By Kayito Nwokedi
The GTB LFDW 2014 kicked off yesterday, and it is very often, the most anticipated event of the Nigerian calendar. There are lots of shows, packed into four to five days. This time, there are about an estimated forty shows, but even with that large number, there’s only a very few new ideas.
At the start of this show, it is often a norm to reflect about past shows and it’s successes. Shows that really remind you why you’re truly passionate about this industry. Shows that amidst the plethora of recycled fashion in new fabrics, literally sets your soul on fire. This is fashion. It is a very visual sport, and as such, it only takes a while to figure out whose show tickled the senses and whose didn’t.
The show kicked off with new comer to the scene, Banke Olopade, whose collection literally made me forgive the organizers of the event for starting two hours late. Her show opened with a body con yellow houndstooth wool dress, belted at the waist. It called to mind the designs of the winning contestant of the seventh season of the show, project runway, Seth Aaron Henderson. He was inspired by Russian and German military in the forties. But banke is a woman, so her ideas were softer and less severe. For instance, there was a pair of High waisted houndstooth pants with ruffles running down each side, worn with a sheer black long sleeved top. Her laces were done in highlighter orange. Her silhouettes generally, were close to the body. Zippers adorning the bodices of corset tops made that clear. But eventually, she loosened up. Out went the severity, and in came the glam in the form of sequins and lame. Many front rowers did a double take at the sight of a sequined gown with mesh netting on the bodice.
Another standout show was Paolo Sisiano. A designer whose debut in the young designer category last year was met with mixed reviews. Many complained his work needed editing. He obviously listened. For a brand that’s just barely a year old, his aesthetic lies in drama, a la Galliano, but restraint did him good here. A little chat with him back stage revealed he wanted ‘something softer, and slightly Victorian’. An off shouldered egg-plant button down evening dress with a trail of gold embroidery nailed his statement. Ditto a white matte silk gown with gold lace at the waist and visible seams trailing the hips. His finale too was quite a feat: a floor length strapless green mermaid gown with a matching two tone cape, suspended by a gold chain across the neck that could double as a necklace.
Another notable show includes otumine Nelson Moore, whose jeweled bustier tops with wide legged satin pants modernized the phrase ‘evening wear’.
The show ended on a positive note with the designers from the fashion focus. Here’s to hoping the best for the remaining show days.