ARISE MAGAZINE PRESENTS #MADEINAFRICA AT NYFW: Asibelua, Bunmi Koko, Jewel by Lisa, KLûK CGDT, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Pierre-Antoine Vettorello & Tsemaye Binitie

Made In Africa Collective showcased African fashion designers at the Spring/Summer 2012 Mercedes Benz New York fashion week with carefully selected designers from the Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos during March 2011. The selected designers including Asibelua, Bunmi Koko, Jewel By Lisa, KLûK CGDT, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Pierre-Antoine Vettorello & Tsemaye Binitie. The show took place at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, I watched the show with excitement all the pieces were absolutely stunning I applaud the Arise team for continuing to push African fashion.

First up was Asibelua which was previously known as MOMO and I believe with a name change came along collections with a contemporary urban feel to it. Asibelua presented a mixture of collections, with African mix of vibrant prints, contrasting textures and futuristic streamlined shapes she definitely got me excited as a first designer on stage. I loved the tie-dye and print fabrics, but the tartan/retro looks definitely was refreshing to see.

I fell in love with the work of Bunmi Koko just over a year ago, yet again she delivered stunning silhouettes that would work well at any event. Bunmi’s collections screamed versatility with beautiful draping and clever use of colours and textures. The fabric use entails organza, chiffon, satin and beautiful palette of colours. This is surely one of her spectacular collections so far!

Jewel by Lisa’s collections had my pulse racing and if am honest I felt emotional watching the whole show,  Lisa being Lisa brought nothing but excellence to the runway a mixture of flirty skirts, fitted trousers, short-sleeved jackets and unique embellished prints. what caught my eye though was those cute clutch bags, I must own one of these by the end of the year!

KLûK CGDT opted for a romantic collection using everyday colours we see around us and blending it with very traditional fabric.The collections we were very feminine and elegant with lots of embroidery, netting and sheer sexiness.  I certainly know where to order my bridal gown!

I now fully undertand what Lanre Da Silva Ajayi meant when she titled her collections Labour of Love, bringing a mix of the architecture of Italy with the vibrancy of Africa – in particular Nigeria. Lanre labour was certainly not in vain, she delivered as always with a mixture of colour which I believe has been well thought of and creatively executed. Lanre did not complete the collection without her signature structure pieces which caught my eye immediately with soft beautiful colours I say bring on summer 2012.

Pierre-Antoine Vettorello Spring/summer 2012 was all about warm colours and he certainly proved that warm colours are not just for winter. Pierre opted for soft silk and dramatic yet simple for daily wear, pieces included shorts, mini skirts and a special attention to millinery!

Tsemaye Binitie clothing can be summarised as simply young, fresh and beautiful. I particularly love the white crisp/clean pieces and adding a splash of colour with pink, black and grey, I have officially added Tsemaye as one of my favourite designers!

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