I’ve been blogging and tweeting a lot about Africa Fashion Week New York, and let me tell you the designers did not disappoint! I was only able to attend the second day, but the plethora of designers gave a great taste of modern African fashion. From elegant evening gowns to over the top one of a kind pieces, the range of talent and creativity varied. My favorite pieces were the designers that incorporated traditional fabrics with a modern design for everyday wear.
Bill Witherspoon was the only all menswear line of the evening. Fur, leather and patchwork were the most prevalent throughout the collection. The oversize leather hat seen on the models gave an interesting touch to the line adding a cohesive element to the collection. The colorful designs and over the top garments were definitely high fashion, but could be wearable for a style innovator. At the end some of models showcased his underwear line, although it was great eye candy for the ladies, I thought it could have been left out of the collection.
Nigerian designer AsakeOge had beautiful combination of form fitting and free flowing dresses for women. Using traditional tribal prints on the shorter dresses, the longer dresses were more elegant; the two-pieces with the images on the skirts stood out in a great way. All her her pieces were definitely for special occasions.
Washington Roberts was one of the designers that didn’t have much traditional African patterns, but I didn’t expect every designer to have those elements, after all not every designer has to incorporate tribal prints merely because they are from Africa (that’s like saying every Caribbean designer has to use bright colors in their collection.) Roberts’ collection had tailor made suits and hip hugging dresses and was extremely cohesive right down to the suit lining. His keen attention to detail worked very well with the shapes he created throughout the line; a low neckline here, high split there and use of asymetrical lines showcased very well.
(Above photo courtesy of Adiree)
Danielle Martin created gorgeous evening wear dresses for women. Her pieces were clean and sophisticated. The nude and white pieces were my favorites, the red necklace partnered with the white cocktail dress was one my favorite accessories of the night. Some of the longer white dresses screamed wedding dress, the white mermaid shaped dress stood out the best in the collection.
Fikite Addis’ use of light weight linen-like and other traditional Ethiopian fabrics were absolutely great. I usually see linen in pants, blazers and skirts, but most look so plain. I loved the jumpsuits with the split up the side of the leg and the belted dress. These pieces would great for the summer to stay cool and fashionable.
Suakoko Betty was my favorite designer of the night. Her pieces really popped on the runway. Even though some of the pieces wearable separates, her use of color and pattern mixing (stripes and traditional African patterns) went well together without distracting you from each piece. Blending patterns on dresses and shirts, even with similar fabrics she created variety of shapes with each piece.
The Africa Fashion Week in New York was a great look into key designers coming out of Africa, each embracing their own unique style creating wearable trends and shapes for anyone. Check my video of the last walk through for all the designers as well as a gallery with a few other designers.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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