Ten striking looks from Africa Fashion Week London 2014
8th September 2014
Share This Article:
August saw Africa Fashion Week return to London in a celebration of African design, talent and diverse ethnic influences that contribute to fashion in the UK. 47 new and emerging designers showcased contemporary collections inspired by Africa’s rich culture – while it was hard to narrow it down from so many stunning shows, we’ve rounded up some of the most striking looks from Africa Fashion Week London 2014…
Alabi Couture 2014
This Lagos-based luxury brand served up beautiful modern, androgynous pieces with plenty of big cat inspiration. Tiger prints and colours were a clear influence, as can be seen with this floaty, psychedelic ‘70s-esque jumpsuit.
Alisha
There were endless clashing colours and loud botanical prints in Alisha’s collection, including this beautiful layered dress that combines bright and pastel shades to create a bold, graphic look.
Andaora’s
Kaleidoscopic prints were the order of the day at Andaora’s, which featured across a variety of both form-fitting and voluminous shapes accentuated by layered underskirts. The bold, draped tulle scarf-like accessories were a particularly striking accessory, as seen here paired with a ladylike co-ordinated skirt and jacket set in beautifully sunny shades of orange and yellow.
Design by Prelim
Design by Prelim’s collection of African cotton prints showcased an array of bold, rich patterns in a palette of red, yellow, black and white. Fun, feminine shapes featured across this brand’s AFWL range, including this sleek but daring jumpsuit in a striking signature print.
Glamelle Boutik
Glamelle Boutik’s collection of loud, colourful prints and playful shapes demonstrated a stunning fusion of ethnic and Western styles. The unusual combination of purple and yellow particularly stood out at, as seen on this smart, layered ensemble, as well as almost retro-looking catsuits and high-necked, puff-sleeved peplum blouses.
Ije Shop
Ije Shop brought the party to the catwalk with its fun, beachy collection. Music, dancing and even food made this brand the life and soul of the AFWL party, as models made their way down the runway draped in peppers, bananas and sweet potatoes!
Needlepoint
Needlepoint’s ‘Travel Collection’ fused linen and Ankara fabrics to create a range of comfortable, wearable and eye-catching pieces. This stunning evening dress features Needlepoint’s signature embellishment as well as a hypnotic new teal, purple and white print which definitely commands attention – no accessories needed!
Njema Helena
These crisp, elegant designs worked together almost like a story, each look linked together by a fresh palette of white, sandy beige, green and pops of dark and bright blue. The intricate knotted pattern on this dress also featured on skirts and a quilted cropped jacket, showing how versatile graphic prints can be across both casual and formal wear.
Raaah
It’s hard to choose just one piece from such a fun-filled collection of fierce prints, flashes of hot pink and innovative shapes, but this beautifully simple wraparound maxi dress just pips the others to the post! The delicate pale peach chiffon is peppered with a contrastingly bold pattern of solid black hearts, lending an edge to what would otherwise be a very soft, very typically feminine, bohemian look.
VK Wise
There was a real 1960s vibe at VK Wise, where models strutted down the catwalk in busy printed capes and shift dresses. Long sleeves and short hemlines were key details, but this slightly sporty, elongated cape was a real head-turner; teamed with a simple navy jumpsuit, VK Wise let this statement blue and gold print stand for itself.
Images courtesy of Karlton Chambers and AFWL.
Alisha
There were endless clashing colours and loud botanical prints in Alisha’s collection, including this beautiful layered dress that combines bright and pastel shades to create a bold, graphic look.
Andaora’s
Kaleidoscopic prints were the order of the day at Andaora’s, which featured across a variety of both form-fitting and voluminous shapes accentuated by layered underskirts. The bold, draped tulle scarf-like accessories were a particularly striking accessory, as seen here paired with a ladylike co-ordinated skirt and jacket set in beautifully sunny shades of orange and yellow.
Design by Prelim
Design by Prelim’s collection of African cotton prints showcased an array of bold, rich patterns in a palette of red, yellow, black and white. Fun, feminine shapes featured across this brand’s AFWL range, including this sleek but daring jumpsuit in a striking signature print.
Glamelle Boutik
Glamelle Boutik’s collection of loud, colourful prints and playful shapes demonstrated a stunning fusion of ethnic and Western styles. The unusual combination of purple and yellow particularly stood out at, as seen on this smart, layered ensemble, as well as almost retro-looking catsuits and high-necked, puff-sleeved peplum blouses.
- Article continues below...
- More stories you may like...
- 50 years since the moon landing: a space-themed style guide
- #GoodbyeTNS: From the cobbles of Spain to the catwalks of London
- Forces for Change: The women who inspire us
Ije Shop
Ije Shop brought the party to the catwalk with its fun, beachy collection. Music, dancing and even food made this brand the life and soul of the AFWL party, as models made their way down the runway draped in peppers, bananas and sweet potatoes!
Needlepoint
Needlepoint’s ‘Travel Collection’ fused linen and Ankara fabrics to create a range of comfortable, wearable and eye-catching pieces. This stunning evening dress features Needlepoint’s signature embellishment as well as a hypnotic new teal, purple and white print which definitely commands attention – no accessories needed!
Njema Helena
These crisp, elegant designs worked together almost like a story, each look linked together by a fresh palette of white, sandy beige, green and pops of dark and bright blue. The intricate knotted pattern on this dress also featured on skirts and a quilted cropped jacket, showing how versatile graphic prints can be across both casual and formal wear.
Raaah
It’s hard to choose just one piece from such a fun-filled collection of fierce prints, flashes of hot pink and innovative shapes, but this beautifully simple wraparound maxi dress just pips the others to the post! The delicate pale peach chiffon is peppered with a contrastingly bold pattern of solid black hearts, lending an edge to what would otherwise be a very soft, very typically feminine, bohemian look.
VK Wise
There was a real 1960s vibe at VK Wise, where models strutted down the catwalk in busy printed capes and shift dresses. Long sleeves and short hemlines were key details, but this slightly sporty, elongated cape was a real head-turner; teamed with a simple navy jumpsuit, VK Wise let this statement blue and gold print stand for itself.
Images courtesy of Karlton Chambers and AFWL.
You might also like...
People who read this also read...
TRENDING
TRENDING CHANNELS
CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH