In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
“Everyone deserves to have a little splash of color in their lives,” says Ade Ogbomo, the Texas-based founder of African wax print accessories line GabeJade. “But sometimes it seems like guys’ wardrobes just consist of khakis, dark blue suits, and black shoes, while women get to wear all the bright stuff.” For Ade, who grew up admiring the vibrant fabrics she’d see on trips to visit relatives in Nigeria, opening her shop in 2017 presented a chance to help men get in on the sartorial fun. “I wanted men to be able to express themselves more—to add a bit of personality to their looks and spice things up.”
Explore the GabeJade collection
In fact, it was a request from her favorite six-year-old nephew for a bow tie to match one of her wax print dresses that inspired her to launch her line—which has since expanded to include assorted accessories, including headwraps for women. “I’ve always associated the African wax fabrics with happiness and culture and love and being home,” says Ade. “I love being able to share my culture with the world through my line, and watching people embrace it. I want everybody to be able to appreciate the beauty.”
Read on for Ade’s top styling tips and discover her gift recommendations for Father’s Day—then shop the GabeJade collection.
It all started with a bow tie for your nephew, but how has your line evolved over time?
At first, I just had the pre-tied bow ties, and then I started making self-tie bow ties. After that, women started asking me, “Do you sell headwraps?” At first I was like, “Eh, I don’t know about that,” because in Nigeria, you don’t really buy standalone headwraps—there, when you buy an outfit, the matching headwrap just comes with it. But I had one lady who really wanted to match her husband, so that’s how we started the whole matching-headwraps-and-ties thing. Then after that, guys were like, “Do you make regular ties? Not all of us look good in bow ties!” So now I make regular ties, too.
Have you always been interested in men’s fashion?
Ever since my nephew was born, I’ve definitely been more into boys’ fashion and men’s fashion. So most of my shop features traditionally “male” items, but women wear the bow ties, too, and it looks great! Women in suits is kind of becoming a thing in fashion and I love it. Even though they were originally for my little guy, the ties have definitely become something for everyone.
I love the idea of women rocking the ties! What other styling tips have you picked up along the way?
Some people like to have matching accessories, but others will mix up the fabrics—they’ll pick one fabric for a bow tie, for example, and then do a pocket square in a complementary fabric. That looks really nice.
At first, I didn’t really think about how cool African fabric would look with just a regular men’s suit, but especially with the full ties—which are longer, so you see more of the material—it’s a really good look. And some people will get just a pocket square to pair with an open shirt and a jacket, which is a great casual choice.
What would you say is your most popular item?
The self-tie bow tie is our top-seller—people really like those. They’re made to order in your perfect size, so you never have to worry about adjusting them. They’re really popular, especially for wedding parties. People are also starting to order more lapel pins, too.
Do you ever do any custom orders?
Yes, I get them a lot, actually! It’s always really interesting to see what customers request. Sometimes people will ask me to make something with crazy colors that I’d never think would go together, or to make a headband for their baby, or add some gold fabric to a piece for a wedding to make it pop even more. People are always pleased with what they get.
Let’s talk materials. Tell me about the fabrics you use.
I use traditional wax print fabric, also known as Ankara, and what sets it apart is that it’s actually from Nigeria. My dad’s whole side of the family still lives there, so they visit the local markets for me and ship it over. Everything I use is 100% cotton, but some fabrics are softer than others, which explains the difference in pricing. In terms of patterns, I tend to go for things that are catchy. Some of the designs are super colorful and bright, but others are a little more neutral. I know we don’t always want to stand out—sometimes you need a brown or a blue.
But neutral or bright, I like every piece to feel special, so I won’t get a lot of one specific fabric, and once something is sold out, I try not to restock. I want the accessories to be as original as possible. The same way women don’t want to show up to an event wearing the same dress as someone else, it’s cool for guys to be the only one at the party with a certain African fabric tie.
Father’s Day is coming up fast. What would you recommend as a great dad gift?
I think it really depends on each specific dad and what they like. A lot of people get pieces in their dad’s favorite color, and ties are always super popular. Father’s Day is a more personal thing. People think: “Oh, I think my dad might look good in this pink tie,” or “I think my dad might like this print.”
For a really special present, I would get all three pieces: a tie, a pocket square, and the lapel pin. When it’s all put together, the complete look is really nice. And personally, I would mix fabrics—I’m a little bit adventurous like that, but it also gives dad more options. We offer some pre-mixed sets with fabrics that we know look good together, and we also offer gift wrapping.
What would you say sets your line apart?
The biggest thing for me with all my orders is quality. Everything is made really well, and it’s not a rush job. It’s not something I’ve thrown together. It’s something that is really thought out, and a lot of effort has gone into every single piece—I really give it my all. When I talk to customers, they always comment on the quality, which makes me happy; it’s just nice to be recognized for something you have worked really, really hard on.
So, what’s next for GabeJade?
I would definitely love to grow the business. I want to get bigger, and get my brand in front of more people. I want more people to know about what I’m doing so they can carry a piece of Africa with them, too.
Follow GabeJade on Instagram.
Photographs courtesy of GabeJade.
58 comments
yashchirka from yashchirka said 1 year ago
I love this column, thanks!🙏 It is always very interesting to read about what inspires people, how their path began. I dream that someday you will write about my shop😊
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 1 year ago
so stylish.
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Love your shop. Congrats on the feature.
Lizzy from Bagitconscious said 1 year ago
Love love love!!! Not often that I get excited with featured sellers. Your work is unique. Your colorful fabrics bring joy. Wish you much luck!!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 1 year ago
Very positive and stylish!
Aleksandra from CrochetHeroes said 1 year ago
Looks great!
Anastasia from MypartyboxPrintable said 1 year ago
I like these bright colores!!!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 1 year ago
Beautiful and eye catching accessories! Congratulations on the feature!
Mori from SandboxDreamsCo said 1 year ago
Love this! And I love your social media page.
Jody and Karl from blackbirdsupply said 1 year ago
Such a beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Liza from eEssenceOrganics said 1 year ago
Oh, lovely colorful collections of Neckties and other stuffs. I also love Bogolan and Kente print fabrics which are a part of African culture. Very creative.
Oksana from AmigurumiJoys said 1 year ago
Such bright colors! Only positive and joyful emotions) Good store and great unique things.
Fern from TheWellingtonBoot said 1 year ago
Wax prints are my favourite fabric type, and your shop looks so professional...and happy! Congrats
klára said 1 year ago
Nagyon érdekes látványos a sok szín, indúl egy nyakkendő.....örülök , hogy meg ismertem. További szép munkát , sok sok színt!!!
Valerie from BohoVintageVillage said 1 year ago
Yay! You go girl. I love your work and your artistic flair is inspiring.
Lu Lu from Vol4iwa said 1 year ago
An amazing story! Men really do not always have to be in monochromatic and dark colors. In the brightness of colors - the taste of life!
Tatyana from MOMsBirdie said 1 year ago
Oh bright bows !!! 👏😀😀😀
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 1 year ago
Love your vibrant colors and exciting styles! You are definitely blessed with a great imagination and style! Congrats and Best Wishes for the future of your shop! 💙💚💜
Teresa Purdie from TericsTangibles said 1 year ago
Your choice of fabrics is beautiful. So glad you were able to get this feature article. Hard works pays off and dreams do come true. Congratulations.
EverydayFolkCo from EverydayFolkCo said 1 year ago
Love the color and pattern combinations, and that the patterns fabrics sell out. Scarcity equals unique.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 1 year ago
Fabulous collection! Congratulations on the feature!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 1 year ago
Beautiful and colorful designs!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 1 year ago
Beeeautiful inside and out ❣ Cheers to much continued success ❣
Tatiana from WednesdayCeramic said 1 year ago
realy bright, I like it. Thank you for inspiration.
Stekia Pantou from StekiapantouStore said 1 year ago
so unique and sweet shop well made and happy colors thank you for the suggestion
Kristina from Krisboprops said 1 year ago
Wow !!! Very extravagant and fresh ... My husband needs to buy)))
Charlene E Earley said 1 year ago
WOW, love GabeJade!!!!!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 1 year ago
Pure magic! All of it! Congratulations Ade, and best wishes to you and your shop. May more and more people continue to find out about what you are doing so they can carry a piece of Africa with them, too, one stitch and smile at a time.
Anna from LissiKids said 1 year ago
very beautiful and bright ties! 👍
Ekaterina Zykova from KatyaToysShop said 1 year ago
very original butterfly for women
Jo Braxton Trimble aka JoBeeT from TheLoftyDragonfly said 1 year ago
Fabulous prints and styles! I love your store - so vibrant!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Such vibrant colors! Congrats on the feature!
Susanna C from StudioAlki said 1 year ago
Inspiring! Loved the matching couples idea and product photography 💫
Anna from ANNNADesign said 1 year ago
what bright and stylish things👍
Nadin from NadinArtCraft said 1 year ago
What a wonderful idea! Bright and original ties make men's style special!
Rosita from pillowlink said 1 year ago
Amazing photos and items and story behind!
Andrea from amusebijoux said 1 year ago
Love the bold prints and excellent craftsmanship.
Mary Kolesnichenko from FantasyCreaturesMary said 1 year ago
Such bright colors! I also use it with pleasure when I make my toys. 😍😋
Gillian Northcott from Esani said 1 year ago
Excellent. Fantastic photos too.
Elena from BestBijouxStore said 1 year ago
It looks stylish and bright.
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 1 year ago
Congratulations on your feature. I loved reading and I was very inspired reading your feature. It's so good to know that you're right here in Dallas!!! You have an amazing shop with lots of beautiful items. Much success to you!!!!
Vera from ArtnCraftbyVera said 1 year ago
Nice vivid accessories! Like them!
Katerina Korykova from LeepsLeepsJewelry said 1 year ago
Awesome! I am delighted! Everything is so colorful.
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 1 year ago
YAS!!! Beautiful, beautiful shop! Your shop is a treat to the (visual) senses. Congrats on the feature, so wel deserved!
Victoria from ForgetMeNotNature said 1 year ago
Very interestingly invented
Tatyana from TatiJewelryDesigns said 1 year ago
Looks great!Very positive,stylish and bright.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 1 year ago
Bright and unique)
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 1 year ago
Love your African fashion store, keep doing such amazing items, will buy something for sure ;)
Mattie from poppeparker said 1 year ago
Stylish and represented africa well. Your shop is simply gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your journey and best wishes for achieving all your goals and dreams.
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 1 year ago
Congratulations on your feature! I wish you much continued success in your business! Beautiful work!
Phyllis said 1 year ago
Beautiful is all I can say. I did not want looking at your pieces to end.
Lina from DreamArtNatural said 357 days ago
Everything is so bright, juicy, colorful!
Kim Hamel from KimsNorthlionGems said 292 days ago
Nice, I find this post really interesting and inspiring. 😉
Kathleen Williams said 258 days ago
Love it, very, very smart and stylish.
Mrs Kay from ClassySoireeLLC said 180 days ago
Your shop is amazing. Congratulation on the feature!
Diane said 178 days ago
Wow. These ties and head wraps, in the African print fabrics, are absolutely beautiful. I love a tie on a sleek gal wearing a suit and blouse and that isn't something we see often . . . which adds to its coolness. Talent and flair is evident in your work Ade! Thank you for a beautiful job.
Barbara Wallace said 178 days ago
Such beautiful work. I wish my dad still wore ties. Thanks for this feature.