Highlights of ARISE Lagos Fashion Week 2012

We’ve endured several weeks of fashion highlights from London, Paris, Milan and now Lagos. Let’s be honest as much as this event was highly exciting, it was’nt highly anticipated globally that is. We certainly did not see tweets stemming from Anna Dello Russo, Bryan Boy or other fashion posse’s but, as The Guardian on-line reported “You’ve got Milan, London, New York, and Paris, why not Lagos?” And quite rightly so! In case you are wondering why we didn’t post everyday like some of our other blog- brothers/sisters we wanted to enjoy the shows and just embrace what Africa has to offer. We have soaked in all the greatness and now we can finally share with you our thoughts.

When it comes to style and fashion there is no other continent who does it quite like Africa, we are insatiable we can’t seem to get enough of it. We adorn print, Ankara and fine embroidery to put it quite frankly we like Shakara! (Nigerian short phrase for showing off) and judging by all the shows we didn’t disappoint but, in true African form we always like to be late and we can be highly disorganised, unfortunately ARISE Lagos Fashion week didn’t disappoint in this area either. With the show delayed by two days it was a late start to the fashion week, ARISE blamed it on technical issues but other reports from Twitter suggested otherwise, with many commenting that local models learned the fees of other international models being paid substantially more. There were also reports of backstage tantrums including: improperly steamed dresses and nail polish colour choices. Well, whatever happened has passed now and the event it seems was definitely a huge success!  The preconception that African fashion is just a passing notion is no longer the case, the textiles industry and fashion industry  within Africa is something worth capitalising globally but not forgetting that whatever is taken from Africa, derived from Africa, it should never lose its form! (A lot of international designers seem to be manipulating our African heritage and calling it something different) We are proud to witness this moment  in African fashion and though we still have a long way to go, the journey is ever so faithful. Ok so enough of that check out some of our favourite shows after the jump.

In no particular order in terms of greatness everyone glamtastic in their own right.

Let’s start with winner of ARISE Lagos Fashion Week 2012, who will also be showing new collection in New York at the ARISE September show.

Maki Oh

WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

We spoke with Maki last month whilst she was preparing the collection and like every designer or artist she was nervous about unveiling her baby. We on other hand knew she would not fail. What we like about this collection is the sheer and light print of the materials. The prints are quite subtle and light, it works for the business minded lady, the one who is independent, confident and takes things in her own stride. It’s interesting to see how Maki has observed the ever so current trend that is print but not letting the trend completely dominate what her aesthitic is about. Though print may be in trend this season, it shouldn’t just be a passing a trend, it can remain timeless and classic if designed well.

Jewel By Lisa- ‘There’s something about a lady’

WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

Lisa Folawiyo, Founder and Creative Director, of Jewel By Lisa is one of the designers we aspire to the most not just for her designs but her disposition in African business. Perhaps if you meet Lisa you’ll understand why, she is one of the few Nigerian women we know that truly understands high fashion, hands down Lisa is one of the first Nigerian women we have seen in Tabitha Simmons shoes, the woman knows style, there is something about Lisa! Her debut collection titled’ There’s something about the lady’ was described by Lisa as “Each season the garments characterise this woman: a global traveller with style, youthful exuberance, confidence , elegance and sophistication.” Is Lisa describing us we pondered? When we read Lisa’s tweet suddenly awaiting the JBL show on sunday seemed so far away but, as we expected it was worth the wait. Upon receiving Lisa’s collection we couldn’t help thinking about the 50′s era, the full bosom top, and the silhouettes of the dresses took us to the Louis Vuitton, Fall ready-to-wear  2010 when Marc Jacobs received praise for ‘And God Created Woman’ collection well Lisa created ‘The sophisticated African woman’ her knack for detail, and class is evident here. Would you dare to wear leather gloves in the sweltering African heat? The JBL woman would, who are you?

CLAN

 WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

The teenage daughters of designer Deola Sagoe left the audience spellbound after distributing what can only be described as a surprisingly excellent collection. Yes, many were surprised that Tiwa, Teni and Aba all under age of 21 were capable of putting together such a mature collection. Very different to the ‘Rampage’ collection they debuted last year which many would agree is suited to their age group. However, these girls have thought beyond themselves and questioned how might a lady dress, a well deserved standing ovation was granted to the girls following the end of the show. We particularly like the red dress with bow and peplum details this is one of our favourites, very Roland Mouret may we add.

Sunny Rose

WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

We’re not quite sure where to start, but we are attached to every piece in this collection. We would love to see the likes of someone like Rihanna wearing the sparkling dress , it’s so fun and it’s so right! We’ll end this one with… When is it available to purchase? We need it in our lives ASAP!

Lanre DaSilva Ajaji

WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

Lanre allowed us to explore her mind: every now and again a woman deserves to sparkle, she’s within her rights to be abstract and she always has the Va Va Voom! Put it is this way it’s a woman’s prerogative to be anything or wear anything she desires. We’re all for that!

Tiffany Amber

WHAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION SPECIAL?

Tiffany Amber presents ‘Metissage’ was the name of this collection. (Any guesses for what Metissage means?)  We particularly like the suit, there’s something about it that reminds us of the ‘Victoria’ collection by Victoria Beckham but so much better! Victoria used cats for crying out loud!

Ok that’s a quick summary of our favourite shows, and we adored so many others including: Prey of London, Bridget Awosika, Tsemaye Binitie and so much more.

There were so many showstopping moments including: Alek Wek one of the highest international supermodels to walk the show for Tiffany Amber, Eku Edewor should be crowned most acquired and sought after model of the week, walking in almost every show. We hear backstage models were in a frenzy to find out if former rumoured Rihanna boo, Dudley O’Shaughnessy was indeed ever taken by the star. Overall, the ARISE Lagos Week had us transfixed and constantly glued to our laptops to find out what’s going on. Next year no work commitments will get in our way,  this Lagos event is set become a permeant fixture  in our global style calendar, we cannot wait until the September shows.

images courtesy of Neks2u and Bella Naija