Founder & Designer
Fashion is more than the act of putting pieces together. But more so, the ability to tell stories that bridge culture and invokes feelings. From an early age, Senami Atinkpahoun knew fashion was her calling. Born and raised in the Republic of Benin, at the tender age of 4, Senami and her family relocated to New York City. Her love for fashion led her to the High School of Fashion Industries, where she attended and graduated. While attending high school, Atinkpahoun created a clothing line Je Suis (I Am), which mirrors her much-coveted luxe African style.
Today, Senami Atinkpahoun graduated from City College New York in Manhattan. Though education was essential to her, Senami also took hold of gaining industry experience through internships and working at Bebenoir boutique in Harlem. Her clothing line Je Suis is befitting, as she is so closely identified with the importance of individuality. Drawing inspiration from her native country of the Benin Republic, every detail counts from the cut, fabric, shapes, and silhouettes. In an industry of very little accommodation, Senami makes her mission to provide the look, feel, sizes, and luxury not always made available for the average woman. Her distinct designs have bred from her ability to recognize and shape trends, which has made her highly sought after by industry pundits and fans.
The most invigorating thing about Senami is the lane she’s created while being herself. It’s a soft-spoken triumph for African creatives that she has succeeded without compromising herself or her identity. She emanates introspective confidence that doesn’t rely on the watering down of the authenticity of culture to drum up buzz.
