In June, international lifestyle fashion brand EKKO opened its first U.S. retail location at the Destin Commons and launched an online shopping platform. 

Founded in 2013 in the tropical Ceylon, Sri Lanka, EKKO is a sustainable and ethically driven fashion brand for men and women. EKKO’s product catalogue offers carefully curated collections to embody a lifestyle fashion wardrobe including casual and formal tops, dresses, shorts, pants, cardigans, jumpsuits, rompers, denim and t-shirts. EKKO also features accessories including natural raffia handbags made in Madagascar and linen blend patchwork totes crafted from upcycling leftover fabric pieces. The new Destin location will also showcase a limited line of exclusive homeware items made from natural raffia. 

“We believe our consistency in quality, workmanship and close attention to detail are the key ingredients in our philosophy,” EKKO founder, Lalantha Watudura, says. “Empowering innovation, design and ethical sourcing with complete traceability is our way of creating products that provide the ultimate value and customer satisfaction.”

Watudura wanted to bring EKKO to the U.S. market but needed a location that worked for the brand and its philosophy. Destin was chosen for the area’s tropical-like weather throughout the year which correlates to the brand’s lightweight and breathable fabric choices. Although Destin has a small local community, the area is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the southeast. 

"We’re thrilled to welcome EKKO to Destin Commons,” said David Sweetman, associate general manager of the Destin Commons. “Their commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and global style aligns perfectly with our vision of offering unique, world-class brands to our visitors.”