Inspired by memories of sharing spaces with his grandmother—who still sews at 89—and his mother, who also makes clothes, Ekong Okon found his path in fashion. He went on to build KG’z (Konaz Glitz) Opulence, a brand renowned for its elegant couture, exceptional tailoring, and bold artistic expression.
Founded in 2012, KG’z Opulence was born from a vision to redefine African luxury through exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. While Ekong was studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he opened a tailoring shop, juggling business and studies. It’s a surprising twist—Ekong not only holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering but also a Master’s in Energy and Power Engineering. So, why fashion? As it turns out, his engineering background aligned perfectly with his early experiences as a tailor. Today, he approaches each design with technical excellence, seamlessly blending the precision of engineering with the artistry and heritage of African fashion.
Legacies can be hereditary, and that’s exactly where Ekong Okon’s fashion story began—always by his mother’s side at her store, eager to cut and sew anything he could find. At first, it was just a fun pastime with no thought of financial gains, especially while he was a freshman at Cross River State University. What started as a way to pass the time soon became an income-earner, as he began making clothes for classmates and lecturers. By 2011, Ekong had opened a small store and expanded into designing women’s clothing as well.
When Ekong later moved to Lagos for national service and work, financial constraints turned fashion into his essential support system, running it as a part-time business. In April 2016, a job offer from a bank brought him back to Calabar, but his passion for fashion never waned—he managed life as both a banker and a tailor. What began as a simple hobby blossomed into a thriving business as demand for his work grew. After two years, Ekong made the decision to resign from banking and dedicate himself fully to fashion. He enrolled in a short course to refine his skills, and today, he is steadily forging his path toward becoming a highly recognized name in the fashion industry.
Born in Kaduna State and proudly of the Qua tribe of Calabar, Ekong Okon is now closer to his roots, running his fashion business from both Lagos and Calabar. For Ekong, giving up could have been an easy option—especially considering the financial demands of reinvesting in a fashion business and the setbacks he faced, including losing some of his savings in an attempt to relocate abroad.
The universe rewarded his persistence when he was connected to provide costumes for singer MC Galaxy’s music video—a production with national visibility. Although he couldn’t fully capitalize on the exposure at the time due to his business lacking a strong brand identity, the opportunity still marked a breakthrough. It elevated his clientele and brought greater financial rewards, setting the stage for Ekong’s continued growth in the fashion industry.
With a deep sense of satisfaction, Ekong describes himself as a couture designer who brings his engineering background into his craft, infusing structure and form into every design. As an indigene of Cross River State, he has been a regular contributor to the Annual Calabar Carnival since his days as a student learning the fashion trade. Today, he proudly notes that his brand is consistently well represented at the festival, working with bands and creating stunning outfits for the kings and queens. This ongoing involvement has earned him awards at the Calabar Carnival in both 2024 and 2025, further solidifying his reputation in the Nigerian fashion industry.
For actress Bisola Aiyeola, Ekong created one of the ceremony’s most talked-about outfits—a couture masterpiece titled Water of Life. Inspired by the Abokom Waterfalls in Cross River State, the gown—known as Mmiri Ndu in Igbo and Mong-Owem in Efik—celebrated Nigeria’s natural beauty through fashion. Working alongside stylist Kingsley Okoye Rex, Ekong hand-painted the dress and incorporated coconuts to recreate the appearance of natural rock formations, completing the ambitious project in just one week.
Remarkably, Bisola never attended a fitting before wearing the dress because the garment was produced in Calabar, Ekong intentionally allowed extra room to ensure it would fit perfectly on the day of the event.
He believes creations like Water of Life, alongside many memorable AMVCA looks, deserve to be preserved in a Nigerian fashion museum that celebrates the country’s creative achievements and inspires future generations of designers. His growing portfolio also includes promotional costumes for Funke Akindele’s Behind the Scenes as well as designs worn by Iyabo Ojo, Waje, Soso (Sophia Chisom) and Omowunmi Dada.
KG’z Opulence has evolved into a multifaceted fashion house specializing in couture, bridal wear, bespoke tailoring, costume design and fashion education. The brand’s steady rise has earned him a nomination for Couture Designer of the Year at the La Mode Awards, recognizing his contribution to Nigeria’s fashion industry.
Equally important to him is nurturing the next generation of creatives.
Through the KG’z Opulence Fashion Academy, aspiring designers undertake an intensive seven-month training programme that combines technical expertise with entrepreneurship and discipline. Already, graduates from the academy are making their mark in the industry, carrying forward the values he hopes will shape African fashion for years to come.
For Ekong, it’s all about consistently doing great work—so much so that he admits he doesn’t really have a social life, often starting his day at 5 a.m. “We are trying to create structures that will exist without us,” he adds, underscoring his vision for a legacy that endures beyond his own contributions.
