Let's get on with it.
The Opening collection was Brigette Merki Ibrahim designs. Some of the looks are very sophisticated and womanly. I have noticed that this collection pays a lot of attention to the silhouette of the wearer. Ah hourglass shape is often achieved by the exaggerated shapes of the dresses- and it actually looks quite flattering. Big prints are used a lot in this collection.
Mina Evans, a Ghanaian Designer, was next. Her collection featured a lot of icy blues, which was a change from all the prints that have been seen so far. Quite a varied collection too, with some dresses being structured and close-fitting, and some with big peplums and swooshy masses of material. The collection kind of reminds me af fish in the sea, but in a good way.
Nigerian Designer, Oroma Cookey-Gam of Alali Boutique owns a very contemporary collection, with vivid patterns broken up by plain white or black. Tops and dresses with a peplum are definitely a feature. All the models also seem to have their faces covered, not sure why. Maybe it is to give the idea that they are mannequins? Or to mask their identity, implying that any women could look good in these clothes. Who knows?
Next came 1981, an Italian brand (Nana Kweku Brenu). Every piece is supposed to enhance the customers personality. On most of the clothes, bright pink details are used on white backgrounds, and for me, the effect is very strong and visually appealing. Some of the dresses are bright pink,. which is a little overwhelming I guess. In terms of style, most outfits are close fitted and flattering. Mid length cuts are used on pretty much all of the skirts and dresses.
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| Brigette Merki Ibrahim, Mina Evans, Alali, 1981, Cocolily, Morts&More, Mimi Lee, Mimi Lee, AFG, Christie Brown |
A collection dedicated to formalwear! Which is by the first UK brand of GFW, Morts & More. The designers are in fact a duo (Joshua Umoren and Sena Mortoo). Bright accents are used on these suits, such as light blues and hot pink. But it is balanced out by the delectably neutral base tones. There are casual suits, very formal suits, suits with no jackets, suits with long jackets, suits that dont match on both halves. But they are all very stylish, I find.
The next collection contains a lot of futuristic styles- I rather love it. It made me add more examples up there, because all the designs are just soooo cool. This is a UK/Nigerian brand called Mimi Lee. PVC and metallics is used a lot in the garments, as well as eccentric ruffles, dramatic cuts such as Peplums and dipped hemlines, which really give a revolutionary look.
A really important message was conveyed through the T-shirts modeled for AFG (Trade not Aid). Though the company is UK based, the T shirts are made from African cotton. It is supposed to promote sustainability within the African Textile industry. The brand prides itself as using resources which are 100% African. All the Tee's use one colour for the text and one colour for the background, making the message clearer. The slogans involved 'Love from Africa' and 'African Grown and Sewn' (I like that one), among others.
Aaaand the laast designer who rounded off the 2nd day was Christie Brown, from Ghana. After browsing the styles, one word came to mind, and that is raaainbow! All the looks contain so many colours, whether it is just one piece or everything. The clothes here are fun, but it is the design that makes them sophisticated too. High waisted pencil skirts with matching crop tops are worn a lot, as well as little shift dresses with big high heels. All the garments are skirts are dresses, which adds to the femininity of the collection, and they are eye-catching without being gaudy. A fine balance.
Phew. All in all a very good combination of styles. I wish I could have gone to this.
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