Fashion is often about telling stories. What story were you trying to tell when you founded Afropop Socks?
Afropop Socks began with my mother. I spent the first 10 years of my life growing up in Ghana, surrounded by bold, vibrant colours and a real sense of confidence in how people expressed themselves through what they wore. My mother embodied that she wore traditional African clothing with pride, full of energy, colour, and meaning.
She was also an entrepreneur, so I grew up seeing creativity and business come together naturally. Those early experiences stayed with me. When I started Afropop Socks, I wanted to capture that feeling the confidence, the vibrancy, the cultural pride—and translate it into something people could wear every day, wherever they are in the world.
Isaac Prempeh
Q: Why socks as your medium for expression?
Socks felt unexpected. African fashion is often associated with garments dresses, shirts, tailoring but I wanted to take that same richness of design and place it into something universal. Socks are worn globally, across cultures. They became a simple but powerful canvas to introduce African-inspired storytelling into everyday fashion.
Q: Afropop Socks started as a bootstrap business. What did that journey really look like?
It was very hands-on. No big funding, no shortcuts—just long hours, learning everything from scratch, fulfilling orders myself and reinvesting every bit back into the business. It taught me discipline and resilience. Every step forward felt earned.
Q: Your brand is now stocked in institutions like the Tate, Barbican, Smithsonian, British Library, Museum of London and Selfridges. How does that feel?
It’s surreal. These are spaces that define art, culture and history globally. To see Afropop Socks—something inspired by my upbringing and my mother—sitting in those environments is incredibly meaningful. It shows that African-inspired design belongs in those conversations.
Q: What do you think makes your designs resonate with cultural institutions?
Authenticity. Every design has a story. We draw from real cultural references—whether that’s Kente, Adinkra symbols or broader African design language—and present it in a way that’s both respectful and contemporary. Institutions value that depth.
Q: Fashion weeks are evolving to highlight cultural narratives. Do you feel aligned with that shift?
Definitely. Fashion is moving beyond just aesthetics. There’s a growing appreciation for meaning, heritage and identity. That’s where Afropop Socks naturally sits at the intersection of culture and modern fashion.
Q: Where does Afropop Socks fit within the global fashion ecosystem today?
We’re part of a broader movement redefining how African design is seen globally. Not as a niche or trend, but as a core influence in fashion. We’re just expressing that through a different lens—through everyday accessories.
Q: How do you balance cultural inspiration with contemporary design?
It starts with respect. We take time to understand the origin of patterns and ideas, then reinterpret them in a way that feels modern and wearable. It’s about bridging heritage with today’s fashion language.
Q: How has your identity shaped the brand?
Growing up between Ghana and London gave me a dual perspective. I understand the cultural depth of African design and how it can translate into global fashion. That balance is at the heart of Afropop Socks.
Q: Bold colour is a signature of your brand. What role does it play?
Colour represents confidence. African design has always embraced boldness without hesitation. That energy is something I wanted to preserve. It allows people to express themselves without saying a word.
Q: What advantages did bootstrapping give you creatively?
Freedom. Every decision has been intentional. I didn’t have to compromise the vision for quick growth. It allowed the brand to develop organically and stay true to its roots.
Q: What moment made you feel like Afropop Socks had truly arrived?
Seeing the brand in the Smithsonian was a defining moment. It felt bigger than fashion—it felt like recognition of culture, heritage and the journey behind the brand.
Q: African fashion is gaining global visibility. How do you interpret this moment?
It’s long overdue. African design has always been influential. Now it’s being recognised on a global stage. Designers across the continent and diaspora are shaping the future of fashion.
Q: What’s next for Afropop Socks?
Growth with purpose. One of my key goals is to move production to Africa. That’s about creating opportunities, supporting local economies and bringing the process closer to the source of inspiration.
Q: Who is the Afropop Socks customer?
Anyone who appreciates culture, design and storytelling. While we celebrate African heritage, the brand is for a global audience. It’s about connection through fashion.
Q: Do you think accessories are becoming more central in fashion?
Absolutely. Accessories are where individuality really shows. They can transform an outfit and create conversation. Socks, especially, are an underrated space for expression.
Q: What would you say to emerging designers watching your journey?
Stay authentic. Your story is your strength. Don’t rush the process build something meaningful and let it grow.
Q: Looking ahead, what does success mean for you?
Success is building a brand that goes beyond products. Something that changes how African culture is represented in fashion and inspires the next generation to see their identity as something powerful and global.
