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meet: Charlene Dunbar.  
Creator of Suakoko Betty

    
 

 

    Suakoko who? One look at these authentic West African wax and resist-dye printed dresses and separates and you’ll never forget the name of this unique fashion line. The company’s name, "suakoko," (pronounced SWAH-ko-ko) means place of new beginnings in Gio, a West African dialect, and is also the name of a renowned Liberian female warrior-chief. Drawing from this inspiration, it’s no wonder that Liberian designer Charlene Bendu Dunbar has managed to create bold, trend-setting designs for women during her last 20 years in Atlanta, GA. The brightly colored tie-dye fabrics are hand-dyed in Liberia and hand-made in the USA in limited quantities to ensure that each garment is unique. The colors are indeed vibrant, bursting with shades of orange, purple and blue to name a few. Add to this the carefully crafted dresses and separates that accentuate womanly curves (sizes range from small to extra-large), and you’re left with clothes that any woman would want to strut down the streets of Philadelphia. Like its name, Suakoko’s clothes are sure to make a statement.  
       
                           
Recommended Suakoko Betty Picks (click on image to enlarge)
     

tent dress
$89
       

tulip wrap dress
$89

  

pleated grecian
$89

  

cinch drape dress
$89