Style with a story: House of Botori’s new chic line of diaper bags

Ginika patterned diaper bag. / Provided.

While nursing her newborn son and staring at bland diaper bags, it hit Kemi Macaulay- Newman that she could easily make stand out patterns that would fit her stylish look and also keep her baby entertained.

Founding House of Botori, Macaulay- Newman now offers a new line of chic diaper bags and nursing covers.

“House of Botori is geared towards those moms who are not afraid to show their bold side,” says Kemi Macaulay-Newman, proprietor of House of Botori. “This is one area where mom-style can stay true to what her style is.”

Macaulay- Newman’s style is all about celebrating graphic patterns inspired by Nigeria and other African cultures.

But it isn’t all about style. These fun bags also have a story to tell.

“Part of the message behind my company is using fashion as a tool for teaching others about the positive aspects about my culture,” says the designer. “I’m really big about where I’m from and my culture and sharing it with others, that’s how I come up with the patterns, I want patterns that reflect the culture.

An example of this is her soon-to-be released cocoa bean pattern representing one of the largest natural resources in Nigeria.

This month she will also showcase a new pattern with a personal story.

Macaulay- Newman was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia while she was five months pregnant. She is grateful for the opportunity to receive treatment despite being pregnant.

“I lost a friend to it last year,” she says. “That was motivation for me to create a bag that will be named after her and the pattern is to reflect the disease¬¬— but it’s gorgeous of course.”

This new pattern will be introduced to the line this month with a percentage of all proceeds being donated to the Sickle Cell Warriors Campaign.

Sickle cell awareness pattern donating a percentage of proceeds to the Sickle Cell Warriors campaign. / Provided