SHF Review: AMFW 2012

Posted: March 29th, 2012

Arise Magazine Fashion Week saw 77 designers come together under one emerging fashion hub – Lagos. Despite the road to the journey starting off a bit rough and some questioning if and when the week would actually start, the four days that ensued brought an interesting range of designers eager to put Africa on the world’s fashion map. What is evident is that there is talent in Africa. It’s undeniable…and the world at large has begun to take notice.

Bridget Awosika

Bridget Awosika combined detail, color, and print this season and it was a huge success. Favorite piece was the clever interpretation of a hole in a skirt.

Buki Akib

Her use of knit has transformed our understanding of menswear.

Christie Brown

Christie Brown is Ghana’s darling of fashion. She created a clean black palette with Ankara infusions in a collection themed Xutra.

Clan

Clan was surprisingly grown up from last season with deep V suits power and peplum suits. Spotted: a strong Deola Sagoe influence.

David David

David David was a basic use of techno color print with heavy sportswear influences.

Gavin Rajah

Gavin Rajah’s use of embellishments was incredibly sophisticated; the collection as a whole was ridiculously glamorous and stunning.

Gloria Wavamunno

Gloria is naturally a cool kid. She’s intriguing because she applies Africa to her innate aesthetic.

GREY

GREY offered easy basics that could find its place paired with seperates in wardrobes of modern women.

Imane Ayissi

Favorite look from the collection. You can’t go wrong if you sing in clean and monotone tones. 

Jacob Kimmie

Black, white, and fur – the perfect equation for Fall.  Throw in some thigh high booties and all of a sudden you’ve got our attention.

Jewel by Lisa

This season, Jewel by Lisa upped the ante in the style stakes with a re presentation of the Jewelette – all grown up sophisticated and very feminine with an edge. Love the JBL choice of prints this season – muted and versatile with the potential to travel far.

Kluk

Kluk brought whimsically soft and fairy – like ensembles.

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi

I found this to be an interesting alternative to eveningwear; the sequin trousers are very elegant.

Laquan Smith

Futuristic is one word to describe the collection, and when applied gently is quite wearable.

Loza

Loza won innovative designer of the year at AMFW. Her collection was an interesting representation of northern desert tribes perhaps from Mali & Niger. If you dissect, a few pieces, they are wearable… (this print suit without the head wrap).

Maki O

Maki’s collection was both sophisticated and youthful.  It was commercially successful but it didn’t lose its typical sensualities seen in lace details and slashes.

Mataano

The Mataano appeal is its creation of a brand that delivers ready to wear every day pieces.

Okunoren Twins

Classic tailoring, theatrics, and a crying baby had the crowds cheering from start to finish

Ozwald Boateng

British tailoring, savile row genius, clean-cut precision, and color infusions – Ozwald’s standing ovation was definitely necessary.   Ozwald B is a style conscious modern day gentleman’s dream.

PPQ

British based label found strength in monotone hues. Obsessed with these thigh high stockings and the feathered body suit.

Re Bahia

Re Bahia’s collections always seem to be quite young at heart. Red wigs, crop leather shorts, and polka dot mixes were the order of the day.

Romero Bryan

Fringe details and petit goblets form a stunning evening dress.

Sunny Rose

A Print on print on print suit always creates a magical combo

Tiffany Amber

Scalloped edges and a sleek silhouette on these pieces made us long for more of this from Tiffany Amber’s “Metissage” Collection.

Tsemaye Binitie

Tsemaye Binitie’s collection was very similar to his collection shown at NYFW. Still was a great minimal interpretation of a modern day woman.

Viv La Resistance

Lagos Fashion and Design Week finalist VLR has really evolved over the past couple of seasons. This collection was a huge step in the right direction for her. Love the use of print and the super clean, modern aesthetic and the mélange of brightly lit adire prints and asoke topped with the little box hats.

SHF Photo Credit: Kola Oshalusi/ Insignia