A Gloria & Co. Documentary Tribute to the Artisans Keeping a Sacred Tradition Alive

In a quiet village nestled in the southeast of Nigeria, history is not just remembered — it is woven. One thread at a time. One woman at a time. This is Akwete.

For centuries, Akwete women have sat at their looms — not merely to create cloth, but to tell stories. Each pattern speaks. Each color sings. Each thread carries the weight of memory, motherhood, craftsmanship, and culture.

At Gloria & Co., we believe fashion is never just about clothing. It’s about who we become when we wear something meaningful. Which is why, in preparation for our runway collection debut, we traveled to Akwete — to document the sacred tradition that inspired some of our most symbolic prints.

The Art of Akwete

Akwete weaving is a highly skilled, labor-intensive technique traditionally passed down from mother to daughter. The looms are wooden, the motions rhythmic, and the fabrics rich in symbolism — from royal motifs to messages of womanhood, resilience, and transition.

Every weaver we met had a story. Some spoke of learning to weave at age seven. Others spoke of the pressure to keep the tradition alive as younger generations chase modernity.

And yet — they continue. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s who they are.

Why We Documented This

Too often, African artistry is spoken of in the past tense. As if our traditions are museum pieces. But Akwete is not relic — it is living legacy.

This documentary is our love letter to the women who have kept this sacred art form alive — without hashtags, algorithms, or applause.

It’s also a call to honor where our fashion comes from. In a world of fast production and forgettable trends, Akwete reminds us to slow down — to wear intention, not just style.

A New Chapter: From Akwete to the Runway

Inspired by these women, Gloria & Co. has reimagined traditional Akwete motifs into modern silhouettes for our upcoming runway collection. You’ll see prints that whisper stories — of horses that symbolize grace in motion, elephants that represent matriarchal strength, and colors rooted in the natural world.

But before you see it on the runway, we invite you to meet the women behind it.

🎥 Watch the Akwete Documentary Now
Come behind the scenes. Witness the power of tradition. Celebrate the women who make it possible.

→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fl2LdluS-8