israella KOBLA

1990: Emefa Kuadey was born in London, England

2009: Moved to Ottawa, Canada to study Civil Engineering at Carleton University 

2012: Took a semester off to visit her native country, Ghana, for 2 months, after the passing of her brother. During these two months she took sewing and drafting classes with her Aunt to explore a long term passion for fashion design

2012: Launched her label israella KOBLA, and released her debut collection “Lost in the WILDERNESS”, she also released her first virtual runway show

2012-2014: Returned to University to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. She graduated in 2014.

2014- 2017: Moved to Calgary to work as a civil engineer. Soon after starting she realized that fashion design was the only long term career goal that she had. 

2018: Moved to Toronto to start fashion school at George Brown College. Participated in several design competitions, including African Fashion Week Toronto and Creative Catwalk.

2019: Graduated from George Brown College

2019: Relaunched israella KOBLA, debuting the brands PINNACLE bag collection.

The collection that Emefa will be showcasing at Vancouver Fashion Week, under her brand israella KOBLA, is titled “Freed from CAPTIVITY”. It is a representation of the creative director’s departure from her corporate prison into the realm of fashion.

Website: www.israellakobla.com

Instagram: @israellakobla