Draft:SEKS

SEKS is a New York-based fashion brand founded by designer Abel Cepeda Ljoka and his partner Will Kowall.

Background & History
Initially launched as Seks 5th Avenue in October 2019, the brand was rebranded as SEKS on January 1, 2023, following a legal dispute with Saks Fifth Avenue.

Early after its launch, SEKS was represented by Patricia Field, known for her work on "Sex and the City" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Patricia Field carried SEKS in her Manhattan showroom, where the brand achieved its largest single brand sale in history when a princess purchased every SEKS piece available.

After parting ways with Patricia Field, SEKS became independent. The brand currently operates out of their studio in Manhattan’s Garment District, where all creations are made in-house. Abel Cepeda Ljoka, who was born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, brought his expertise in sewing to the brand.

Growing up, Ljoka spent his days learning to sew in his parents' sewing machine store, often playing among the machines with his pet Puma.

Founders

Abel Cepeda Ljoka moved to New York in 2008. Prior to founding SEKS, he was one of the city’s most booked go-go boys, often designing outfits for himself and his fellow dancers. Ljoka had started several fashion brands during his early years in New York but eventually left them behind when he partnered with Will Kowall to start SEKS. Will Kowall has also played a major role in establishing and growing SEKS, working alongside Ljoka to develop the brand.

Celebrity Endorsements

SEKS has developed a huge social media following and is publicly supported by several celebrities, including Erykah Badu, Julia Fox, Doechii, and Aquaria. SEKS has been published on magazine covers, album covers, live performances, television, and music video appearances, including:

Magazine Covers (In Print):

1.	Justine Skye

2.	Kyle Richards

3.	Gwen Stefani

4.	Avril Lavigne (Lady Gunn)

Album Covers:

1.	Princess Nokia ft. Baby Tate

2.	Zack Bia ft. Teezo Touchdown

3.	Julia Fox

Notable Live Performance Appearances:

1.	Farina

2.	Madonna

3.	Tokischa

4.	Kali Uchis

5.	Emilia Mernes

6.	P!NK

7.	Coco Jones

8.	Pabllo Vittar

9.	Anitta

Television Appearances (Shows):

1.	Ziwe

2.	Emily in Paris

3.	Drag Me to Dinner

4.	The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip

5.	OMG Fashun

Music Video Appearances:

1.	Latto ft. 21 Savage

2.	Jesy Nelson ft. Nicki Minaj

3.	Lola Brooke ft. Coi Leray

4.	Chesca ft. Corina Smith, Villano Antillano

5.	Amaarae

6.	Kevin Abstract ft. Lil Nas X

7.	Zack Bia ft. Teezo Touchdown

8.	Anycia ft. Latto

9.	Tini

10.	G-Eazy ft. Coi Leray, Kaliii

11.	Charli XCX

Controversy
In 2023, Madonna stirred controversy during her tour in Milan. She wore a cropped black top from SEKS featuring an image of Pope Francis, highlighting the superstar's ongoing conflict with the Vatican. Apart from this event, known for her provocative use of religious imagery, Madonna first debuted this custom piece in Milan near the Pope's Vatican residence.

External links

Instagram

Website