L'ORIGINE

The Foundation


L’ORIGINE is founded by two Dutch born Ghanaians: Dyllan Ahinful & Jeffrey Mensah. In January 2020 Jeffrey Mensah officially left the company and Dyllan Ahinful is leading the brand alone ever since. In late April 2014, the two had a conversation about life and creating a legacy. They initiated the idea, of starting something for themselves. The idea was easily linked to their passion, fashion.

 


The Name

After months of brainstorming about the name, ‘L’ORIGIN3’ was established. When they initiated the idea of creating their own brand, they wanted to find a name that represents their roots. Their roots both lie in Ghana and in the same village, Ashanti Bekwai. The French word origine means origin. L’ is the article. Translated literally it means the origin as a subtle reference to their roots,their family and friendship as the origin of the idea. The ‘3’ turned backwards is the letter ε in the Ghanaian alphabet.


The Couture

The case was to determine what kind of garments, would be sold. At the time they had an unique contemporary street style . Thus, they wanted to create contemporary streetwear inspired garments with a sense of their own identity. The pieces vary from basic hoodies to sophisticated trousers and are not only labeled as streetwear but versatile.


The Identity

At last it was important to give the brand and the garments an identity. They developed a composite logo. First they used an Adinkra symbol from Ghana, that symbolizes two good friends. They combined this symbol with the emblem of the Ashanti flag and named the logo: ‘KOBOE’.

KOBOE stands for: Kings Of Blessed Origin Erected.


This word is derived from the word: ‘BOKOE’, a slur people in The Netherlands used to tease Ghanaian/African children with, during the youth of the founders. Then they developed the hidden message label that is present in all their clothing. The message is an old African proverb in a significant blue color. The blue color in Ghanaian traditional clothing symbolizes peace.

The Message states:

‘ If there’s no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm’ 

This is translated into French, because of the love for the French language from the two initiators. At the end of the message is written:

‘- C’est L’origine -‘, because it’s the foundation of the brand, if the idea they started the brand with, remains strong, nothing in the future can break the brand!


- C’est L’origine -