From the books of memory-Nigerian fashion week highlights top African designers

The African influenced fashions, from Proenza Schoulerr to Yves St. Laurent’s 1960 collections and the Derek Lam’s spring 2012 shows, all have featured in designs for last decades. However, more African designers are using both heritage and international trend in gaining attention on the world stage.

Some few months ago, Arise Magazine Fashion week in Lagos, Nigeria for the second year, drew attention to the different works of the African influenced designers. Around 77 designers presented their variety of outfits mixing traditional fabrics with the international aesthetics to elevate the mundane with stylish women’s dresses and offering a flavor of haute couture in hotel –turned fashion haven separated from hustle and bustle of megacity of Lagos.

 Nduka Obaigbena, This newspaper and Arise Magazine publisher explained that its time the Africans demonstrate that they can also contribute to be the best and world class in fashion scene. However, the struggles affecting the poor and the rich brought havoc in this event which was meant to run six days. Despite the problems of electricity that hit on the first two days, the show finally began and drew crowd that embraces African fashion, not as a sideshow but main component of international fashion and design.

Some of the highlighted African designers included:

Tiffany Amber

Under Folake Folarin, a creative director of Tiffany Amber, he has been making dresses with Nigeria’s rich content for 13 years.

Tsemaye Binitie

Paris exhibition on the Alix Gres. His textured collection included sleeveless and black catsuit festooned with hand-embroidered vinyl to create a kaleidoscopic effect. He is a young designer with an experience from a British designer (Stella McCartney) and markets his designs in London, New York and Lagos.

Loza Maleombho

Is a New York based designer who unveiled a collection that draws from nomadic Tuareg based on the Sahara desert. She brought a twist by using West African fabrics such as colorful Ghanaian kente and Ankara print of Nigeria.

These are some of the designers whose work has gone to international levels. Their African fashion results are what most African fashionistas are proud of till to date.

Should you want to get any of the African fashion clothing form the top Nigerian designers, including plus size clothing and jackets, we are here to help you get the best.