The ARISE African Collective Fashion show encompassed great cultural passion for Africa. Designers from, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria created a glimpse of their own Africa, through brilliant collections. Each showcasing indigenous fabric, inspiration and of course models; truly made this show quite spectacular. Colors, shapes, and individual aesthetic separated the series of collections, into three themes, First Light, Noon and Midnight. The production resembled a stone pathway leading to the stars, ultimately expressing the naturalistic grandeur; that is Africa!First Light

BLACK COFFEE

African Masks are direct entities of expression and creativity. It’s no wonder designer’s Jacques Van Der Watt and Danica Lepen from South Africa, became inspired by these mythical objects. This collection presented interesting revolved coating. Over-sized silhouettes were extremely geometrical; allowing the flow of versatility through the collection. The colors were reminiscent of natural elements. Watery blues, fiery corals, earth browns, and windy greys. Tiering, layering, and pleating leather and wool fabric blends exemplified symmetrical genius.

Black Coffee designers Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen

Noon

LOIN CLOTH & ASHES

In a brief interview with designer Anisa Mpungwe, she expressed how her hometown of Tanzania and family, inspired her to create this collection. As the interview started, she paused to take pictures with her family, making it clear; family comes first! Well the inspiration definitely paid off for this young, yet motivated designer. These garments were for the contemporary women, who needed a hint of edge. Tanzania prints and linings, crushed silks, wool, and suede assisted Mpungwe to create her cohesive collection. Although her striped pieces were minimal, they were statement making with a feminine touch. I adored how she used royal blue accessories to accent the entire collection. This compilation of garments exhibited an eagerness for fashionable growth.

Anisa Mpungwe

Midnight

DEOLA SAGOE

“I don’t want my collection to feel too restricted, I wanted to keep it very diverse”, designer Deola Sagoe stated. Liberated femininity constructed the theme for this collection. She kept the looks clean but strong, incorporating caged dresses, cut-out leggings, military jackets, and daring war paint colors such as golds, blues and reds. African lace wool, lycra, cotton, and silks all contributed to the warrior-like garments being worn down the run-way. An unusual weaved and fringed black mini dress was the most amazing piece of the collection. It may have alerted a new trend! This Nigerian born designer made a point to keep the looks true to her pursuit in empowering women.
All three of these designers rose to the occasion to impress; at one of the most anticipated shows of the season. Not one was alike, but equally showcased talent and dedication toward their visions. The latest model covering the 8th issue of Arise Ubah Hassan was in attendance cheering on her protégés and colleagues.

Deola Sagoe

The night was not over, as the last designer took her bow. It was our queue, to head to the Arise Magazine after-party. The grand event was held at the Plaza Hotel, where we enjoyed food, cocktails, and a riveting performance by recording artist Ciara. Between the show and the after-party Arise Magazine made a tribal mark on 2010 Mercedes Benz Fall Fashion Week!

Emil Wilbekin from Essence Magazine

Veronica Webb

Photos: www.JohnSimonDaily.com / Stevyn Llewellyn of Modernglossy.com