8
AFWL Designers (past and present) showcased 9 capsule collections on a
specially made catwalk on Southbank's outside terrace for Africa Utopia.
After
weeks of hot sunshine, it was a little perturbing to see rain clouds
gathering, but we put our trust in the African Gods and pulled off a
show that was full of fun, colour and drama.
The designers were:
Slow-Case
by Odette Steele. Her remit was to highlight the throwaway culture of
the Western world and how many of these unwanted fashions end up in
Africa Markets. Odette showed her textile training to upcycle and
redecorate the plain western textiles into something desirable and
luxurious.
A past AFWL designer, Bola Obileye of Tote Collections showed
us her love of vintage 1950s glamour with petticoat-ed rockabilly
dresses in African print (of course!), mixed with Roy Lichtenstein pop
art inspired pencil skirts and clutch bags. Totally inspiring!
|
|
New-comer
and freshly graduated Abisola Akanni, showed us a collection of
menswear that was full of fun, colour, drama. Our male models
absolutely loved this collection and didn't want to take it off!
Abisola is so unassuming, it makes us marvel at her imagination and we
can't wait to see what she shows on the AFWL catwalk and in the future.
|
|
AFWL
Head Stylist couldn't help but bring two collections to the catwalk.
Womenswear full of slinky glamour and shine; and menswear showing
tailored dinner jackets paired with Japanese Obi belts and Africanized
kimonos.
|
|
2
Nigerian menswear designers took the stage, Kola Kuddus and Del Africa,
showing a modern twist on traditional Nigerian menswear. Ombré print
and out of the ordinary embroidery took wax print to the next level and
we loved it. We have to get more of these designs in London.
|
|
London
based designer Yemzi wowed us with a completely print free collection,
dark and moody, but beautifully tailored bang up to date playsuits,
shorts, jackets that made out models bounce the runway. She promises a
new collection for Africa Fashion Week in August. We can't wait to see
it!
|
|
AFWL
veteran designer Tina Ugo of Didi Creations showed us the next level of
caftan. Beautiful sexy caftans - netted, bold print, lace. All paired
with head wraps and slink. Beautiful.
|
|
All Catwalk Photography by Rod Leon
|
|
Here are some of the backstage shots that we particularly love...
All Backstage Photography by Dayo Awe
|
|
But
if you really want to see what Africans are doing in all their full
glory, head down to Africa Fashion Week London on 11-12 August, see the
menswear and womenwear on the catwalk and pick up a bargain from our
exhibition hall.
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment