Day 2: Africa Fashion Week London

Day 2 of Africa Fashion Week London was the most memorable and most attended of the two-day event. The showroom was filled to the brim as designers showcase their collections at the 2016 edition of Africa Fashion Week London. The event’s second and last day took place on the 10th 0f September at Olympia West Hall in London. This was the same venue the event was organised last year.

While there were two shows on day 1, day two had three shows. The first show was at 2pm, the second was at 4pm while the last was at 6pm. On day two, the show was opened by Victoria Grace and the entire show was closed by Mustafa Hassanali who is the headline designer of Africa Fashion Week London 2016.

The wife of the Nigerian Vice President, Mrs Osibanjo was also at the event. She attended as a special guest of honour. She was there to support the STEP UP initiative that was created by her. STEP UP mission is to provide women with vocational training to become entrepreneurs. These are usually women with nothing to depend on. Some of the handbags made by the women trained by STEP UP were also showcased at the event. During her speech at #AFWL2016, Mrs Osibanjo enjoined attendees to support the women by purchasing some of the bags at the STEP UP exhibition stand.

ALSO SEE: Day One: Africa Fashion Week London.

As the headline designer of Africa Fashion Week London 2016, Mustafa Hassanali did not disappoint the audience with his graceful and elegant collection. His collection featured laces, sequin, and other sheer fabrics.

Ceasar Couture set the hall on fire when his pieces were showcased on the runway. The well-tailored men suit were showcased with lots of swag that got many people shouting and applauding the brand. Two Nigerian actors, Uti Nwachukwu and Gbenro Ajibade modelled exclusively for the brand.

Van Else pieces are always colourful and elegant. The pieces are mainly short pants and blazers or long dresses in blazer style. Just like last year, the Dutch designer came with her own muse that attended the event modelled exclusively for her collection.

Victoria Grace collection blends western and African culture in her collection by mixing African print fabric with western fabric to create styles that is suitable for every woman. Some of the pieces are very colour and appeal to women who love bold colours and textures. Others are more calm colours that are targetted at women who are not fans of loud and bold colours.

Tina Lobondi

Soboye presented a mixed collection of men and women outfits in ankara African print.

Purple, nudes, tulle, ruffles, layers, were the most prominent elements in Mary Martin London collection. The are a set of pieces for special occasions, wedding events and red carpet appearances.

Lady Biba

Kutowa

stripes, black, light colours, were some of the most visible features in the collection Jaua presented at Africa Fashion Week London 2016.

Onomen is mostly casual wear for men and women. The collection features both male and female t-shirts designed in African prints.

The Co Identity and Mama Bisira collaborated to showcase a collection that featured a combination of uni colours and colourful prints as well as women accessories. The pieces are suitable for women who like to cover up and still look gorgeous and edgy.

Signature Secret’s collection played with a lot of African print fabric through layering. One of the most prominent elements that one can see in most of the pieces is the large and layered collars.