By Josephine Agbonkhese

The unveiling of Eric’s much-anticipated anniversary collection was an intimate yet vibrant affair. August 2018 marks the tenth anniversary of Motifs by Eric; a brand that specialises in bold patterned designs for menswear collections.

The brand celebrated this milestone by launching its exclusive AfroRoots collection in a private ceremony that was graced by fashion experts, stylists, models, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and other invited guests on August 11.

The collection, featuring two-piece menswear ensembles, draws appraisal and critical acclaim for its approach to mixing cultural textiles and contemporary designs and its technical execution.

At its core, AfroRoots exemplifies Eric’s profound technical expertise across garment construction, illustration, pattern-making, and draping. As a nod to Nigerian heritage, the Aso-oke two-piece reinterprets the classic Aso-Oke fabric with a modern twist. Some tops feature single breast pockets, while others opt for double, highlighting versatility in design.

The stitch choices— flat-felled seams and reinforced stitching — enhance durability without compromising the fabric’s rich texture. The floral print tops feature short sleeves and neatly aligned breast pockets. These tops, paired with plain-coloured tailored shorts, present a casual yet polished form.

The consistent use of buttons and crisp points of measure such as sleeve length and pocket placement, demonstrate an acute attention to detail. The tailored fit of the shorts ensures a clean, contemporary appearance while providing ample comfort through well-placed pockets and front zips.

The Adire ensembles are the most minimalistic of the collection, with pocketless tops that emphasize the fabric’s intricate dye patterns. The absence of pockets shifts the focus entirely to the artistry of the Adire fabric, which drapes beautifully thanks to the pattern-making and draping techniques.

The choice of fabrics— lightweight cotton for the florals, structured Aso-Oke, and hand-dyed Adire— underscores the collection’s emphasis on quality and authenticity.

However, the buttons used throughout the collection, though adequate, lack personality. This collection could have benefited from more distinctive trims. Also, a more creative approach could have been used for the breast pocket design, especially for the floral print tops, given the boldness inherent in floral prints.

This collection is a testament to Eric’s mastery of merging technical skills with cultural storytelling. It aligns seamlessly with his brand’s vision of honouring tradition while innovating for younger generation audiences. By incorporating floral prints, Aso-Oke, and Adire in cohesive designs, the collection not only enriches his brand’s portfolio but also demonstrates its versatility and ability to cater to diverse tastes.

To push boundaries, he could have explored layering options or integrated multi-functional details. The omission of such elements feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise commendable display of skill.

AfroRoots is made to attract a sophisticated clientele that values cultural authenticity and contemporary style. Urban professionals, fashion-forward individuals, and those with a penchant for cultural heritage will likely gravitate toward these designs. While the pieces are functional and versatile to a reasonable degree, expanding their adaptability could enhance their commercial viability.