On the evening of Tuesday, February 11, Dionne Williams came together with sponsors Bennett Career Institute, Makari, Lamik Beauty, Papi Wines, and the Wearable Art Collective to put together a fashion showcase of eight unique fashion designers from the African Diaspora. The Wearable Art Collective is in initiative brought together by Nigerian Fashion Curator Lola Owolabi began the collective “to bring African designers onto the international stage”.
But first and foremost, a moment was taken to honor fashion innovator of the year (and probably the decade), Fern Mallis. Ferm humbly accepted the award, flowers, and a room full of applause saying “I’ll continue to innovate and continue to be worthy of this honor.”
Collections quickly took the stage beginning with, Senyo Foli, a display of dapper and unique men’s suits. While a typical three-piece suit usually includes a vest, a jacket, and pants, these suits could be deemed as a four-piece suit with an inner vest, a jacket, pants and an outer vest reminiscent of traditional African garb. Rich colors emerged onto the runway including toffee brown, bright orange, forest green, and an almost clay-like red-brown.
Yetrosalane took the stage next with a collection that had an enjoyable 80s influence with peplum skirts, velvet fabrics, and even sequin bell bottoms! The pieces flounced down the runway in eyes popping jewel tones.
Clarence Clottey London debuted a collection of well-tailored suits and tuxedos with fun and flirty patterned peekaboo lining.
Nyonuvi debuted an inventive collection with very unique African looks combined with engineering level creativity. Look number one featured a built-in necklace while others featured hardware eyelets and one dress appeared to be two dresses in one. The uniqueness and attention to design made this one of my favorite collections of the night.
Jesu Segun London Served up a large collection of sturdy men’s wear shoes with memorable Kelly green souls and interesting accent marks like smiley face emojis. The collection wrapped with a single pair of women’s strappy heels.
The Wearable Art Collective made an appearance with colorful statement jewelry parlayed against all-black outfits. Sure to stand out, these pieces were reminiscent of traditional African necklaces and bracelets – the larger, the better.
Catou was a crowd favorite collection with shock out suits and hats for women and men! There was a bit of 40s and 70s influence with hats to match each and every ensemble. Upgraded basics like sequined cummerbunds and all-black fabric that shimmered when hit with just the right amount of light made for a unique and eye-catching collection.
Vanvorsh unveiled a haute collection that featured mesh bell-bottoms, chains draped across shoulders, feathered bell sleeves, and beaded corset bodices.
Dionne and the Wearable Art Collective made an admiral and important mark on New York Fashion Week where black creatives are learning to create their own lane.
