How a Historic Celebration Shaped a Modern Icon Bag

What if a bag could carry history—not just your essentials?
That’s the magic behind the Ewatomi Bag, one of the crown jewels of the Ewa London collection. More than an accessory, it’s a celebration of culture, memory, and the unapologetic style of modern African womanhood.

And its inspiration? The legendary Festac ’77—a month-long cultural and artistic festival that lit up Lagos and the entire African diaspora.

 A Festival That Changed Everything

Festac '77, or the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was no small affair. Over 16,000 artists, writers, designers, dancers, and thinkers from across Africa and the diaspora came together in Lagos to celebrate Black excellence, creativity, and identity.

It was bold. It was beautiful. And it was deeply political—a declaration that African heritage is rich, global, and worthy of reverence and reinvention.

 The Ewatomi Bag

The Ewatomi Bag isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a tribute to the spirit of that era. Every element of its design, from the striking patterns to the elegant craftsmanship, draws on the energy and pride that Festac '77 ignited across the continent.

Let’s unpack the connection.

 Echoes of Festac in Every Stitch

1. Bold Patterns, Bigger Voice

Festac wasn’t about subtlety—it was loud, expressive, and colourful. The  channels that same unapologetic energy with its Afro-modern prints and contrasting textures. It's a visual anthem of identity and self-expression.

2. Braided Handles, Rooted Craft

Those sleek braided handles? They’re not just aesthetic. They nod to the intricate artistry seen in traditional African hairstyles and crafts, which were front and centre at the festival. A nod to our mothers and aunties—refined, strong, and always stylish.

3. Room for Everything (Including Your Ambition)

Festac was expansive in scope—music, poetry, dance, visual arts, politics. The Ewatomi bag follows suit with its generous size and sturdy structure. It’s built for women who carry not just things, but ideas, schedules, and dreams.

 Why It Matters Today

We didn’t create the Ewatomi Bag just to look back—we designed it to move forward.

Festac '77 was a vision of pan-African unity, cultural pride, and innovation. It was about celebrating African heritage while boldly shaping its future. That same philosophy drives everything we do at Ewa London—blending tradition with contemporary edge for the global African woman.

Carrying the Ewatomi Bag means you’re carrying more than a tote. You’re carrying:

• History, in the patterns and purpose.

• Power, in the craftsmanship and presence.

• Pride, in the story it tells.

 Final Word: Festac Never Ended

Festac ’77 may have ended in February 1977—but its heartbeat still echoes in design studios, runways, and street style today. With the, we’re keeping that rhythm alive—one stitch, one strap, one bold step at a time.

So go ahead—wear the revolution.

✍🏾 From the Founder

“As a Nigerian-born designer, Festac ’77 has always felt like a guiding star. It was one of the most powerful cultural declarations Africa ever made to the world—and it did so through fashion, music, and unity.

With the Ewatomi Bag, I wanted to honour that moment. To remind us—especially women of African heritage—that our history is a source of strength, not nostalgia. We don’t just inherit culture—we remix it, wear it, and make it our own.

Thank you for carrying this legacy with style.”

— Ewa, Founder of Ewa London

Ready to carry your culture in style?
Shop the Ewatomi Bag now and show the world that heritage never goes out of fashion.

Tag us @ewalondon_ to show how you style yours. #EwatomiBag #FestacInspired #AfrofashionForward