Okapi was founded by Hanneli Rupert to create products, locally produced in Africa, that combine exceptional quality and craftsmanship with an international yet uniquely African look and feel. Okapi designs come to life in the products, which aim to be understated and timeless with form following function, whilst also unique and exotic with details that make them stand out.
Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu 'I am because we are', the ethos of Okapi is strongly rooted in the idea of farm to table fashion and social upliftment to empower local communities, creating opportunities and lasting impact.
The brand only works with sustainably sourced local materials, including leathers which are by-products of the existing free range farming industry. Okapi endeavours to give further purpose to these disregarded and forgotten materials by creating functional, leather and horn masterpieces. By working with these materials and working closely with their suppliers to ensure all proesses are of the highest safety, quality, and ethical production practices, Okapi is taking what would be waste and creating sustainable jobs on the African continent.