By Christy Anyanwu
On a serene evening in Lagos, Nigeria, on the 29th of March 2023, Taj Luxury, under the creative direction of the visionary Temitope Oluwaseyi Ajomole, unveiled their highly anticipated collection, “Timeless Reverie.” The event was an intimate affair, with an atmosphere charged with excitement and curiosity as the audience awaited the debut of this groundbreaking collection. What unfolded was a mesmerising journey through African heritage, beautifully woven into contemporary fashion.
The collection opened with an ensemble that immediately captured the imagination. A female model stepped forward, her figure draped in an expansive, kimono-inspired cape. The fabric was a riot of colours—deep reds, splashes of green, and dark, inky blacks, all swirling together in a hypnotic tie-dye pattern. The cape flowed around her with an effortless grace, the wide sleeves and voluminous cut giving her the appearance of floating as she moved. The oversized buttons lining the front of the cape, bold in their symmetry, added a structural element that balanced the fluidity of the fabric. This piece was paired with a sleek black underlayer—a fitted crop top and high-waisted pants that accentuated the model’s silhouette, creating a striking contrast against the billowing cape.
This first look set the tone for the rest of the collection, which continued to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity. The use of ankara fabric, with its distinctive patterns and vibrant hues, was a recurring theme throughout the collection, grounding the modern designs in a deep sense of cultural identity. Each piece seemed to echo the rhythms of African life—its vibrancy, its history, its beauty.
As the show progressed, the focus shifted to menswear, where Ajomole’s creative genius truly shone. One standout look was a long, robe-like jacket worn by a male model. The jacket featured a bold geometric pattern in striking red against a black background, reminiscent of traditional African motifs yet rendered in a way that felt utterly contemporary. The jacket’s cut was both relaxed and elegant, with wide sleeves and a flowing silhouette that moved with the model as he walked. It was paired with tailored black trousers, creating a look that was both sophisticated and approachable. The jacket’s open front and loose fit gave it a casual air, while the rich fabric and intricate pattern made it clear that this was a garment designed for someone with a keen eye for detail and a love for craftsmanship.
The women’s collection continued to impress with a particularly memorable outfit—a structured jacket with an asymmetrical closure, tied at the waist with a wide sash, and paired with wide-legged black trousers. The jacket was adorned with the same geometric patterns seen in the men’s pieces, but here they were scaled down and used to create a more delicate, intricate design. The sash cinched the waist, creating a strong, feminine silhouette that was both powerful and elegant. The trousers, wide and flowing, added a sense of drama and movement to the outfit, making it clear that this was a look designed for a woman who is not afraid to make a statement.
As the collection neared its conclusion, the final piece to be showcased was a breathtaking black kimono, worn by a male model, with an intricate floral motif embroidered on the back. The kimono’s design was simple yet striking—a long, flowing garment with wide sleeves and an open front that revealed a bare chest and slim black trousers. The floral motif, rendered in vivid red thread, was a masterpiece of embroidery, with each petal and leaf meticulously stitched to create a design that was both bold and refined. The model’s presence, combined with the garment’s exquisite craftsmanship, made this piece the perfect embodiment of the “Timeless Reverie” collection’s ethos: a celebration of African heritage that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking.
As the final model left the runway, the room was filled with a palpable sense of awe and appreciation. Temitope Oluwaseyi Ajomole had transcended the mere act of fashion design, crafting a collection that felt more like a living, breathing tapestry of culture and artistry. The “Timeless Reverie” collection was not just a showcase of garments but a vibrant expression of heritage and innovation. The audience was left with a lasting impression of Ajomole’s ability to weave the past and the present into a seamless and compelling vision of the future of African fashion. The impact of the collection resonated deeply, leaving those in attendance reflecting on the beauty and significance of what they had just witnessed.