URBEON (=URBAN + NEON)
Urban touches more on the lifestyle aspect of our brand, as well as its relevance in the dance and music culture, while Neon stands for both the colorful nature of our prints and the fact that we have to stand out through our bravery in whatever situation we find ourselves. Put together, these two give us URBEON, a brand that brings decent beautiful prints to an urban lifestyle and the courage to stand out, be true to yourself and go your own way.
Lionel Njefi created the first designs at the kitchen table of his apartment in Hamburg, a city in which he and the young brand have since found their home. He currently works with a network of designers, photographers and creatives to further develop URBEON and to encourage everyone with their collections to feel unique in their own identity.
The most used African print on our designs is the Ghanaian Kente print. 2019 in Ghana was declared "The Year of Return." People with Ghanaian roots living in the diaspora were thereby called to come to their homeland to get in touch with and learn about the origin of their identity. Having struggled with his identy and knowing many who have, made this initiative more than symbolic to Lionel. Using this print is a reminder to always love and be true to oneself, no matter how you choose to be. Lionel found a talented Ghanaian self-taught graphic designer during that time who changed his perspective. Ahmed was brave enough to go his way despite all odds. Lionel collaborated with Ahmed and he would love to collaborate more with more brave individuals like him because giving back to his home means a lot to him.