Sometimes I Don't Get It

There was a time in human history where leaves, animal skin and a little tan provided all the protection one needed from the elements. Simplicity was of the essence. These days? Not so much. A couple of things that I picked up from the internet.

First the Italian Vogue issue on African fashion has a due date!

http://www.styleite.com/media/luomo-vogue-africa-issue/

Africa is coming into its own when it comes to fashion. At the same time there have been designers who have seen fit to admire and appropriate African design aesthetics without proper due.

Then we have designers like Walter Van Beinrendonck. He is one in a very rare clutch of designers who frequently has all black male models for his catwalks. He is very talented and has been "designer's designer" to steal from my source since the 80's. I took a look at his designs:






Then, I noticed a couple of things: first the bone through the nose(!), then the "flesh-toned" gloves and shoes that some of the (predominantly black) models wore. What exactly was the message he was trying to put across--about himself, the models and/or the clothes? It is disturbing because on the one hand, he makes truly interesting clothes and has a great sense of colour and design. O the other hand? Bone. Through. nose.

Where have I seen this before?

Not trying to be a high class wooden spoon but looking through my feb edition english vogue I am struck by a few influences that frankly can only be called Nigerian!!!

I wonder if my friends at LDA will agree?

Kelechi Odu's fab collection

Temple muse has done it again. They have mastered the art of organising a fantastic night of fashion, drink (last nights sexy vodka mixes yum),lovely food (those cupcakes are to die for) and interesting people, am I taking liberties putting myself in that category....probably.

Last night was in honour of American based Kelechi Odu a menswear designer. He showcased his Safari remix collection. Aptly named me thinks as the colour scheme was very natural browns and khakis and light linen material. Fantastic jackets, shirts and well made trousers. I always feel menswear can be tricky because how much can you really do with a jacket and a pair of trousers but as I discovered yesterday its all about the cut and attention to detail and getting a colour scheme that works and I am pleased to say that Kelechi is not going to lead you astray.

The Brucey bargain bonus is you get your clothes made to order so they will fit you impeccably and give you that extra confidence. I loved it. Give us more give us more I say. We need to be nurturing our homegrown talents so that Nigeria has not just got this one dimensional personality worldwide.