Gardens in Ghana. The collaboration is part of Swoon Editions’ Designer Editions, which pairs one of their coveted furniture designs with talented textile designers. Only 10 of Eva's footstool collaboration are available.