Runway Fiesta is a SPICETV production, a one-of-a-kind fusion of fashion, music and style program, designed to celebrate one designer, one artist and top models, in a striking merger in front of a live intimate and glamorous audience.
For season II, production presented ten amazing designers with exclusive collections that were strong, distinct, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a true representation of global African style and fashion; Grey, Kenneth Ize, Wana Sambo, Kinabuti, Mi-Le, Kola Kuddus, Ifeanyi Nwune, Kamokini, Moofa and Tzar had gorgeous models blazed the runway in flawless make up by M.A.C Cosmetics who were the official Make Up Sponsors of the production.
Designers were paired with show stopping acts from Nigeria’s finest musical talent; Bez, Temi Doll Face, Muna, Saeon, Orezi, Tekno, Jaywon, Jo El, King Zamir, Oritse Femi and Selebobo.
GREY – “Pretty Girls Rock” Rukky Ladoja, creative director at Grey, the emphasis for the collection presented for Runway Fiesta. Taking an opposite direction from the androgyny that has eaten deep into women’s wear today, Grey Spring Summer ’15 collection is for the strong woman who is not afraid to look pretty. Models walked confidently down the runway in pretty hues and feminine silhouettes with details that showed strength.
KENNETH IZE- The Kenneth Ize “Bio Phase IV” collection for Runway Fiesta is all about the highlife society in the 60s, 70s and 80s, how the people from these decades were westernized but still very African. According to the designer, Kenneth Izedonmwen, the collection is a celebration of legends like King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obe. Male models walked down the runway in ensembles made of vintage laces and fabrics with an organic feel.
MOOFA -The brand Moofa is popularly known for its take on glam, but its Spring Summer ’15 collection showcased on Runway Fiesta Season 2 took a completely different direction as the designer Yinka Fashola looked close to home for inspiration. According to the designer, the collection was inspired by a dear friend who predominantly wears black and white hence an 18-piece collection of monochrome looks with a shot of peach. However, Moofa stayed true to its brand code with cuts that celebrate a woman’s body, and white and black never looked sexier.
TZAR– Ian Audifferen, after making some underground waves for a while with his work, made a formal debut of his brand Tzar with his Spring Summer ’15 collection. Male models walked down the runway in pieces with well placed prints, form fitting shorts, and mesh dress shirts. According to the designer, his prints were inspired by his love for art and nature, and his aesthetic was inspired by sportswear.
MI-LE– Mi-Le Spring Summer ’15 collection was named “SET”. According to the designer Ponmile Olawoye, she was inspired by the concept of a mathematical set, which she sees as a group of different elements forming a complete whole. The designer also looked into the 60’s for her styles as swing and shift dresses graced the runway. The colors were rich jewel tones of green, red and blue, and the mood was free and playful further emphasized by the miniature caricature beadwork detailing on the dresses.
KOLA KUDDUS– Designer Kola Kuddus was inspired by the urban African city life for his collection for Runway Fiesta Season 2. The collection was named “The Afropolitan Collection” and it showed urban rawness and funkiness on the runway. The designer attained a great balance between western world fashion and the Yoruba traditional wear by infusing denim with tie and dye.
WANA SAMBO -Season after season, the Wana Sambo brand continues to evolve and its Resort ’15 collection showcased on Runway Fiesta Season 2 was no exception. The collection named “Modern Elegance” was inspired by the color circle of pastels. Soft colors of mint blue, tan, wood brown, and pale pink were given strong and clean tailoring to produce floor-length pieces of either dresses or bottoms topped with luxe t-shirts and crop tops. A few pieces in print were added for some tropical feel. If there was any doubt left about the elegance of the collection, the finale dress completely cleared it.
IFEANYI NWUNE-Ifeanyi Nwune Spring Summer ’15 collection was a paradox titled “Loud Serenity”. The models walked down the runway wearing clean and minimal pieces mainly in white and black, yet the clothes were far from boring. There was a loudness that came with the simplicity, which connoted a self-assured man who doesn’t need the extra pizzazz to be confident, all he needs is a great tailoring and perfect finishing. According to the designer, he wanted to make clothes that spoke for themselves.
KINABUTI–Kinabuti Spring Summer’15 collection named “Khan” was inspired by the great Genghis Khan. Designer Caterina Bortolussi is known for her edgy aesthetic, and she finding inspiration in a warrior’s story isn’t shocking. The models looked the part in Vlisco print ensembles garnished with strong zip details, and hoods, which are fast becoming the brand’s signature. High neck, exaggerated shoulders…the body proportions of these garments were played with to create the illusion of strength.
KAMOKINI–Kamokini made her official debut on Runway Fiesta Season 2, showcasing a 12 piece collection of colorful and body flattering swimsuits and beach cover-ups. The designer Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo is mostly inspired by art, music and culture and this was seen as models strutted beautifully down the runway in bright colored and intricately embellished swimwear.
The black carpet was hosted by Elma Godwin and cocktails and drinks were courtesy of sponsors Amarula. Season II is to premier on SPICE TV, DStv 192 in October 2014.