Once upon a time, in a land quite afar, 

Between the great Atlantic 

And The vast Sahar-rah,

Lived the greatest shoemaker that had ever been.

‘‘Twas the morning after the full moon

A time, most opportune, 

When in a gust of wind 

Appeared a travelling magician 

With quite the imagination.   

He laid out his objects, 

Some incense and magical stones 

Together they set their intentions,

And Babouche! 

Through a puff of smoke, 

Their creation beholden 

The flat, heeled, and platformed, pointy shoe.

Available in a wide variety of colours, 

We invite you to select your preferred hue. 

Visit https://www.kkerele.com/collab to shop the full collection.

Background

Celebrating the elegance of the babouche shoe, a traditionally North African silhouette which has been co-opted, embraced, and reappropriated in West Africa. Kkerele and Tobi Onabolu have joined forces to reimagine this classic silhouette in a contemporary style, designed and made with love.

The collection features three unique silhouettes: the classic flat soled babouche; a version with Kkerele’s iconic heel; and a third version with a cushioned platform, for elevated comfort and quirky style. 

In an attempt to reduce waste and encourage a behavioural shift towards slower and more sustainable fashion practices, this collaboration prioritises available leathers from Mushin Leather Market, Lagos, available in single colours, double tones, and in distinct collages.