Brand Story

In 2013, David Aboagye began to consider questions of identity and belonging. As a West-African American with Ghanaian roots–having grown up across two continents–Aboagye understood what few could. His experience was a bridge between the Motherland and the diverse experiences of the global diaspora. Channeling his interests in fashion, Aboagye wondered how an apparel brand might be able to represent the most salient elements of who he was: his African identity, his American identity, his faith, and his desire for social positivity. From this intersection emerged his first designs and iREP Apparel was manifested.

Since then, iREP Apparel has gone through several iterations, shifting as Aboagye’s career trajectory did. But the initial idea never burned out. Questions always arose about new designs, release dates, and new places to rep. No matter Aboagye’s intentions, the community refused to let iREP go. It was more than a brand; it was the start of an important conversation.

In 2019, Aboagye took a needed pilgrimage to his home country, Ghana. This was the  “year of return,” the same year that millions across the diaspora made their way to the country en masse And it was at this juncture that iREP’s mission matured. 

Aboagye began to ask new questions. While in conversation with dozens of diasporic kinfolk, he engaged in valuable reflections about place, representation, migration, meaning, faith, and purpose. Aboagye began to reimagine iREP Apparel as more than a clothing brand but as a bridge between the diaspora and the continent. Now, iREP's mission is to invite its wearers to rethink their relationship with the diaspora and the cultures that make it.

iREP is ready to serve the community that demanded its existence, pioneer new relationships between clothing brands and their customers, and promote the desire to strengthen cultural bonds between Black folks across the globe.