By Yemisi Suleiman
It was with genuine excitement, and a warm, almost nostalgic rush that I watched the collections showcased at the recently held Fashion Week Yorkshire on November 8, 2025, in Leeds, West Yorkshire. With young African designers steadily claiming their space on the global stage, it’s clear they are finally receiving the visibility and recognition they deserve. One such designer that caught my attention is Nigeria’s Zainab, founder and creative head of Styledbyzk, who recently displayed her creative prowess with the presentation of her latest collection at the event.
The collection, featuring baby-doll dresses some in short, flirty silhouettes, instantly evoked memories of girly dreams and the playful shows we staged growing up. Zainab sent models down the runway in dresses and two-piece outfits that exuded creativity, an expressive blend of African culture and contemporary flair. The colours were vibrant and joyful, beautifully mirroring the spirit of festivity.
Fabrics, Colours, and Silhouettes
The defining fabric of the collection is Adire, chosen for its cultural depth and storytelling power. Its textured patterns evoke memory, identity, and artistry, perfect for a collection rooted in nostalgia.
Stand Out Piece
One standout piece for me is the two-piece set featuring trousers and a matching top. This clashing-print ensemble is thoughtfully crafted; the yellow and pink hues with black imprints are striking, and the contrasting pockets add a unique touch. The outfit is dynamic and versatile, defying easy categorisation. It can be elevated for a formal event or dressed down for a casual brunch. Its fluidity mirrors the designer’s philosophy: fashion should move, evolve, and reflect every side of the wearer.
I also personally love the short baby-doll dress with puff sleeves. It’s fun, flirty, and beautifully executed, perfect for both day and night. It reminds me of the days we made dresses for our play dolls; the cut, flare, and finishing are on point.
Another highlight is the yellow and black pencil dress with bold sleeves, accented on both sides with a contrasting fabric. It’s a strong, functional design suitable for the professional or corporate woman, yet equally fitting for a brunch date.
The flared maxi dress with short sleeves is well-stitched and sits elegantly on the model. It offers an interesting take on the print-on-print trend, featuring a perfect neckline, clean lines, and a classic silhouette.
Inspiration
The inspiration for this collection draws from the designer’s childhood memories—moments of pure joy, togetherness, and community that shaped her upbringing. Joy, nostalgia, and excitement sit at the heart of this offering. The collection invites audiences to reconnect with their childhood, their culture, and the shared happiness that binds families and communities.
Strengths
Her work stands out for its thoughtful fusion of cultural elements with contemporary silhouettes. It’s clear that her focus is on ready-to-wear women’s clothing that blends heritage with modern innovation. These are pieces for women who use fashion as a statement, bold, expressive, and unapologetically rooted in African identity.
Areas for Improvement
As delightful as the collection was to watch, it is not without its shortcomings. While the designer appears to follow a sequential flow in her fabric and colour choices, it also feels like she may be playing it safe. Taking risks in range, colour play, fabric combinations, and overall mix, is a hallmark of a truly boundary-pushing designer. Incorporating fabrics like linen, lycra, or even aso-oke could have elevated the interpretation and given the collection wider creative dimension.
That said, Zainab is young and clearly on the right track. Her bold, expressive designs and ability to reinterpret a deeply African fabric like Adire through a contemporary lens give her a competitive edge. We can’t wait to see what she creates next as she continues to push the boundaries of African fashion beyond borders.