Spearheaded by Echezonam Nwokwule, Derek Guy
Wearing Intention: Inside the Philosophy of 19-89 Haute
Issue:
November 2023 By, Derek Guy
LONDON — In a sea of trends, viral aesthetics, and seasonal drops, a new voice in fashion is redefining what it means to dress with purpose. That voice belongs to 19-89 Haute, a conscious menswear brand with Nigerian roots and a British heartbeat.
Spearheaded by Echezonam Nwokwule, a quietly driven creative based in the UK, 19-89 Haute is not your average fashion label. It was never about fashion for fashion’s sake. It was about reclaiming presence, in what we wear, how we feel, and how we move through the world.
“I lost my sister in 2017 and my father not long after,” Echezonam shares with a calm but steady tone. “In those moments, I began to realise how much noise we carry, even in how we dress. I wanted to strip it all back to the essence.”
That essence birthed 19-89 Haute in 2022 a brand built not on hype but on healing. From its soft launch in Lagos to its recent emergence on UK soil, the brand has maintained a quiet, focused energy.
Its first product? A minimalist line of premium men’s underwear. And yet, in its simplicity, it made waves—selling out its first batch of 500 units with no loud campaign, no influencer parade. Just presence.
Now, with over 2,000 new units in production, the label is scaling thoughtfully, introducing T-shirts, activewear, and other premium essentials designed for those who value stillness over noise and quality over quantity.
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“We’re not in a rush,” Echezonam insists. “Fast fashion was never our rhythm. We are here for longevity, for pieces that speak without shouting.”
The brand’s design philosophy is minimal but meaningful: clean lines, conscious colours (black, grey, white), and a subtle aesthetic that reflects emotional clarity. Everything from the packaging to the storytelling is rooted in sustainability, intention, and quiet strength.
Beyond aesthetics, 19-89 Haute has found its way into global spaces attending major sourcing events like Source Fashion London, building partnerships with ethical manufacturers, and creating a voice for African-rooted, globally positioned fashion.
“Fashion is how we show up. And I want 19-89 Haute to be what men wear when they are showing up with intention—whether that is at home, in motion, or simply in silence.”
As it continues to grow, the brand remains deeply grounded. A small team. Big heart. A founder who leads not with noise, but with clarity.
And in a culture, that is increasingly chasing the next thing, that kind of vision is revolutionary.
