EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Barek: Crafting a Universe Beyond Fashion

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. Barek Neverlandess is a fusion of manga, fashion, and storytelling. Can you describe how you transform an abstract idea into a tangible piece? What is your creative process from concept to finished product?

Every creation begins with a vision — a story, a scene, a character, or an emotion drawn from my manga universe, from a musician, or even a personal memory.
I start by sketching concepts that visually express that feeling or atmosphere. From there, I transform these emotions into forms, textures, and colors that can live through the garment.
It’s like painting on fabric.
Once the idea is clear in my mind, I bring it to life either on paper or directly through design, then move on to selecting materials and building the structure. Every detail, from the drawing to the stitching, is deliberate; the piece must speak the same language as the story behind it. Collaboration is also essential: photographers and models must share the same energy, transforming imagination into a living moment.
For me, clothing is not just something you wear — it’s a chapter of a story, a second skin. My goal is to make the wearer feel something, as if they are carrying a piece of the Neverlandess universe with them.

2. You mentioned that your influences come from the ’90s and from artists who dared to break the rules. Which visual or musical references have had the most impact on your work, and why?

The ’90s shaped my entire vision — it was an era of freedom, raw creativity, and boldness. Artists like Michael Jackson, Tupac, Aaliyah, and groups such as Wu-Tang Clan deeply marked my imagination. In drawing, Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, and the essence of Japanese culture — which I would say influences about 70% of my art — have had a huge impact on me.
Visually, I’ve always been fascinated by manga like Dragon Ball, City Hunter, and Saint Seiya, which blend visual power and emotional depth. These worlds taught me that fashion, like art, can be a voice — a scream, an identity.
I draw from that rebellious energy to create pieces that express real emotions, without filters, true to who I am.

3. In your journey, which collaborations have been the most transformative artistically and emotionally, and how have these experiences shaped your current vision?

Some collaborations have been true turning points. Working with Mr. BJAD, who reached out from France to merge our worlds, was one of them. His vision is Afro-Gangstar, while mine is Animation–Fashion–Streetwear. For our first shoot, he brought together Tika, Nadine (@nadnaturally), and major influencers such as Boris Becker and Daybuck.off, allowing me to see my creations come to life from new perspectives.

That encounter taught me the power of artistic unity. Each person brings their own world, their own energy — together, we create something greater. These moments strengthened my belief that creativity is first and foremost a collective vibration, an exchange of souls before it becomes an image. I know I’ll leave my mark on this story.

Kevin Iniongo Eloko, known professionally as Barek, is not just a fashion designer — he is a storyteller, a creator of worlds, and an artist who transforms imagination into tangible reality. His artist name, given to him by his childhood circle, serves as a daily reminder of the child he once was and the roots he carries with him in every creation.

Guided by authenticity, creativity, and freedom, Barek’s work is driven by a mission to inspire people to dream without limits. His journey has not been without challenges. In 2018, while investing in his very first collection, financial hurdles and self-doubt tested his resolve. Yet, these obstacles became lessons in patience, discipline, and resilience, shaping the foundation of his artistic universe.

Barek draws inspiration from the bold creators of the 90s — illustrators, musicians, and artists who dared to break the rules — but life itself has been his greatest mentor. Each experience, each environment, and each collaboration feeds his creative vision. This philosophy is most vividly expressed in his signature project, Barek Neverlandess, a universe where fashion, manga, and narrative storytelling collide.

The project has brought together exceptional talents across fashion and photography. Collaborators include photographers Aris, Massimiliano, and Tika, model Nadine (@nadnaturally), and artist Docblack. Influencers such as Boris Becker and Daybuck.off, as well as rising models like @yayaax91, @lbserwan, @us.i811, and @hivvys, have all contributed to the vibrant energy of this world. Each partnership is carefully chosen, ensuring the final work is magical, authentic, and professional.

Contrary to common perception, Barek is not simply a fashion designer. His garments are portals into a larger narrative, blending clothing, art, and storytelling. Art is not separate from his life; it is the very foundation of his existence. Daily, he sketches manga, writes new stories, and translates stress into creation, maintaining balance through discipline, silence, and reflection.
For Barek, success is freedom — the ability to think, create, and live through his vision while inspiring others. Recognition may be fleeting, but impact is enduring. His ultimate legacy is clear: to leave behind Barek Neverlandess, a philosophy that merges fashion, illustration, and narrative, and to be remembered as someone who never gave up on his dreams, illuminating the path for others.

If he could speak to his younger self, he would say: “Keep believing in yourself. Protect your craft. Your imagination will take you further than you think.” And if the world were to sum up his journey in one word, it would be “Light” — a guiding principle that shines through both his work and his story.

INTERVIEW

4. How does your “Afro-Manga-Gangstar” universe reflect your roots and personal identity in each creation?

The Afro-Manga-Gangstar universe isn’t mine alone — it’s the vision of Mr. BJAD, my agent in France and at the same time artistic director. It represents the meeting point between his African roots, his urban culture, and his love for Japanese manga.
In his imagination, there’s a duality — power and softness, the streets and the imaginary, Africa and Japan. This balance reflects who we are: artists born between multiple worlds, blending them into one single narrative — the freedom to be oneself.
For me, every human being has a superpower within; they just need to discover it within their own universe. BJAD has a universe that mirrors mine, and in the first photos of the magazine, you can see two worlds coming together in perfect fusion.

5. You spoke about the financial challenges of your early career. What advice would you give to young creators who want to stay true to their vision while navigating a demanding market?

I would tell them: never sell your vision to please others. A lack of money should never kill creativity. Start small, but stay real. Be patient, learn to do everything yourself if you have to.
Obstacles build strength and clarity. If you hold on to passion and faith, opportunities will always find their way to you. The key is to keep believing — especially when everything feels impossible. That’s the moment when everything begins to change.

6. Fashion is often ephemeral, but your approach is narrative and enduring. How do you balance innovation and longevity in your collections?

I innovate by staying true to my stories. Every Barek Neverlandess collection is conceived as a timeless chapter — something that retains meaning even years later.
I don’t chase trends; I chase emotion. What’s sincere stands the test of time. Innovation flows naturally when you create with truth and depth. I’m always seeking to bring a new image and a more thoughtful, meaningful communication to the fashion world.

7. Your creations integrate personal stories and collaborations with various artists. How do you select your partners, and what role does collective energy play in your projects?

I choose my collaborators based on human connection first. I look for people who are passionate, real, and share the desire to create something powerful.
Collective energy is everything — when several souls vibrate on the same frequency, magic happens naturally. That energy gives life and authenticity to my projects. Everything must be aligned… once again, it’s like painting a picture — everything must exist in the mind before touching the brush.

8. You mentioned freedom and impact as your definition of success. How do you measure whether a creation has truly had an impact on your audience or within the industry?

I measure impact through people’s eyes. When someone tells me that a piece made them feel confident or brought back a memory, I know I’ve succeeded.

It’s not about numbers; it’s about resonance. If a creation touches one soul, it has already fulfilled its purpose. For me, money always comes second. We eat to live, not live to eat. Without the freedom to be free, it’s impossible to be creative. The world has always evolved thanks to creative, wise, and open-minded people.

9. Mental health and personal balance are essential in a demanding creative world. Do you have daily rituals or practices that nurture your creativity while protecting you from stress?

Yes, my faith, drawing, and writing are my sanctuaries. I’m constantly connected to my faith and my inner universe.

I protect myself by staying true to my vision, away from external noise. Discipline and solitude help me turn stress into inspiration. I grew up this way. I can’t be like everyone else or stay connected to the “real” world for too long. The only thing that truly fascinates me here is observing human beings — they inspire me endlessly.

10. If Barek were to become a character in your manga or narrative universe, how would you describe him, and what values would you want to convey through this character?

To answer that, you’ll have to read my book — my manga Barek Neverlandess. In it, I explain in depth the universe behind my brand. Once Barek Neverlandess is recognized worldwide, I’ll reveal the true meaning of “Neverlandess” through its main hero, who tells my own story and who I truly am.

For now, everything is written on the clothes. It’s up to you to understand the message and the magic behind these living pieces — creations that have already existed somewhere, in another universe: the Neverlandess.

Credits:

Massimiliano Emme - @massiphoto
kevin Iniongo - Barek Neverlandess - @Barekneverlandess_LTDphotographer: @tikaphotovideo
@tikaphotovideopict
Aris Akritidis - @aris_akritidis
Jennifer Sasso

Nadine aka - @nadnaturally
Monsieur BJAD creator of "Afro-Manga-Gangstar" - @mr_mjad
daybuck - @daybuck.off
Boris Becker - @mr_boris_becker
djeagga
lass_kemo_
sarah0e
Amarinder Sehda - dramarindersehda and Kavita - @thesaffronsisters
Mia Mariejeanne - @mia_mariejeanne
Models: @hivvys I @lbs_erwan I @yayaax91 I @us.i811


WEBSITES:

www.beautifulandmore.com

Barekneverlandess.org