Put those white crew socks away. Isaac Prempeh is painting the sock world in a rainbow of colour with AfroPop Socks’ bold designs, which draw inspiration from his childhood and cultural background.
With a team of mostly African-heritage designers behind him, Isaac is not only building trends on the foundation of this oft-overlooked accessory, but also placing emphasis on giving agency to designers who might be overlooked by other brands.
Here, he tells us about what inspires his vivid designs, why socks make the perfect (unironic) gift, and the perfect trainers to pair with AfroPop Socks.
What inspired you to launch your own sock brand?
Growing up, I was always inspired by my mother’s vibrant and eclectic clothing, as well as her amazing skills in business. She has an incredible eye for colours and patterns, and her wardrobe is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage that surrounded us. The way she combines traditional African textiles with modern fashion always fascinated me and left a lasting impression on my sense of style.
My mother isn’t just a fashion icon in my eyes; she is also a savvy businesswoman. Watching her navigate the challenges of running a business with grace and determination taught me the value of hard work, creativity, and resilience. Her ability to balance cultural authenticity with commercial success showed me that it’s possible to create something meaningful and profitable at the same time.
AfroPop Socks was born out of a desire to channel that inspiration into a brand that celebrates African culture while also bringing something fresh and exciting to the world of fashion. I wanted to create products that not only showcase the beauty of African designs but also honour the entrepreneurial spirit that my mother instilled in me.
By combining these vibrant designs with high-quality craftsmanship, AfroPop Socks became a way to share a piece of my heritage with the world, while also paying homage to the strong, creative, and resourceful woman who inspired me to start this journey.
What were the biggest hurdles you had to overcome when launching Afropop Socks?
As a new brand, one of the most significant challenges was getting the word out and building awareness. We invested in social media, collaborations, and partnerships to reach our target audience. However, gaining visibility in a saturated market required creativity, persistence, and strategic marketing efforts.
Did you ever have any moments where you thought about giving up? And if so, how did you get past those thoughts?
Yes, there were definitely moments when I thought about giving up. Building Afropop Socks from the ground up has been an intense journey, full of highs and lows. There were times when the challenges felt overwhelming, whether it was dealing with financial pressures, production setbacks, or simply the sheer workload that comes with being an entrepreneur.
One of the toughest moments was during the early stages when we were struggling to gain traction. Despite pouring my heart and soul into the business, there were days when it felt like nothing was going right—sales were slow, and it seemed like we weren’t making the impact we had hoped for. The fear of failure loomed large, and it was tempting to consider walking away and cutting my losses.
What got me through these tough times was reconnecting with my original vision and purpose. I reminded myself why I started Afropop Socks in the first place: to celebrate and share African culture through fashion, and to create something meaningful that resonated with people around the world. This deeper sense of purpose gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.
I also leaned heavily on my support network—friends, family, and mentors who believed in me and the vision of Afropop Socks. Their encouragement, along with hearing from customers who loved our products, reminded me that the journey was worth it.
Another key factor was breaking down the challenges into manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming big picture, I started taking things one day at a time, setting small, achievable goals. This approach helped me regain control and momentum, making the problems feel less insurmountable.
Ultimately, the thought of giving up was outweighed by the desire to see Afropop Socks succeed. By focusing on the progress we had made, however small, and staying committed to our mission, I was able to push through the tough times and continue building the brand.
How important was it to have a team of designers with African heritage?
Since launching the brand, I have taken a lead role in creating most of our design concepts, and the majority of our design team is of African heritage. But while there are obvious benefits to working with designers who share African heritage, particularly in terms of understanding and connecting with the cultural inspirations behind our brand, it’s not the only factor we consider. As a new brand, our primary focus is on doing the best for our customers, and that means working with talented individuals who bring the right skills, creativity, and passion to the table, regardless of their background.
We believe that great design can come from anywhere, and we’re open to collaborating with anyone who shares our vision and can contribute to the authenticity and quality of our products. The richness of African culture is something we want to honour and celebrate, but we also recognize that diverse perspectives can lead to even more innovative and inspiring outcomes.
In a world where neutral and monochrome fashion has become so popular, why choose colourful, bold designs for your socks?
In a fashion landscape dominated by neutral and monochrome tones, choosing colourful, bold designs for AfroPop Socks was a deliberate and meaningful decision. Our socks are not just accessories; they are statements—celebrations of culture, identity, and individuality.
You’ve mentioned that you’re inspired by your mum’s colourful garments – is there a particular outfit that stands out in your mind?
Absolutely, there’s one outfit in particular that stands out vividly in my mind. It was a traditional Kente cloth ensemble that my mum wore during a special family celebration. The Kente cloth is a vibrant, intricately woven fabric that originates from Ghana, and it holds a deep cultural significance.
What made this outfit even more memorable was the way my mum carried herself in it. She wore it with such grace and confidence, embodying the strength and beauty of the culture we represent. Seeing her in that outfit left a lasting impression on me—it was more than just clothing; it was a powerful expression of identity and pride.
Sneakerheads love good socks to go with a box-fresh pair of trainers. What are your go-to trainers to wear with Afropop Socks?
When it comes to pairing Afropop Socks with trainers, I love to go for styles that really let the socks shine while complementing their bold designs. Here are a few of my go-to trainers that work perfectly with Afropop Socks:
1. Nike Air Force 1:
A classic and versatile choice, the Nike Air Force 1 offers a clean canvas that lets the vibrant colours and patterns of Afropop Socks take centre stage. The iconic silhouette and solid colourways—especially white—create the perfect backdrop for our bold designs.
2. Adidas Superstar:
The Adidas Superstar is another timeless sneaker that pairs beautifully with Afropop Socks. Its sleek, low-cut design and minimalistic style allow the socks to stand out, making a strong statement without overwhelming the look.
3. Vans Old Skool:
Vans Old Skool sneakers are great for a laid-back, casual vibe. Whether in classic black and white or a more colourful option, these trainers provide a cool contrast to the vivid patterns of Afropop Socks, creating a stylish yet comfortable look.
4. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star:
The high-top or low-top Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars are a fantastic match for AfroPopSocks. Their simple, iconic design puts the focus on the socks, making the bold patterns pop. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be dressed up or down.
5. New Balance 990:
For a more retro-inspired look, the New Balance 990 series is a go-to. The blend of suede and mesh, along with the sneaker’s chunkier silhouette, works really well with the bright, intricate designs of Afropop Socks, adding a unique twist to your outfit.
These trainers not only highlight the distinctive patterns and colors of Afropop Socks but also provide comfort and style, making them the perfect pairing for sneakerheads who want to make a statement from head to toe. No matter which trainers you choose, Afropop Socks are designed to add a pop of personality and culture to your sneaker game.
What was the moment where you realised that Afropop Socks was a success?
It was the day I saw AfroPop Socks being worn by a celebrity on a major TV show—the Graham Norton Show, to be specific. Seeing Alan Carr, a well-known comedian, wearing our socks on such a prominent platform was a surreal and incredibly validating experience. It wasn’t just about the exposure; it was the realization that our product had reached a level where it was being recognized and appreciated by people with significant influence and taste.
Up until that point, there had been plenty of signs that AfroPop Socks was resonating with people—from our strong sales at major retail locations like Selfridges to the positive feedback we received from customers. But seeing our socks on national television felt like the ultimate affirmation that the brand had truly arrived. It was a moment of pride and a signal that all the hard work, creativity, and dedication were paying off.
That moment was pivotal because it demonstrated that AfroPop Socks had broken through the noise and had become a recognized brand. It wasn’t just about making sales anymore; it was about the cultural impact we were having and the way our products were being embraced by a diverse and wide-ranging audience.
From that point on, I knew that AfroPop Socks had the potential to grow even further, and it gave me the confidence to continue pushing boundaries and expanding our reach. It was the moment I realized that our vision had turned into a reality, and that we were making our mark in the world of fashion.
In the past, socks were sometimes seen as a novelty present for dads at Christmas – what would you say makes socks a great present?
Gifts that are both practical and thoughtful are always appreciated, and socks fit perfectly into this category. They’re an everyday essential, but with the right design, they become something special. Giving a pair of AfroPop Socks isn’t just about providing warmth for the feet—it’s about offering something meaningful, stylish, and reflective of the recipient’s personality.
What will we see from Afropop Socks in the near future?
We’re planning to expand our product offerings beyond socks. While our socks will always remain at the heart of our brand, we’re excited to explore other fashion accessories and clothing items that carry the same bold, vibrant designs. This could include items like scarves, hats, and even limited-edition apparel that complements our existing line.
Shop AfroPop Socks at afropopsocks.com
