ABOUT
I WILL RISE
We believe that change starts with us
ABOUT
I WILL RISE is a premium footwear and apparel label based in Cologne, Germany, which is deeply rooted within the Hip Hop, Streetwear and international Skateboarding culture.
It was founded within the hot summer of 2020 by Artist and Designer Nando Nkrumah right in the middle of the demonstrations after the murder on George Floyd and Breonna Taylor with the agenda to change the street wear industry. Yes, we are Designers and Artists but that does not mean we don’t care about the workers and the conditions our products are crafted in.
Therefore, we offer fair produced and cruelty free products to the people who share our vision. Our products are released as a conversations which have risen above commercial marketing cycles of the ordinary fashion industry.
We invest a lot of time and patience to create special editions of unique and vegan footwear and apparel that is a blend of high quality manufacturing from Ghana and Portugal.
By combining traditional artisanship and state-of-the art-technology, our creations remain unique and honest experiences.
Team
Nando K. Nkrumah
Founder & Artistic Director
Yasmine Kalla-Akwa
Creative Advisor
Philippe Nguyen
Community Manager
Social Urban Nature
Our Partner Social. Urban. Nature. runs multiple textile projects, all run under fair conditions, in Ghana and neighboring countries.
We work with them to ensure quality and fair working conditions even for complex textile design projects.
Values
I WILL RISE does not tollerate exploitation and sweatshops. We believe that a sneaker can not be cool as long as it has blood on it. Therefore our products are fair produced in human friendly environments without child labour and exploitation.
We are constantly searching for the latest recycled, biodegradable and sustainable materials without compromises on comfort and quality.
We use electricity from renewable energy sources in our headquarter and cooperate with partners that invest in projects with a positive impact in human lives.
Our products are cruelty free produced. We believe that vegan materials are important to minimize animal suffering and CO2 emissions significantly.
We support Skateboarding in Ghana
photo by Love Mensah Adjetey Mayne
We are commited to support skateboarding and sponsor individuals in Ghana with the donation of skate equipment.
For us, skateboarding means transforming obstacles into chances -
A process of learning to see the surrounding world with new eyes. We have experienced this ourselves and want to share this valuable experience with the young generation to transform the world.
CREDITS
Styling: Eva Nkrumah
Make-Up: Sonia O'Connor
Photos (if not stated differently): Nando Nkrumah
Models: Leila Akinyi, Eva Tchari, Risto Saar
Giftcard-Illustration: Steffi Jung (What the Fox)
Special Thanks to:
Eva Tchari, Risto Saar, Tiago, Pedro, Treesha, Leila Akyni, Tansy Hoskins, Christina Holona, Mr. Appiah, Jenny Gabel, Nina Treuberg, Jonas Dörschel, Love Mensah, Cem Springer, Steffi Jung, Nana S. Boahene, Rachel, Tamba Gomes de Pina, Beate, Holger, Gabi, God
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