Erik Wise is the founder and lead designer of Urban Native Co. Founded in 2014 in Nigeria, West Africa, Urban Native brings global traditions together with Coastal and Urban styling to create a fashion line that celebrates the diversity of international cultures through each design. The line is inspired by the vibrant colors and use of mixed prints throughout various African and international customs.
Having designed and created custom couture pieces for many years, 2020 started a new chapter for the brand with the opening of their first retail boutique in Westshore Plaza in Tampa. 2022 brought the expansion of the brand with Urban Native Black Label, a sophisticated and elevated collection of fine designs and accessories. With the emergence of 2024, Urban Native expanded it’s boutique footprint with an expansion to a 3500 sq. ft boutique and design studio highlighting the Urban Native designs, local designer accessories, creative entrepreneurs and distinctively curated pieces for our market.
Urban Native views fashion as art. Emotion, heart, passion and creativity combine with natural gemstones, organic fabrics, fine metals and patience to bring together exciting statement pieces.
Erik has been honored to show his collections at Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Orlando International Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Atlanta Fashion Week and others throughout the US, Latin American and West Africa. He has recently been featured in Elle Magazine, Vogue China, Vogue & Fashion Week online. Urban Native is looking forward to showing a new collection domestically and internationally in the 2025/26 season. Follow Urban Native on Instagram here.
