Hey BellaStylistas!
Another crazy, hectic but very fulfilling Fashion week SZN has come and gone. Even though it can be exhausting, at the end of it all, I always find myself exhilarated from the endless supply of inspiration. I hope you followed our BellaNaija Style coverage on Instagram and on the site.
Throughout the 3-day fashion week, I was on a high from interviewing Naomi Campbell – I still am (and yes, I will continue to weave it into every conversation!) but I mostly enjoyed wearing only outfits by Nigerian menswear designers.
Like I did for Lagos Fashion Week 2018, I’m bringing you my Fashion Week Style Diary plus my highlights and all the shows I loved this season.
Let’s go!
DAY ONE
ARISE Fashion Week 2019 kicked off with a bubbly and colourful collection from Turfah. I always tease that Turfah has the kind of pieces I’ll feel sexy and confident in but my parents will also approve of haha. CLAN surprised me with an attention-grabbing AW19 collection that may attract a younger fan base but its signature colours, fabrics and quality will still appeal to its loyal customers.
I really have to applaud Tokyo for putting together an epic show. The collection was beyond amazing with strong shoulder pads and the brand’s classic silhouettes added to punchy colors. The model lineup also included some of my favourite models; Alton Mason and Victor Ndigwe.
I wore an aso-oke suit set from a new favourite menswear brand, a form-fitting T-shirt and drew on the subtle green hue from the outfit to accessorize with a cage-inspired chain strap bag and strappy mules. I went home that day with Jenke‘s “You look fabulous” playing over and over in my head.
Suit: ÀSSIÀN | @official.assian from @republicretailhub
Bag: @mythhouse
Hair: @nappykulture
MY RUNWAY PICKS
Turfah
Mai Atafo
Tokyo James
DAY TWO
On the second day, I made a stop to see the Post Imperial presentation and admired the injection of adire into modern pieces while chatting with founder Niyi Okuboyejo. The presentation was impressive and full of strong looks that highlighted the heritage and the beauty of the Yoruba fabric.
From there, I was most dazzled by David Tlale‘s and Yutee Rone‘s collections. Their interpretation of femininity through clothes was so stunning and I enjoyed the use of ruffles, prints and colour throughout these collections.
Say what you want but the unapologetic Maison ARTC showcase won the night. Designer Artsi Ifrach proved that he’s not after commercializing fashion, however, his love for couture and showcasing his rich culture was apparent in the styling of the looks he sent down the runway.
The night progressed with an exciting collection from Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, the designer that knows how to mix high-fashion and owambe in the most glamorous way possible.
If there’s one designer that’s mastered injecting Afican culture into the global industry without becoming exhausting, it’s Kenneth Ize. I was in awe at the sight of the high slits, mini dresses and skirts, and freeform matching sets he put out this season. Every piece was as statement-making as it was beautiful.
I wore a comfy matching set on day 2, the light earth tones worked well with my skin tone and the wide leg pants plus my hair had me feeling like a soul sista. I paired the look with leopard print sandals and a yellow PVC bag for that pop of colour.
Outfit: Emmy Kasbit (Women’s line) | @emmykasbit
Bag: @renaissancebyjanet
MY RUNWAY PICKS
Triple RRR by Robert Cavali
Kenneth Ize
Yutee Rone
DAY THREE
The exhaustion started to kick in on the third day but of course, I had to pull it together for Ituen Basi, Deola Sagoe, Tiffany Amber and Bridget Awosika. They all celebrated women via fun cuts, lush fabrics (did you see the iridescent textiles Deola used? Divine!) and bold embellishments.
Rich Mnisi was all about soft prints with reliance on lightweight, flowy fabrications. As for Style Temple, I’m constantly intrigued by Og Okonkwo‘s exotic yet glamorous designs. The inclusion of olive green and neon orange colours were purely stunning. I also saw ASAI and Pyer Moss – both insanely gorgeous collections.
As for my outfit, I broke out a bright coloured men’s suit and toughened it up with black pumps. My mother’s vintage mini purse stole the show.
Suit: Telvin Nwafor | @telvinnwafor
Hair: Nappy Kulture | @nappykulture
MY RUNWAY PICKS
Rich Mnisi
Esteban Cortazar
Style Temple
