AFRICAN LUXURY BRAND ADOLOPHINE IS TAKING NEW YORK BY STORM
The daughter of a diplomat, Ms. Sheeley is fluent in six languages, and has a deep understanding of many diverse cultures. Inspired by her mother, Georgette, who sold exotic European goods in Kinshasa, and the strong business-owning women of her childhood, Ms. Sheeley evolved her company’s philosophy.
Adolophone was founded in 2018 by Kinshasa native and Baluba Adolophine Lukabu Sheeley, a Congolese-American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Adolophine emphasizes craftsmanship and uniqueness in its wide variety of products, sourced from countries all over Africa, lovingly created and designed by indigenous craftspeople. The daughter of a diplomat, Ms. Sheeley is fluent in six languages, and has a deep understanding of many diverse cultures. Inspired by her mother, Georgette, who sold exotic European goods in Kinshasa, and the strong business-owning women of her childhood, Ms. Sheeley evolved her company’s philosophy. This includes using locally-obtained materials, and local artisans, to create goods with reverence for the rich traditions, values and artistic visions that evoke Africa’s vibrant, uplifting heritage. “The sounds, colors, and energy of the markets in Kinshasa are a part of my soul,” Ms. Sheeley reflects. At Adolophine, continuing the great legacy of lived experiences, handed down through the artisans’ individual stories, is a commitment encapsulated in the artistic expression of their matchless creations.
Adolophine, is also proud to announce a new initiative with Les Amis de Mulunda et Georgette (Friends of Mulunda & Georgette, or LAMG), its nonprofit organization, dedicated to the renewal and redevelopment of The Congo. LAMG seeks to stabilize the country’s living environment and assist the millions of Congolese people who have suffered and whose families died during decades of war and civil unrest in the second largest country in africa. LAMG seeks to carry out the vital work of providing several Kinshasa orphanages with food, healthcare, and educational services. LAMG also operates a farm just outside the city, gifts women land for cultivation, imparts life and vocational skills to promote self-sufficiency, and supports elders in the community with food, medicine, and companionship. Funding for this essential work comes via Adolophine, whose sales allow LAMG’s life-giving activities to continue from day to day.
As the holiday shopping season reached its peak in the Big Apple this past week, fashion industry legend Kenneth Cole and his mentee, livewear designer Áwet Woldegebrial hosted a special Yuletide Pop-Up Shop for Black-Owned businesses. Among the plethora of fine brands and exceptional names appearing at this event was artisanal African luxury clothing, handbags, jewelry and home decor brand Adolophine, which offers beautiful products, accessories, and other fashionable items, sourced from indigenous craftspeople. Forbes Magazine reports that Adolophine was well-received alongside other prominent Black creators, including celebrity couturier Marco Hall, African home décor maker Royal Jelly Harlem, and 2∙4∙1 Cosmetics. The pop-up shop, which was held from December 17-22 at Kenneth Cole’s Bond Street store at 328 Bowery by popular demand, was an important milestone for Adolophine, being recognized by one of the world’s top names in fashion.
With the brand’s successful engagement alongside other exceptional Black-owned fashion and design names, Adolophine is prepared to emerge into a bright new year as an esteemed purveyor of fine African luxury goods that will enhance the beauty and dignity of all who wear them. With the success of this event the ambitious luxury brand has already started planning a plethora of Pop Up events for the 2022 year. You can read the Forbes report here, and for more about Adolophine, please feel free to peruse the company’s online shopping website here.
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