Day 1 Tracy Reese It is interesting to know that Tracy was at the first edition of GT Bank Fashion Weekend last year as a speaker in one of th
Day 1
Tracy Reese
It is interesting to know that Tracy was at the first edition of GT Bank Fashion Weekend last year as a speaker in one of the master classes. The board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America as well as a fashion designer whose fame soared when she began to design for former First Lady of America, Michelle Obama, decided this year to have a go at the runway. Her collection consisted of wearable pieces for the not so dramatic woman, in very bright colours with a sprinkle of sequin.
Lanre Da Silva Ajayi
Famed for her vintage style, Lanre didn’t disappoint as she flooded the runway in pieces made of velvet, silk, chiffon, sequins and prints, all in vintage silhouettes. The addition of gypsy pieces as well as colourful bold hair bows on the models, added more character to the collection.
Taibo Bacar
It was the second time Taibo Bacar showcased at the fashion event. His collection last year made quite an impression on fashion enthusiasts who looked forward to what he had to offer this year. The dress and handbag designer from Mozambique is obviously in love with earth tones as the colours featured prominently in his collection this year as it did last year. He played it safe with his designs which were mostly floor length, thigh high slits and sleeveless gowns, all accessorized with his handbags made of crocodile skin.
Mimi Plange
The New Yorker set the tone for her collection which I would refer to as ‘Biker Chic’ as most of the models had biker jackets as part of their ensemble; from pants to pencil skirts to dresses to ball gowns. The collection was to say the least, very carefree and laid back.
Ituen Basi
The talented designer who is well known for her vast use of Ankara surprised many when she added silk and taffeta in varying bright colours to her collection. While her notable newspaper print fabric didn’t feature, her famed fringe skirts were in abundance in the collection which hinged its bearing on folklore.
Meena
Meena closed the runway show on Day 1 and despite being a protégé of Ituen Basi, she showed that she has clearly chosen her path, which borders more on being cosmopolitan. Her collection was made up of mostly ruched dresses in pastel colours with specks of army green in combat styles.
Day 2
Ejiro Amos Tafiri
The Nigerian fashion industry sweet heart, Ejiro Amos Tafiri opened the show on Day 2. It was her second time on the runway of the fashion event. Perhaps having made an impression last year, got invited to showcase this year again. The collection had quite a number of frilly dresses, some with balloon sleeves, florals and a large dose of lilac.
LaQuan Smith
The New York based fashion designer switched up the tempo when he sent a model in all black body suit, biker jacket, over the knees boots and a large dose of attitude. That set the tone for what was to come. His collection was to say the least, risqué. From slits that goes all the way to the hip bone, to mini minis to off shoulders to more patent boots and a healthy dose of sequins on both the male and female models, LaQuan proved that his designs were not for the faint hearted.
Weizdhurm Franklyn
Feathers, ruches, chiffon, sequins, form fitting and a lot of bright bold colours were the main stay of Weizdhurm’s collection. The addition of a white ensemble with a huge head wrap reminiscent of Nefertiti and several other colourful ensembles with head wraps and face wraps were perhaps an ode to Arabians and North Africans in my understanding.
Milles Collines
The South African trio were very subtle with their collection, more like playing it safe with their sporty pieces which were accessorized with beaded glasses chains, cuff bracelets and half-moon shaped handbags.
Ladunni Lambo
Of all the designers collections that strutted the runway of GT Bank fashion weekend, Ladunni’s collection was the least bit interesting. For a designer who has done the country proud on international runways, to say that her collection was disappointing would be to put it mildly.
Julien MacDonald
After the less than drab collection of Ladunni Lambo, Julien more than made up for it with an exciting array of pieces made of mostly sequins, slits, plunges and heavily embellished sheaths and jackets for which he is famed for. As an addition, the Welsh fashion designer sent a couple of models in swim wears and trunks down the runway. It was Julien’s second time on the fashion event’s runway, having opened up the runway last year. He ended the runway show on day 2 with a lot of pizzaz and a standing ovation.
