By Yemisi Suleiman

Kehinde Faoziyat Abiona, the founder and creative mind behind Fabique Beauty, steps into the spotlight with her debut fashion collection, MOROLA a trio of bold boubou designs made with African Kampala prints.

This collection is more than fashion; it’s a heartfelt attempt to celebrate African cultural heritage while offering a modern take on traditional silhouettes.

As a first release, MOROLA is admirable in its purpose and passion. Yet, for all its spirit, the collection shows areas where refinement and balance could elevate the designs further. Let us take a closer look at each design in the limited collection.

MOTUN, the first design in the collection is visually striking with its fiery red and deep black color palette, which projects strength and authority. The texture and movement in the Kampala print are engaging, and the boldness of the design certainly makes a statement of feminine grace.

However, there are a few elements that seem too heavy-handed.The overlaid red chest panel draws too much attention as it pulls focus away from the beautiful fabric and overall flow of the garment. These pieces feel more ornamental than functional and could have been worked to feel like a natural extension of the outfit.

Although the volume of the boubou gown is traditional and expected but the overall shape lacks structure. A bit of shaping through subtle draping could have helped to give the design a blend of traditional look and modern styling.
RIIKE, the second design is made from striped and floral patterned print of black background, overlay of bright pink, and light grey .

It celebrates African vibrancy unapologetically, and there something joyful about the way it embraces color and texture.

However, the execution leans too far into excess.
The combination of multiple prints and patterns feels visually overwhelming. This suggests that the choice of fabric is important in fashion and styling.

The bright red chest panel does not quite harmonize with the striped pattern. It is sharp and geometric, creating a disconnection rather than a complement. A more organically shaped panel of black colour might feel better integrated.

RAYO, the third and last look in MOROLA collection stands out as the most cohesive and polished look in the collection. Its rich blend of earthy red, black, and gold tones is sophisticated and grounded.

The striped prints at the lower part of the fabric, in overall, gives the dress a thoughtful structure and visual rhythm. Moreso, the intricate inclusion of white, black and burgundy colored traditional aso oke at the neckline, sleeve and pocket edges is a bold renaissance of the African textile heritage in contemporary fashion.

The cap, inspired by Northern Nigerian tradition, adds an intriguing cultural layer. However, the colours on the cap and those of the Kampala prints are not in agreement.
Overall, RAYO reflects a more mature balance between tradition and modern design. It feels rooted, yet wearable.

Kehinde Faoziyat Abiona’s MOROLA collection is a confident and culturally rich debut. Her commitment to African textiles, especially the underappreciated beauty of African Kampala prints, is inspiring. The designs reflect passion, creativity, and cultural pride.

As she continues to develop her work, refinement in design proportions, pattern placement, and accessory choices will help her garments feel more intentional and polished. Tradition is not static; it evolves beautifully when approached with care, respect, and vision. With MOROLA, Kehinde has opened the door and there is every reason to believe her next steps will be even more powerful.