In the constantly changing New York fashion arena, SEKS has stepped up as one of the most daring and culturally relevant brands of the decade. Founded by designer Abel Cepeda Ljoka and his partner Will Kowall, SEKS is a statement-making force that challenges norms with its provocative, handcrafted designs. Known for dressing A-list celebrities and making waves across music, television, and pop culture, SEKS is redefining modern fashion with a rebellious edge.
From its rebranding saga to its collaborations with cultural icons like Madonna, SEKS is more than a fashion brand; it’s a movement. Rooted in individuality, craftsmanship, and bold self-expression, SEKS continues to captivate the world with its fearless aesthetic.
SEKS began its journey in October 2019 as “Seks 5th Avenue,” a name that paid homage to New York City’s iconic shopping district. However, a legal dispute with luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue forced the young brand to pivot. On January 1, 2023, Seks 5th Avenue rebranded as ‘SEKS,’ a move that turned an obstacle into an opportunity for reinvention.
At its core, SEKS is a deeply personal project for Abel Cepeda Ljoka, who was born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina. Ljoka’s journey into fashion began in his childhood, growing up in his parents’ sewing machine store. Surrounded by thread, fabric, and machinery, he learned to sew from a young age, developing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines SEKS today. Ljoka’s playful youth, spent alongside his pet puma, reflects the unconventional creativity that would later shape his designs.
After moving to New York in 2008, Ljoka worked as one of the city’s most sought-after go-go dancers. Designing outfits for himself and fellow performers, he found an outlet for his imagination and a platform to showcase his talent. Partnering with Will Kowall, who brought business acumen and shared vision to the table, Ljoka launched SEKS as a vehicle for his bold, boundary-pushing aesthetic. Together, they have created a brand that thrives on rebellion, artistry, and cultural resonance.
What sets SEKS apart is its undeniable influence on pop culture. Within a few years, the brand has garnered an impressive roster of celebrity supporters who celebrate its provocative style and attention to detail. From the stage to the screen, SEKS has become a staple for artists who value fashion as an extension of identity.
SEKS’s pieces have graced some of the most high-profile magazine covers and performances in recent memory. In print, icons like Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Justine Skye, and Kyle Richards have donned SEKS designs, elevating the brand’s visibility in the fashion industry. On album covers, artists such as Princess Nokia, Julia Fox, and Zack Bia have showcased SEKS’s bold designs, solidifying its place in music culture.
The brand’s influence extends to live performances, where its show-stopping designs have adorned superstars like Madonna, P!NK, Kali Uchis, and Anitta. SEKS pieces are a natural fit for performers who value edgy, unforgettable looks that command attention. Madonna, in particular, has helped propel SEKS into the spotlight. During her 2023 tour in Milan, she wore a cropped black SEKS top featuring an image of Pope Francis, sparking international controversy and generating headlines. The piece, provocative and subversive, perfectly encapsulates SEKS’s fearless ethos.
On television, SEKS designs have appeared in hit shows like Emily in Paris, Ziwe, and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, further cementing the brand’s status as a cultural touchstone. Music videos have also proven to be a major platform for SEKS, with artists like Latto, Jesy Nelson, Kevin Abstract, and Charli XCX featuring its pieces in visually striking productions. From mainstream pop to underground hip-hop, SEKS has become synonymous with bold, statement-driven fashion that transcends genres.
Operating out of its studio in Manhattan’s Garment District, SEKS produces every piece in-house, a rarity in today’s fast-paced, mass-market fashion industry. Ljoka’s dedication to handcrafting designs ensures that each piece carries a unique identity, resonating deeply with clients who value exclusivity and artistry.
SEKS’s aesthetic blends rebellion with sophistication. The brand’s designs are unapologetically provocative, often incorporating bold imagery, unconventional cuts, and complex detailing. Whether it’s a custom gown for a red-carpet event or an edgy streetwear piece for a music video, SEKS designs are made to turn heads and spark conversation.
SEKS is more than a label; it’s a statement. With its provocative designs, commitment to craftsmanship, and deep roots in pop culture, SEKS represents the future of fashion: fearless, bold, and unapologetically authentic. As the brand continues to grow, its influence shows no signs of slowing down. SEKS is not just dressing the stars; it’s redefining the conversation around fashion itself.
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