By Yemisi Suleiman
Fashion is a dynamic beast, constantly shape-shifting with the ebb and flow of cultural tides. Nowhere is this more evident than in the African fashion market, where tradition and modernity dance a captivating tango.
Enter Yewande Victoria Aghwana, a designer who’s not just participating in this dance but leading it with bold, innovative steps.
The Jite 2020 Collection is Aghwana’s latest offering, and oh, what an offering it is! It’s a masterclass blending the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary. This collection doesn’t just push boundaries; it gleefully leaps over them with the grace of a gazelle and the confidence of a lion.
Let’s talk numbers for a moment. A 2018 McKinsey & Company survey revealed that 45% of African consumers prefer brands that mix traditional and modern styles. Aghwana isn’t just riding this wave; she’s creating tsunamis of her own.
Using Ankara and Kente cloth in modern silhouettes is a stroke of genius. It’s like watching a sartorial time machine at work, bringing the rich heritage of Africa into the sleek, minimalist aesthetics of the 21st century. The result? It’s a collection that’s as much at home in Lagos as in London or New York.
But Aghwana isn’t content with just creating beautiful clothes. No, she’s on a mission, darlings. Her commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion is commendable; it’s downright revolutionary in an industry often criticised for its environmental impact.
The Jite 2020 Collection features five designs, each demonstrating Aghwana’s creativity and craftsmanship. But the Becky Dress and Iwalewa Dress indeed steal the show. These pieces aren’t just clothes; they’re wearable art, each stitch telling a story of culture, innovation, and skill.
Let’s start with the Becky Dress, shall we? This eight-piece flare tube dress with a crop top jacket is a marvel of design. The construction is impeccable, showcasing Aghwana’s technical prowess. The eight-piece flare adds volume and movement, creating a flattering and dynamic silhouette.
Adding the crop top jacket to the Becky Dress is genius. It adds versatility to the piece, allowing the wearer to effortlessly transition from day to night. This thoughtful design shows Aghwana’s understanding of the modern woman’s needs.
The Becky Dress’s color choice is spot on. The light blue hue is universally flattering and adds a touch of serenity to the ensemble. It commands attention without screaming for it, much like Aghwana’s designs.
The Becky Dress’s fabric quality deserves a special mention. The subtle sheen adds a luxurious touch, while the excellent drape ensures the dress maintains its shape. Aghwana understands that great design is as much about the materials as the vision.
The attention to detail in constructing the Becky Dress is simply exquisite. French seams, topstitching, blind hem stitches—it’s all there, executed with precision. These aren’t just technical terms; they’re the building blocks of a garment built to last.
Using different stitching techniques in various parts of the Becky Dress shows Aghwana’s deep understanding of garment construction. Zigzag stitches for flexibility and under stitching to keep the lining in place are the hallmarks of a designer who cares about the longevity and comfort of her creations.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Iwalewa Dress. This piece celebrates African heritage, crafted from vibrant yellow and red Ankara fabric. Adding black lace detailing and a black net overlay elevates this dress from beautiful to breathtaking.
The choice of Ankara fabric for the Iwalewa Dress is significant. It’s a nod to tradition, but the way Aghwana uses it is anything but traditional. The fabric’s inherent qualities—vibrancy and ability to hold intricate designs—are utilisedfully.
The colour palette of the Iwalewa Dress is deeply rooted in African symbolism. Yellow and red aren’t just visually striking; they represent wealth, vitality, and joy in many African cultures. It’s a dress that doesn’t just look good; it feels good, resonating with cultural pride.
The bishop collar of the Iwalewa Dress adds a regal touch to the ensemble. This design element harks back to traditional African attire, but in Aghwana’s hands, it becomes thoroughly modern. This juxtaposition of old and new is a recurring theme in the collection, executed with finesse.
The front slit in the Iwalewa Dress is a daring touch that pays off beautifully. It adds movement and allure to the dress, balancing the boldness of the fabric with a hint of sensuality. Details like these elevate Aghwana’s designs from mere clothing to conversation pieces.
What’s particularly impressive about the Jite 2020 Collection is how wearable it is. These aren’t just runway showpieces; they’re designed for real women with real lives. The versatility of each piece speaks to Aghwana’s understanding of her clientele.
Aghwana’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the collection. This is slow fashion at its finest, from the choice of eco-friendly materials to the emphasis on quality construction that ensures longevity. It’s a refreshing approach in an industry often dominated by fast fashion.
The use of technology in creating and promoting the collection is noteworthy. Digital printing techniques and e-commerce strategies have made Aghwana’s designs more accessible globally. This intelligent move bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern commerce.
What sets Aghwana apart is her ability to create culturally specific and universally appealing designs. The Jite 2020 Collection speaks to the African diaspora while captivating a global audience. It’s a delicate balance, but Aghwana walks this tightrope with grace.
The collection’s narrative of resilience and personal empowerment is particularly poignant. Each piece tells a story of fashion, identity, and cultural pride. In Aghwana’s hands, clothing becomes a medium for storytelling and self-expression.One cannot help but be impressed by Aghwana’s technical skills. Each piece’s construction is flawless, from the choice of stitches to the drape of the fabric. She clearly understands garment construction and isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The collection’s avant-garde flair is beautifully balanced with wearability. These are statement pieces, to be sure, but they’re also designed to be lived in. This practical approach to high fashion makes Aghwana’s work relevant and exciting.
If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s that we’re left wanting more. Five pieces feel like just a taste of what Aghwana is capable of. Given a larger canvas, one can’t help but wonder what other sartorial delights she might create.
The impact of Aghwana’s work extends beyond the realm of fashion. By celebrating African heritage in such a contemporary way, she’s contributing to a larger conversation about cultural identity in a globalized world. Her designs are a powerful statement about the relevance and richness of African culture.
In terms of industry impact, Aghwana is a designer to watch. Her innovative approach to design, coupled with her commitment to sustainability, positions her at the forefront of African fashion’s global emergence. She’s not just participating in the industry; she’s actively shaping its future.
As we look to the future of fashion, designers like Aghwana give us reason to be optimistic. Her work proves that creating beautiful, meaningful, and responsible clothing is possible. The Jite 2020 Collection isn’t just a triumph for Aghwana; it’s a victory for ethical, culturally rich fashion.
In conclusion, the Jite 2020 Collection is more than just a collection of clothes. It’s a statement, a celebration, and a glimpse into the future of fashion. Yewande Victoria Aghwana has created something extraordinary here, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.