By Christy Anyanwu
The Fashion Finest Africa’s annual Fashion Rave held at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos on November 23, 2024 was a vibrant celebration of street and urban wear.
The audience was bedazzled with the innovative designs of most of the collections showcased at the event. Among the collections that attempted a bold reinterpretation of urban fashion is Z-Urban Collection by Damilola Akinpelumi’s Prestige Clothiers.
The collection showcased an eclectic mix of pieces, including a grey leather button-down gown, with defined collars and puffed sleeves; floral print cotton flare gown with kimono sleeves and plunging V-neckline; long-sleeve cotton T-shirts with minimalist design, detailed with three buttons at the top; mini Ankara skirt paired with a plain white top, accentuated by Ankara buttons and a left-side closed breast pocket made from the Ankara fabric; camouflage cargo pants styled for men; and high-waist flared mini skirts with retro undertones.
As a fashion illustrator, pattern-maker and garment constructor, Damilola brought to play an interesting showcase of her skills. The construction quality displayed in the collection is highly commendable, with even stitching, clean seam finishes, and appropriate seam allowances ensuring durability.
However, there were moments where a firmer control over edge binding and inner finishing could have elevated the garments to an exceptional status. For instance, the collars on the leather gowns could have benefited from more refined interfacing to prevent slight warping under stress.
The balance of proportions, especially in the puffed sleeves and flared skirts, highlighted a deep understanding of measurement points. The puffed sleeves of the leather gowns demonstrated a solid grasp of pattern manipulation, and the controlled flare of the floral gowns suggested a command of fabric drape. The kimono sleeves on the floral gowns were visually striking, but yet lacked structural excellence. They pulled slightly at the shoulders, hinting at insufficient reinforcement at the armhole seam.
The camouflage cargo pants also offered little that could distinguish them from other generic similar designs in the market. The closed breast pocket on the white tops could also function better opened or slightly larger without compromising the intended style. However, it still portrayed meticulous button detailing adding a quiet yet emphatic touch of individuality.
The incorporation of Ankara elements and floral prints bridges cultural storytelling with contemporary urban trends, adding depth to the brand’s portfolio. The collection’s versatility makes it adaptable for both casual and semi-formal settings, increasing its commercial viability.
Z-Urban will appeal to the younger generation who value personalised and comfortable pieces. The T-shirts and cargo pants have strong market potential, fitting seamlessly into casual streetwear trends, while the leather gowns and mini Ankara skirts would cater to an audience that values bold statement pieces.