Emmanuel Kale on growing Raven, One Statement Piece at a Time
Photo: Zane Qureshi
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Emmanuel Kale. I am a fashion designer and the founder of Adelaide-based streetwear label, Raven Clothing. I have been running Raven for a few years now, and I am just trying to grow more and more.
When and how did you find your love for fashion?
It has always been there but once I launched Raven, i got deeper into it and being in the fashion industry I was able to find my own sense of style.
We heard you started Raven back in high school. Could you explain what made you want to start your own company?
So back in year 11 I did a design course and for our first assignment we were asked to create a logo. I created mine for A imaginary clothing brand and ended up getting the highest grade in the class. That made me want to release the logo and actually create a proper brand so two years later after graduating high school, Raven was born.
Could you describe Raven in 1 word?
Timeless.
Now, to us, Raven is one of the OG streetwear clothing companies in Adelaide, having launched back in 2018. What are your thoughts on the current local clothing brands and the South Australian fashion scene?
I think it’s awesome. When I started, there wasn’t anyone who looked like me running streetwear companies in ADL, but now there are so many young creatives doing their own thing in fashion, lots of them being POC too. I think we are all heading in the right direction creatively, and we just need to keep working together, running events, and doing what we do best so we can help Adelaide grow even more.
Why did you pick the name RAVEN?
Honestly Ravens are just cool birds. However our slogan is spread your wings which means to find your own path, do what you want and live life free.
Raven creates some of the most unique and high-quality garments we’ve seen in SA. Why do you think brands should stand out rather than trying to look like everyone else?
Because of longevity. If you try to follow trends, your brand won’t reach its full potential. When the trend dies out, your brand will expire too. Being unique really helps your brand to pretty much last longer. These days, I see lots of local brands copying other big fashion companies, especially Corteiz from the UK. So many brands copy their signature style with their graphics, which is okay, but I think it’s better to stand out.
So funnily enough you and I did an interview back in 2019 way before FRND, for one of my school assignments on how music influences fashion. Would you say your brand is still influenced by music?
Yeah 100% I am heavily inspired by artists like A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean and more. They are not just rappers but designers and creatives, especially Tyler he has his own fashion brand, footwear company, festival, music, he shoots and directs lil films as well. Without Tyler’s influence on me I might not be in a creative scene, he has had a massive impact on me.
Favourite Album as of now?
Joey Badass - 2000
Where do you hope to be in five years?
I have finished university so I will hopefully be able to put my professional skills to use and get a job in the health and medical field. I would also like to continue to grow my brand and open up a creative space similar to what Jude is doing with Farfrom Studios.
What can readers expect to see from Emmanuel Kale in 2023?
More fashion collections. I’m hoping to shoot and direct some short films too. Also, expect more cut-and-sew pieces.
