By Yemisi Suleiman

FRESH off an impressive appearance at the recently concluded Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) and Liverpool Fashion Week (LFW), Afris Wish was one of the top fashion brands to look out for at both events and to the delight of the audience, the brand lived up to expectations.

Stepping out with the Moremi Collection, the delight and appreciation from the audience was palpable as the African-inspired fashion outfits breathed zest and life onto the runway, much to the admiration of attendees present.
The brand had said the Moremi Collection embodies its mission to merge African heritage with sustainable fashion practices; and by using traditional fabrics in modern designs, aims to not just preserve the artistry of African textiles but also introduce them to a global audience in a fresh, elegant way. Thankfully, it did justice to this desire.

From the collection’s name, Moremi, which is a reference to one of the most notable women among the Yoruba people of South-Western Nigeria, it depicts valour, tenacity, beauty and a celebration of a rich cultural heritage. Inspired by the life story of Funmilayo Osobu, a woman who faced adversity with grace and unwavering support, the collection embodies the spirit of courage, beauty and the power of transformation. It is not just about fashion; it is about paying homage to a rich cultural heritage and redesigning same for the modern bold, woman.

Why We Love The Moremi Collection
First and foremost, it features a generous use of traditional African textiles such as Aso Oke and Adire, which are both culturally significant and require a high level of skill and craftsmanship to create. Aso Oke, a handwoven cloth from the Yoruba people, is a symbol of prestige, while Adire represents the intricate art of tie-dye from Nigeria. The use of these sustainable fabrics reflects a commitment to preserving African artistry and promoting eco-friendly fashion.

The Moremi Collection is tailored for women aged 25-50 who appreciate the beauty of African fashion, value sustainability and seek to express their cultural roots. These women are contemporary women, lead professional or socialite lifestyles and are looking for unique, stylish pieces that reflect their identity.
Moving on to the collection’s use of colour, the Moremi Collection is brought to life with a refined palette of Royal Gold, Deep Wine, Ivory and Emerald Green; evoking a sense of regality, astuteness and and connection to earthy tones, each representing different facets of life.

Furthermore, the collection boasts of elegant silhouettes and timeless pieces, designed for both special occasions and everyday wear. Expect to see structured tube dresses with triangle skirts, corset dresses and pleated skirts that flatter the female form while offering a blend of contemporary style and cultural elements.

Another thing that draws the viewer in, is the collection’s flair and style. Each piece is designed for the modern woman who values the fusion of traditional and contemporary fashion. The collection offers a unique blend of African heritage with modern tailoring, making it suitable for any occasion including professional settings, social events, outing occasions, cultural celebrations or even just a simple, day to day look. Each of the pieces look well-tailored and properly finished, giving it the ‘ready-made’ appearance.
Culturally significant, the collection beautifully honours African heritage, specifically Yoruba culture; promotes eco-friendly fashion with its incorporating of traditional textiles like Aso Oke and Adire and successfully marries African heritage with sustainable fashion practices.

However, looking deeper beyond preliminary observations, the collection would have been brought more to life with a generous use of accessories. It lacked accessories and African-inspired looks are usually heavy on accessory-use to enhance outfits. Also, the use of additional colours in the outfits would have been a great addition. The collection was also somewhat limited. No idea if this was a deliberate move or not, but a variety of looks and more variations in terms of outfits and sizing would have strengthened the brand’s motto as an inclusive one. Any brand that wants to be global must cater for different women across all sizes, style preference and shades and Afriwish may wish to be reminded of this when next it takes to the runway.

Overall, Afris Wish’s focus on sustainability and cultural preservation sets it apart and the Moremi Collection is a stunning tribute to African culture, craftsmanship and sustainability. With strategic expansions and collaborations, the brand can solidify its position in the global fashion market as the go-to for unique, African-inspired fashion.