By Fatimatu Binta Muktar
The combination of beauty and designs wowed audience at the Arise Fashion Week 2018.
Some of the models and designers that caused onlookers to twist their necks are Naomi Campbell, Tiffany Amber, Ozwald Boateng, Oluchi Orlandi, Chulaap Suwannapha and Mustafa Hassanali.
Ozwald Boateng redefined Africa’s fashion with his ‘Africanism’ clothe line, a blend of Africa’s traditional attire and western.
He is an English fashion designer of Ghanaian descent, known for his trademark twist on classic British tailoring and bespoke style.
His uniqueness speaks volume of his works, particularly that confident look which stands him out from the crowd.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell left the audience almost lost with their deep sight on every detail of her glamorous looks. One model almost prostrated when she had a a special meet-and-greet session with other designers. But she quickly picked the lady half-way and hugged her.
The top Nigerian model, Oluchi Orlandi, who is based in New York, demonstrated elegance in a gorgeous black dress, which prompted loud applause leaving audience in excitement.
Tiffany Amber owned by Lanre Da-Silva came with collection which was a captivating mix of gold colours, spawning sheer elegance with her fabrics on the runway.
Chulaa Suwannapha popularly known as “the prince of prints” left the audience in dropping jaws.
He blends his Asian background with vibrant African culture, telling a story with his fashion brand which combines his Thai descent and Cape town, South Africa’s home.
There’s this famous saying in Tanzania that if your dress does not thrill or blink then it’s not Mustafa Hassanali. This was revealed greatly in Hassanali”s works, leaving the audience thrilled.
In an interview with Hassanali, he said: “I am a medical doctor by profession but when I decided that I would not only make fashion my bread and butter but also as a jam too, I never looked back and I never regret that decision. And I’ll suggest that people in the art field should go for the discipline which comes from the medical school as it prepares you for the life ahead.”
The show was kicked off with Vonne Couture, owned by the Lagos-based fashion designer, Yvonne Nwosu. Her collection – brightly coloured apparels with floral patterns, was inspired by the traditional Hawaii culture.
Taryor Gabriels known for his men fashion also lined up his collection on the runway.
The male models rocked the Kimono brand on the runway too, as ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, Leo, walked the runway for Kimono.
He showcased iconic pieces from its famous tuxedos and jackets with lapels. The new twist to his collection is the new metrosexual look, a unique dungaree worn over a shirt. It was simply wowzers as the audience were left really fascinated.
Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo graced the runway, dressed in an embroidered Agbada with a red priest cloak draped over his shoulders. Mofe-Damijo walked the runway like a king with Taryor Gabriels mens wear.
Mofe- Damijos theatrical display fetched him a very loud ovation from the audience.
Abaya Lagos, a fashion brand that infused the Asian/Arabian fashion, also dazzled the audience with its embellished styles of Abayas and kaftans, buttered with turbans and sunshades.