By Rita Okoye
The collection, launched in a private event, is described by the designer, Oladimeji Oyebode, as a reminder that every man is a king in his own right. Kings and Nobles collection boasts of royalty even in the simplest stitches on each sewn design.
Oladimeji used the collection to remind everyone of his commitment to sharing the beauty of Yoruba fashion culture.
Kings and Nobles Collection is made with Ankara, Brocade, Plain and patterned Cotton, and Adire Fabrics. These fabrics functioned as single fabrics, linings, or as part of a whole.
A few of the shirts in the collection have necks that are round or square with embroidered designs that are different from each other. Other shirts in the collection are buttoned or round-neck, usually worn as regular shirts or undergarments for agbada. The trousers have single or double pleats alongside drawstrings or elastic bands at the waist.
The shorts are made with cuffed hems for those interested in increasing or decreasing the hems. There are a few uncuffed trousers in the collections, too. The Kaftans have a maximum of three pockets on the tunics alongside full-length trousers.
Dashikis are long or short-sleeved, with the tunic ending below or above the knee. The trousers for the Dashikis are all full-length.
The Shirts, Dashiki, and Kaftans have appliques to further add to the overall look of the clothing.
The collection includes colors between soft hues like Navy blue, Lilac, and Brown to solid colors such as Lemon Green, Yellow, and Neon Red. Each of these colors is an independent or mixed color/fabric design.
Regardless, each piece in the collection is flexible enough to blend with designs compatible with the colors of other collections.
The collection proves that Oladimeji is well versed in draping, sewing, and product design, as he has been able to integrate all these skills and his interest in creating futuristic designs that pay homage to the Yoruba culture.
Kings and Nobles collection is distinct from Oladims Fashion House as the brand got every attendee at the launch to talk about the collection while showering praises on the designer.
Another notable thing about the collection is how it fits the older generation of men committed to staying stylish while maintaining their stateliness.