African Wax Print Ties and Accessories From GabeJade

Photo by GabeJade

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.”

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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.

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Katie Hawley is a senior editor at Etsy. She's also an aspiring weaver, a perpetual snacker, and head-over-heels obsessed with her dog.

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Get the Look: 3 Real Living Rooms With Etsy Style

Photo by Mallory Fletchall

The ideal living room means very different things depending on who’s doing the living. For a book-lover, it might involve a vintage recliner propped with pillows and nestled in a well-lit nook. For an entertainer, it’s all about having good flow, conversation-sparking art, and a well-stocked bar cart. Whatever brand of downtime your heart desires, creating a room you love spending time in starts with finding meaningful, functional pieces that complement your lifestyle. To see how it’s done, we went behind the scenes with three design-savvy Etsy shoppers to hear the inspirations behind their own stylish spaces, from a sitting area infused with vintage appeal to a sunny corner that radiates positive energy. Read on to learn how each room comes together, then discover tips for recreating the looks with your own fabulous Etsy finds.

A cozy, eclectic living room

Photograph by Allison Elefante

Get the look:

Mix gold-toned, mid-century finishes with loads of rich texture—like a Moroccan leather ottoman and plush upholstered seating.

For Nashville-based photographer Allison Elefante, making her living room a family gathering place meant bringing together an artful assortment of conversation pieces—each one steeped in personal history. “I wanted to create a colorful yet comfortable sitting area that could house a revolving collection of art and thrifted pieces that we love,” she says. To shine a light on her museum-worthy medley of vintage curiosities, modern prints, and globally inspired textiles, Allison chose an eye-catching mid-century chandelier from Mod Creation Studio. The sentimental anchor for the space? The cream upholstered armchair cozied up next to the fireplace. “It’s the first piece of furniture my grandparents bought when they got married,” she says.

A bright and cheerful living room

Photograph by Mallory Fletchall

Get the look:

Pair neutral everyday essentials with whimsical accent pieces, like shell-shaped throw pillows and art prints that pop.

It’s hard to pinpoint what makes Mallory Fletchall’s sunny and stylish living room feel so inviting. The way light filters through her gauzy curtains? The giant, leafy houseplants? Maybe it’s simply that each unique piece, from the vintage patterned pouf to the oversize hand-painted planter from Hudson + Oak, is intentionally chosen to create a warm and harmonious haven. “I want things to look just as pretty as they do comfy,” says the Brooklyn-based stylist and content creator. “I love using natural materials and neutrals as a base, and bringing in surprising elements full of color, like textiles and art.”

A serene and chic living room

Photograph by Lisa Hackwith

Get the look:

Opt for a calming combo of understated accents, natural materials, and black and white photographic prints.

“One of my good friends once told me that a space should never be completely finished—leave room for yourself to fill it,” says fashion designer Lisa Hackwith, whose St. Paul home is a sanctuary for the chic minimalist in all of us. That philosophy is well-reflected in the sophisticated design of Croft House’s signature Sierra chair, which Lisa and her husband chose for the clean lines and open spaces created by its thin steel frame. To round out her streamlined decor scheme, Lisa focuses on natural woven accents and modern ceramics in warm, neutral tones, and embellishes her (never-overfilled) shelves with soft, intimate artwork and black and white photography. “We’ve slowly been adding treasures from all over the world that hold special meaning and memories for us,” she says.

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Jackie Buddie is a writer and wilderness explorer working full-time as a content producer at Etsy HQ in Brooklyn.

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5-Star Buys: A Foolproof Father’s Day Gift

Photo by Kingsley Leather

In our 5-Star Buys series we spotlight popular Etsy items that recently struck a chord with shoppers—and let their rave reviews do the talking.

Dad may be content to carry around his cash and cards (and that slowly disintegrating copy of your first-grade school photo) in an off-the-shelf billfold, but doesn’t he deserve better? This Father’s Day, consider this heirloom-quality alternative: a made-to-order wallet from Kingsley Leather, crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, saddle-stitched by hand in your choice of eight thread shades, and burnished at the edges for extra durability. With any luck, it’ll stand by him as long as he’s stood by you. Take it from this gift giver (and repeat customer in the making):

“Everything about Kingsley’s wallet is exquisite—the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and packaging. I was so happy with it that I gave the gift much earlier than originally planned. I definitely recommend Kingsley’s shop and would love the opportunity to purchase again.” — NA

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Valerie Rains is a writer and editor at Etsy.

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Introducing Etsy’s First-Ever Global Design Awards: The Etsies

Year after year, Etsy sellers dazzle us with their boundless creativity, filling our world with the sorts of meaningful, one-of-a-kind items that make every day special. Whether it’s a personalized necklace you wear for every occasion or an original painting that became the perfect finishing touch for your favorite room, the works of Etsy sellers enrich our lives in so many ways.

Which is why today, we’re thrilled to kick off the first-ever Etsy Design Awards—a global competition created to spotlight the highest-quality items on Etsy and honor outstanding sellers across multiple areas of expertise, from precision seamstresses and renowned ceramicists to eco-conscious woodworkers and vintage treasure hunters. “Etsy sellers are some of the most creative people in the world,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson, who will serve as one of the competition’s judges. “I’m looking forward to uncovering and celebrating all their extraordinary talent.”

Recognizing the skill and artistry of our diverse community of sellers, the Etsies will name one exceptional seller the Etsy Design Award Grand Prize Winner, plus five winners in each of the following award categories: Inventive Decor, Signature Style, Festive Celebrations, Earth-Friendly, and Creative Collaborations. “With so many incredibly unique and beautiful items on Etsy, it definitely won’t be an easy decision,” says Dayna. To help with the task, she’ll be joined by an all-star panel of six international tastemakers, each of whom, much like the rest of us, turns to Etsy time and again to discover cherished belongings, go-to gifts, and some of the most unique statement pieces in their respective businesses.

Ready to meet the judges? Read on to hear what they love shopping for on Etsy (and maybe even pick up a new favorite or two while you’re at it), then be sure to come back in September to see who wins!

Writer and actor Dan Levy

A showrunner, writer, director, producer, and actor best known for his work on one of the most inventive shows on television, Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy is looking forward to putting his curation skills to the test as a judge for the Etsies. “When styling the costumes for Schitt’s Creek, Etsy is a go-to for finding unique, one-of-a-kind items I can’t find anywhere else,” says Dan, whose show has garnered nearly two dozen awards, including the 2019 Canadian Screen Award for Best Comedy Series, and more than 50 nominations. “I lean toward pieces that tell a story—whether it’s something handmade that reflects the person who created it, or a vintage treasure that has lived a life of its own.”

Our picks for Dan: modern menswear

Style expert Joe Zee

“My husband and I often get lost for hours browsing through all the unique items we find on Etsy,” says 28-year-plus fashion and media veteran Joe Zee, who has occupied top positions at many prestigious print publications including ELLE US, W, and Vanity Fair magazines. “Before our wedding last year, we were especially obsessed with all of the handmade ceramic bowls, pottery, and vintage glasses, and several of our friends ended up getting us some of our favorites as gifts. We have such a special collection now that reminds us of these cherished memories each time we use them.”

Our picks for Joe: retro glassware

Author and artist Garance Doré

Garance Doré, writer and founder of Atelier Doré, is an inspiring creative, thought leader, and speaker whose book, Love Style Life, is a New York Times best-seller that’s been published in 15 languages. “I have always been a seeker and supporter of unique styles and original spirit, be it in the people I photographed on the street or in the objects I chose to surround myself with,” says Garance. “Etsy represents to me that voice given to the unique, the lovingly crafted, and the inspiring.” Her latest project? “Right now I am so excited to shop for my new home in Los Angeles. I could spend hours discovering new artists!”

Our picks for Garance: original wall art

Interior designer Sophie Robinson

A former judge on BBC Two’s The Great Interior Design Challenge, Sophie Robinson is now lending her discerning eye to the Etsy Design Awards. “Etsy is home to a diverse and colorful range of products, so it’s exciting to be able to recognize the talent and unique craftsmanship behind each one,” says the interior stylist, designer, and journalist, whose vibrant blog is a haven for modern design inspiration. “As a designer, I can relate to the importance of innovation and personal story, which is something the Etsies will showcase and look to reward.”

Our picks for Sophie: colorful accents

Décor expert Holly Becker

“Etsy is where I go when I want to support creatives and give myself (or others) something one-of-a-kind and unique to cherish and love,” says interiors expert and bestselling author Holly Becker, whose work, including her award-winning design and lifestyle blog, decor8, has earned her a global following of over 1.5 million fans. “I’ve purchased from dozens of sellers throughout the years, at least 100 products, and have everything from art to cushions, baby products, ceramics and blankets in my home—all made with love and care from Etsy sellers.”

Our picks for Holly: elevated essentials

Fashion designer Anavila Misra

Anavila Misra, the designer behind the artisanal label Anavila, is known for reintroducing the sari as everyday fashion and strongly believes in ‘being one with the environment’. “When it comes to design, I’m most passionate about meticulous craftsmanship and a detailed, thoughtful approach to creation,” says Anavila, whose own pieces communicate the revival of handcrafts and are structured for luxury and comfort. “Etsy is home to a range of products that, the moment you get on to the site you realize, have been created and curated with a lot of thought and understanding. I love to look for unusual ceramics and one-of-a-kind decorative pieces.”

Our picks for Anavila: fresh twists on ceramics

Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson

It’s no surprise that Etsy is Dayna Isom Johnson’s go-to for everything from statement style and perfect home pieces to unforgettable gifts; after all, part of her role as Etsy’s Trend Expert is to unearth the latest and greatest designs, up-and-coming Etsy shops, and exciting stories from the community. But when it comes to personal picks, what chic styles are on the ‘Making It’ judge’s shopping list this season? “I’m looking for eco-friendly accessories to incorporate into my spring wardrobe,” Dayna says. “And of course, anything with a touch of maximalism.”

Our picks for Dayna: eco-friendly accessories

Learn more about the Etsy Design Awards

Jackie Buddie is a writer and wilderness explorer working full-time as a content producer at Etsy HQ in Brooklyn.

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Custom Watercolor Wedding Stationery From Public House Co.

Photo by Public House Co.

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.

It’s the tiny details that get Public House Co. founder Samantha Sullentrup excited about an illustration: the small statues outside a church, the print on a new baby’s blanket, or the vase of flowers perched on a windowsill inside a reception hall. And as a result, Samantha’s custom watercolors—which take the form of wedding invites, save-the-dates, and giftable family portraits perfect for brides- and grooms-to-be—radiate authenticity and warmth. “I’m a romantic, and while I work, I like to think about how a couple is going to start their life,” Samantha explains. “I want the visuals for their big day to be as personal as possible.”

Explore the Public House Co. collection

After teaching art for nearly a decade, Samantha launched Public House Co. two years ago, and found an immediate customer fan base. Today, she works out of her cozy home studio in Kansas City, Missouri, in a light-filled room where her children play and make art beside her. As she grows her business, Samantha remains committed to treating each of her clients with care as she brings their one-of-a-kind visions to life on paper. “I have so many brides who say, ‘I trust you, do your thing,’” Samantha says. “When they give me free rein, it’s amazing. It feels less like a job, and more like a lifestyle.”

Read on to discover some of Samantha’s most memorable commissions, and shop the Public House Co. collection.

How did you get started creating custom illustrated wedding stationery?

I’ve always been drawn to architecture, interiors, and design. When I started staying home with my two youngest girls, I needed to fill that void a little bit, so I did a few portraits for friends and family, and they were really encouraging. After that, I decided to make some practice portraits of houses and sell them on Etsy. I made 15 sales that first month, which just blew me away. It was organic in the sense that I wasn’t pushing toward something—it was coming to me.

Today, your entire line is custom. How did you come to focus on personalization?

So many people wanted custom couple portraits for a wedding gift, or a family portrait with their new baby. So I focused on that, which is how I started doing wedding venues, too—a client saw my house portrait and wanted me to paint their venue as a welcome sign for their wedding. In terms of stationery, when you do someone’s save-the-date and they are pleased, the same client will come back asking for invitations. It just spiraled.

How would you describe your creative approach?

I try really hard to incorporate a fresh, warm feeling in my designs. I know a lot of watercolorists who are very precise in their technique, but that’s not necessarily me. I want you to sense the artist in the work. For me, it’s more about conveying the vibe of the space and the feeling of the day, as well as the people.

Can you walk us through the process of how you create a custom illustrated wedding suite?

Before I get started, I like to get a visual of what the whole day is going to look like, so I’ll ask the customer to send me links to the wedding venue and their Pinterest board, which is especially helpful if we’re doing custom florals mixed in.

Once I have a sense of the vibe, I sketch everything out in pencil and paint, and then I pen over it to add the little details. Next, I photograph the work, pull it onto my computer, and touch it up a bit. I always send digital sketches, but if a client wants to keep the original artwork of their venue or portrait, I’m happy to send it their way for a little keepsake. I think it’s a great way to remember the day.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable order?

One couple I worked with, Alison and Ryan, first asked me to do their save-the-date. They had this gorgeous venue, which was built out of limestone in the early 1800s. I painted it and it turned out beautifully, so they came back for a wedding suite.

They had a joint wedding email address, and as we were sending files back and forth, Ryan kept chiming in to say, “I’m just so excited about this, it looks great!” I was thrilled, because grooms don’t always have as much to say about this stuff. For this particular suite, I did custom florals, and they really trusted and challenged me. Theirs is one of the most romantic, whimsical wedding suites that I’ve ever done.

Pivoting to presents, what’s the most popular item in your shop that people give as a gift?

The house portrait is not only my most popular listing, but also one of my personal favorites. Last Christmas, a client ordered a house portrait as a gift. Years ago, her sister had lost a son, and the family always thought of him as a red bird. For this house portrait, the client requested that a red bird be pictured flying around the house. For her sister, the gift was more than just a house portrait—her son was in the painting.

Your pieces also make great gifts for weddings. Is that something you see a lot of?

Yes! Lots of customers will purchase wedding portraits as gifts for the bride and groom, with their first home pictured behind the couple. That’s a very common request. Some will say, “established” and whatever day they got married or moved in together, which is another way to customize a portrait and make it even more personal.

In terms of that process, it’s the same: They’ll send photos of the couple and the house and I tie it all together. Once I send it off, my job is done, but I get a lot of lovely follow-up emails from customers. People will reach out and say, “It was the most talked-about gift at the shower, everyone thought it was the cutest thing ever!” I love hearing that.

So, what’s next for Public House Co.?

One of my goals for this year is to create more interior scenes and illustrate different kinds of spaces. I’m putting it out in the world, and it will grow the way it’s supposed to grow—I feel like my clients will lead me where I’m supposed to be going.

Follow Public House Co. on Instagram and Pinterest.

Studio and process photographs courtesy of Public House Co. Invitation photographs by Veraly & Company.

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Sharon Steel is a writer and editor living in New York City. Her heroes are Jane Austen, Carson McCullers, Lindsay Weir, Shirley Jackson, Lillian Ross, and the renegade crew of the spaceship Serenity. Read more of her work at sharoncsteel.com.

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