FASHION: Ade Bakare Debuts Colourful Ankara Range Collection + Lookbook Review

Inspired by an old photo of his mum in the 1950’s Lagos, leading Nigerian couturier/designer – Ade Bakare, attempts to pay homage to Lagos’ 50’s style, which was largely characterized by elegant A-line dresses in Christian Dior inspired bar length cuts. A total turn-around from the designers often unmistakable romance with silk crepe and gazar (which were still hinted minutely in this collection) with understated and demure aesthetic that we’ve come to know him with. Ade Bakare takes a refreshing risk with colourful print Ankara fabrics which ultimately brought an often rare vitality and youngness to his design.

Although a commendable effort by the celebrated designer, the hard to miss conspicuous seams spread across the pieces almost renders the designer’s often lauded attention to detail – questionable, and, with little to no synergy or cohesiveness in the collection, save for the kaleidoscope of bright colours, prints and the mustard-coloured background they share in common.

For what it is worth though, we are indeed mesmerized by the designer’s ability to infuse classic A-line silhouettes, wraps and his signature belle sleeves and neck sash into this eye popping array of pieces, specially for today’s woman.