After two full days of astounding showcases and covetable collections, Lagos Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Presentations 2018 concluded yesterday with impressive shows from Maxivive, Sunny Rose, Emmy Kasbit and Onalaja.

BellaNaija Style’s Mary Edoro goes over the nitty-gritty of the concluding shows.

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Maxivive

Kicking off the last day of fashion week and leaving fashion faves wanting more was what Papa Oyeyemi intended and he achieved that. Maxivive has always been a brand to make a lasting impression with gender variance. As predicted, the presentation was completely rule-defying with exaggerated feminity and masculinity on display. Models switched roles; blond wigs, full face makeup, extra long nails and overemphasised moustaches were on the display.

The props made up the whole show too; water guns, a baby bathtub and glitters for the iridescent effect of sunlight on water. Glistening, the title of the Wet 18 collection, was the main word in the theme song which was playing in the background making the execution of the whole presentation definitely applaudable. When I caught up with Papa after the show, he admitted to being tired – for pulling off a thought-provoking show of that magnitude, he sure deserved a night off.

Sunny Rose

This season, Sunny Rose had a rather lovely theme. Natural tones were one of the recurrent trends at the A/W18 presentation and the brand translated it nicely into a fashion show: aso oke jackets, metallic dresses and matching sets which swaddled the models developed into undulating and earthen brown, dull green, woven jackets and floor-length gowns. While champagne gold and sheer turquoise pieces emerged, brightening up the show- trust Yummie Ogbebor who styled the show to bring out the best in the pieces.

Each of the garments were made using Maureen Ikem Okogwu-Ikokwu’s signature fun and flirty fabrics, but this time there were lots of details in play including fringe and sheer. The pieces were luxe-chic; from free-sized aso oke maxis for Sunday’s shopping parties to glam red carpet fit dresses.

Emmy Kasbit

I’ve come to know and love Emmy Kasbit’s classic usuals, but for A/W18 the brand took a break from bright colours and loud prints for this Business Casj collection. Although there were few staple ideas at this show including the collarless jackets, the uniformity in the designs is worth a lot and keeps attracting loyal fans. There is a lot of potential in the new pieces made with otherwise boring patterns and far from simple, boxy shapes – the designer made pinstripes cool again!  A favourite for me would be the deconstructed tux dress with its single orange strap, a hint of business and sexy at the same time.

Re-emphasizing the ethical stance of the brand, conventional mats and leather vintage suitcases (made in collaboration with 1702.london) were used as props. The colour palette, designs and execution of the showcase all came together nicely for a stellar presentation.

Onalaja

This millennial designer managed to blow everyone’s socks off with an all-black collection. As Kanyinsola had earlier mentioned when I asked for a sneak peek of the A/W18 collection: I really wanted to steer the brand towards a slightly new direction. I stripped back the usual fuss and excess and reverted to a “new clean aesthetic” focusing on tailored aspects with subtle hints of the usual demi-couture elements.  She worked on visually rich textures and motifs, giving them a modern, almost abstract spin.

Instead of rendering the pieces inextricably linked to a gothic-esque all black everything collection, Onalaja devotes this whole presentation to girly girls using sequins, mesh, body beads and fringed belts to add a hint of studio 54 glam – even with the bold beauty looks. The designs were very well thought out. As well as haute details, there were rich sequined fabrics paired with intricate beading giving off decadent elegance. Though there were many embellishments and additions, it didn’t feel heavy-handed; the brand’s take is always quite minimal.

It is sometimes essential to have an open mind at dressing up all the time and this Onalaja’s collection makes a strong argument in support.

Photo Credit: @kayodeabel, @gbenjo_abimbola