By Yemisi Suleiman

The audience at the ongoing Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) enjoyed a vibrant display of colours last Friday, as various designers showcased African culture through their fashion pieces at the FESTAC fashion show.

Models of all sizes walked the runway at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Kenya, highlighting the creations of several African designers. Among those featured was Adto Fashion, owned by Adegoke Quadri, presented its latest collection.

The collection by Adto fashion house was a notable attempt at blending African heritage with modern design. The pieces incorporate traditional African prints and a unique application of fringe, both of which play significant roles in emphasizing the brand’s unique storytelling of modern African fashion. The geometric and colorful patterns are rich with symbolism, celebrating African artistry. The colorful patterns and decorative shapes capture the richness of African artistry.

The use of traditional fabric can also be commended, as it captures the essence of African heritage and serves as a visual anchor for the outfit’s theme. The fringes, added across the garment, bring a sense of movement, making the costume appear dynamic on exhibition. They lend a theatrical flair that aligns well with the storytelling ambition of the design.

However, despite its strong thematic foundation, the design faces challenges in achieving visual harmony and ease of use. The excessive use of fringe, particularly in the chest and torso areas, detracts from the overall contour, overshadowing the garment’s aesthetic appeal.

In one of the piece, the white fringe detailing on the upper portion contrasts sharply with the traditional print, creating a jarring effect that disrupts the cohesion of the look. While the contrast might be intended to highlight the wearer’s upper body, it instead fragments the outfit’s flow, drawing attention away from the intricate patterns in the fabric and making the design appear disjointed.

Additionally, the dense arrangement of fringes around the waist and lower torso disrupts the natural contour, adding bulk to areas that might otherwise showcase a more streamlined shape. The abundance of fringe diminishes the elegance of the fabric and seems to prioritize visual impact over balance. This design choice risks overshadowing the beauty of the traditional print, which is a significant element of the garment’s storytelling. By allowing the fabric to take a backseat, the design inadvertently undercuts the cultural narrative it seeks to portray, as viewers are more likely to focus on the fringes rather than the cultural details embedded in the print.

A more restrained approach to fringe placement could significantly enhance this piece’s appeal. For instance, limiting fringe to accent areas—such as the sleeves or lower hem—could preserve the movement and texture while allowing the traditional patterns to remain the focal point. Opting for fringes in a color that complements rather than contrasts with the fabric would also create a more unified aesthetic, allowing the design to feel intentional rather than cluttered.

Ultimately, the outfit reflects Adto Fashion House’s ambition to push African fashion on the global scenery, a goal that might have resonates with some of the audiences seeking representation for Africa fashion on international runway.