By Josephine Agbonkhese

The recent Culture meets Imagination Fashion Show held in Abuja on the 9th of November, 2024, was a journey through the peaks and valleys of contemporary African fashion.

From bold patterns to simplistic designs, the designers crafted a myriad of styles. Amid the array of garments, House of Debby’s presentation captured a sizeable amount of attention including mine. Deborah Adeola, fashion designer and founder of House of Debby, introduced the collection as “A Walk in Rhythm”.

This collection is a series of Ankara skirts and gowns that offer a blend of bold structural choices and thoughtful detailing. The pieces included a one-sleeved gathered gown, high-waisted flared skirts, armless two-tiered gowns with soft gathers, and a tiered flared gown adorned with a detachable crop-top jacket; all aiming for versatility within a cohesive theme. Each piece testified to the skill of a designer with good knowledge of style, balance and proportion. For example, the one-sleeved gown defined Deborah’s illustrative talent, with each gathered fold placed meticulously to create a dynamic sense of flow that complemented the patterns of the Ankara fabric.

Her construction knowledge was evident in the fit and fall of each skirt and gown. The high-waisted skirts accentuated the waist and the bodice of the skirts swirled elegantly around the legs. This is a testament to careful measurements to prevent issues like excessive gathering around the waistline.
The use of reinforced stitching in areas prone to stress, like the hems and gathers, was a good choice. This choice promises the durability of the pieces.

The decision of the minimal seam allowances was also effective for the folded hems of the flared skirts to enhance the bouncy and full look of the skirts. This bouncy feature particularly drew the eyes of viewers as the models walked.

While this collection excelled in its display of impressive technical skill, certain details could have been improved on to boost the functionality of some of the pieces. A notable example is the armless, two-tiered gown, which was paired with a detachable crop-top jacket. This innovative piece stands out for its window of versatility in styling.

However, the jacket could work better with a seamless attachment method like magnetic closures as opposed to the minimal hook used, which does not allow the top jacket to sit completely flat against the underlying gown.

The gathers on some gowns could also use elastic inserts to help maintain the flow of the fabric across different body types. The trims were minimal yet effective, with subtle zippers and button placements that are unobtrusive, preserving the visual focus on the vibrant fabric patterns.

For semi-formal events, weekend outings, or evening gatherings, A Walk in Rhythm is well-suited to wearers who desire remarkable and practical attire. This collection would perform well among young individuals who appreciate bold prints and dynamic styles. The detachable crop-top jacket, in particular, gives an insight into the target market and their desire for versatility. Some pieces in this collection do not showcase the potential to work in professional environments but they remain statement pieces for their suited gatherings.