Sumi Essence

墨 (Sumi) – Pronounced: soo-mee

Origin: Japanese

Rooted in the art of fluid expression, Sumi Essence draws inspiration from Sumi (墨), the Japanese word for ink, representing artistic depth, movement, and intentionality. This collection embodies the seamless fusion of African heritage and Japanese craftsmanship, telling a story of culture, spirituality, and bold creativity.

The garment features a rich brown fabric, symbolizing earthiness and grounding, paired with African tie-dye patterns, which reflect the organic, spontaneous beauty of traditional textile artistry. The blend of these fabrics mirrors the harmony between two worlds 

Embellished with 神は偉大だ (Kami wa idai da), translating to “God is great”, the calligraphy ties back to Tobi.Rtw’s roots. Tobi.Rtw (Tobi Ready-to-Wear) originates from the name Oluwatobilọba, a Yoruba name meaning “God is the greatest King.” This phrase, hand-inscribed in Japanese characters, reinforces the spiritual depth and global influence of the collection.

Sumi Essence is more than fashion; it is a statement of art, faith, and cultural fusion , where ink meets fabric, and tradition meets modernity.