Meet Obi Nwankwo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Obi Nwankwo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Obi, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from my story and the heritage that shaped me. Growing up, I learned early on that nothing great comes without struggle, and that discipline, faith, and consistency are what keep you moving forward when things get tough. My journey as a designer and creative director has had its fair share of setbacks, but I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and refine my vision. What keeps me grounded is remembering the communities I represent, the people who believe in Knotwtr, and the legacy I want to leave behind. That reminder fuels me to keep pushing no matter what.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Knotwtr’s Brick Collection marks one of the brand’s most important releases to date. At the heart of this launch was a highly anticipated collaboration with Lil Baby, a global rap superstar whose influence perfectly mirrors Knotwtr’s disruptive energy. This collaboration has already drawn attention from fans worldwide, positioning the Brick Collection as a cultural milestone in streetwear and music.

Seen on Chris Brown, Keke Palmer, Soulja Boy, NLE Choppa & More

Knotwtr has steadily become a go-to fashion house for some of the world’s most recognized entertainers. From Chris Brown to Keke Palmer, Soulja Boy, NLE Choppa, and more, the brand’s signature pieces have made appearances on icons who consistently set trends. This celebrity stamp of approval cements Knotwtr’s reputation as a label that resonates with both artists and audiences alike.

The Story Behind the Brick Collection

The Brick Collection is a symbol of strength and resilience. Every garment embodies the foundation on which Knotwtr is built, unwavering creativity, cultural pride, and sustainable innovation. With its sharp silhouettes, reimagined denim, and premium craftsmanship, the collection reflects a new direction for luxury streetwear while honoring Knotwtr’s Nigerian roots.

A Black-Owned Brand Making Global Waves

From being featured in British Vogue and Forbes Africa to dominating runways across NYFW, MIAFW, and LAFW, Knotwtr has consistently proven its ability to merge sustainability with luxury. The Brick Collection further solidifies its standing as a Black-owned brand that is shaping the future of fashion.

The Future of Knotwtr

Knotwtr’s Brick Collection is more than clothing, it’s a statement piece in culture, fashion, and sustainability. By working with global icons like Lil Baby and being embraced by celebrities worldwide, Knotwtr is not just releasing a collection, it’s setting a new standard for the future of streetwear.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey the most.

First is storytelling. Fashion isn’t just about clothes, it’s about the message behind them. Being able to translate culture, identity, and vision into wearable art has given Knotwtr its voice and made people connect with it on a deeper level. My advice is to practice telling your story in different forms, whether that’s through writing, visuals, or conversations, because that’s what sets your work apart.

Second is resilience. The creative industry can be unpredictable, and you’ll face rejection more than once. Learning to stand firm, adapt, and keep moving forward has been essential. I tell people starting out to embrace failure as part of the process and use it as fuel to sharpen their craft.

Third is relationship-building. Opportunities often come through people who believe in you and your vision. Networking, nurturing partnerships, and showing up consistently have opened doors I couldn’t have forced open alone. For anyone early on, I’d say invest in genuine connections listen more than you speak, and always bring value to the table.

Those three together—storytelling, resilience, and relationships are what helped me build Knotwtr into what it is today.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my family did for me was believing in me before the world ever did. My mother taught me discipline and faith, reminding me that consistency and values would carry me further than talent alone. My grandfather was also a huge driving force behind Knotwtr. He believed in my vision, and that belief gave me the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly. Having both of them in my corner reminded me that I wasn’t just building a brand, I was carrying forward a legacy. Their support is what pushes me to keep going and to make sure Knotwtr stands for something bigger than myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.knotwtr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotwtr?igsh=ZzVkZzVnZnYwNWpx