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By Vivian Onyebukwa
Iconic fashion brand, Modan Stitches established in 2016 by Motunrayo Faith Danjuma, was the centre of attraction at the Fashion Rave by Fashion Finest Africa held at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos on November 23, 2024.
Armed with a vision to craft exceptional Afrocentric designs that fuse traditional aesthetics with contemporary styles, Modan Stitches displayed its new collection at the grand Lagos show, inspiring the brand to push boundaries and connect with fashion enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.
Her experience in dressing a diverse range of clientele both locally and internationally, motivated Motunrayo Danjuma to showcase high-quality and unique fashion pieces at Fashion Rave, including bold prints, edgy silhouettes, and vivacious designs that celebrate individuality and modern style.
Also, the collection featured a stunning blend of styles – from Ankara jumpsuits to cropped denim-Ankara combos, lapel Ankara two-piece to hooded kimono sets, and flared sleeve ensembles. While the high-low organdi sets exuded elegance, the frill two-piece designs added playful charm. Each piece was a blend of traditional prints and contemporary cuts, celebrating effervescent, multifaceted fashion.
Inspired by Lagos’s vibrant energy, the displayed designs were a fusion of comfort and creativity, emphasizing inclusivity and self-expression. Indeed, all the pieces resonated with the dynamic spirit of urban fashion.
As Modan Stitches’ Creative Director, Motunrayo donned the wise cap to craft her unique, beautiful designs. Beginning with understanding her clientele and drawing inspiration from urban culture and African heritage, she embarked on sketching innovative silhouettes, blending tradition with modern trends.
In ensuring quality and cohesion, the choice of fabric is quite essential. However, in this collection, the couturier used a mix of Ankara fabrics, denim, organdi and chiffon to create unique textures and visual appeal. These materials were chosen for their vibrancy, durability and versatility. In fact, combining bold Ankara prints with modern fabrics like denim and chiffon, added a contemporary edge to the designs. And then, prototyping and refining each piece allowed her to balance functionality, aesthetics and cultural representation.
Blending Ankara with non-traditional fabrics like denim and organdi makes the collection unique and innovative. Designs like hooded kimonos and cropped jackets with Ankara details redefine urban wear. Even, the high-low silhouettes and frilled accents add movement and dimension, differentiating the collection from conventional styles.
For adaptability, the breathable, lightweight fabrics are perfect for warm climates while layering options ensure comfort in cooler weather. Being casual streetwear but elegant ensembles make the garments not only suitable for day-to-day wear, but also formal and social outings.
Comparatively, while many designers celebrate African prints, Modan Stitiches’ collection stands out for its seamless blend of bold Ankara patterns with edgy, modern cuts. The focus on versatility, comfort, and cross-cultural appeal makes the collection more inclusive and adaptable to diverse lifestyles.
For Motunrayo, however, the Fashion Rave was a memorable experience. It reinforced her belief in blending tradition with innovation. It equally created for her networking opportunities and fuelled ideas for future collections.
Though, Motunrayo’s fashion journey has been memorable having grown from a small workshop to a reputable brand, she should continue to push the envelope in order to achieve her dream of being a globally recognised designer that creates timeless, innovative and sustainable designs, while also empowering communities and setting new standards of excellence in the industry.
