BOLD, BEAUTIFUL AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY AFRICAN

Tosin Clegg

There is a sort of innovation emerging in fashion. An innovation that is neither loud nor wildly out of control like the steady flashing lights of Fashion Week or the red carpet, but as stable and deliberate as your grandma’s vintage sewing machine. It is not just about eco-friendly materials or “save the planet” t-shirts.
This brewing innovation is about sustainable fashion – a type of fashion that is ethically made and environmentally friendly, challenging us to reimagine our wardrobes and reconsider how we interact with our clothes. It is about looking good, feeling good, and making smart choices while doing so. Trust me, you can have your cake and eat it too. But let’s just make sure it’s homemade and gluten-free.

Now, let’s break it down. According to world bank group, the average person buys 60% more clothing today than they did in the early 2000s. But do they actually keepthese clothes for long? It’s like the more we buy, the more we have to discard. We’ve all been victims of buying into trends that last as long as a social media trends beforedumping them into the bottomless pit of fashion regrets. So, what is the solution to saving our outfits and alsohelping us save some cash? Sustainable fashion, darling, sustainable fashion. And this is where designers like Emmanuel Junior Yeboah comes in.

Emmanuel is a creative and exceptional fashion guru. In 2016, he established his brand ‘YEHBO’ – a leading and sustainable progressive clothing line in the realm of contemporary women’s wear. From the female form and abstract patterns, Yehbo draws inspiration which results in striking collections that highlight femininity in all its glory. Emmanuel’s recently released Caimile 2021 collection showcases his appreciation of women and how intentional he is about creating designs to appease them.
Let’s take a look at a few pieces from this Standout collection. Starting with the first design – a two-piece.

This fit is all for the casual vibe. It’s nothing too serious and not mediocre either. It is a minimalistic design crafted in prints of the popular Ankara fabric. From the neckline to the short sleeve and the length of the shorts, you should know the type of vibe you plan to give when you rock this.
With how simple this outfit design is, you have to dress it up for maximum effect. A pair of black or dark green platforms, bold statement earrings, some bangles and other added accessories would do justice to the overall look of this piece and should get you on your way.

And the makeup? Of course, makeup brings out the beauty of an outfit. These two pieces might look too minimal and simple but I’m sure my fashion girlies know just how to put 4+4 together to give 8(ate).

Going to the store to get a few groceries? Or just looking for something light for the warm weather, this design is definitely it. The breathability of this material makes it the perfect option for the summertime.

And let’s not forget the pockets by the sides of the shirt for added swagger and it can even serve as an alternative to purses. I mean who wants an additional purse when there’s a provision already made on your cloth?

This shows that the designer made this outfit with extreme care and intentionality, which is a quality of a good fashion designer. It’s not just about the talents, it’s more about how you approach this design. What was your thought process and inspiration behind it?
The approach and thought process of this designer will keep manifesting as we review a few more of the designs in this collection. Let’s move to the next iconic piece.

This is the kind of dress you fall in love with at first glance. It is how you show up when you’re ready to steal the spotlight without even trying too hard. You can tell that simplicity is Emmanuel’s watchword. He keeps it very attentive, very charming, and unassuming.
Looking at the dress, we can see that the length is not too short, not long either. It is just the perfect length for the perfect lady. This Ankara outfit is characterised by floral patterns of orange and yellow with a background colour of dark brown that screams “unapologetically African”. A look that is both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
This dress celebrates the feminine curves as it highlights the waste before flaring down into a playful skirt that gives allowance for movement. And don’t worry, there is a lining material underneath the dress to ensure comfort and protect your skin from the outer fabric.
The puff sleeve with ropes for allowance and adjustability is another trait of Emmanuel’s intentionality. This type of sleeve brings just the right amount of drama to this very simple outfit. A dress that screams “African Queen”, andallows you to do exactly what you should – slay.

This type of dress allows you to explore the essence of African style. It’s not just about, Iro and Buba or wedding Aso-Ebi, African fashion is more than just the ceremonial wears, it extends down to the casuals and the formal, evoking a look that is vibrant, rich and full of personality. And this particular piece nails it.
And don’t sleep on the styling here, those nude heels? Perfect. Add a few minimal accessories and you are good to go. No one wants to compete with a print this lively. You want a dress that captures attention? This is it. Like a bold print that says, “I’m confident, I’m here and you can’t miss me”.

It is the perfect cocktail event or Sunday brunch outfit, or for times when you’re just feeling extra fabulous. It is simple yet elegant, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual settings. A must have in your closet.
Leave ‘creating balance’ for African designers, they understand it better than Anybody else. They just know how to put outfits together that uphold the cultural heritage while ensuring we look runway-ready in any city, from Lagos to London.

Now let’s get into this next design piece. This one is a whole mood. Bold, daring and effortlessly chic.

First things first, let’s talk about the standout features – those double slits. This particular dress is here to serve legs for days. It is the perfect blend of sensual and sophisticated, giving just the right amount of “OMG” without exposing too much or crossing excess territory.
This design style is ideal for a woman who knows her power and is not afraid to show it off. I mean, why play it safe when you can make audacious statements like this?

With a mix of classy earthy tones in oranges, greens and blues, the Ankara print gives life to the design, evoking some sort of “African chic”. – The Ankara fabric has evolved from being just a cultural staple to a fashion phenomenon.
The print is busy in all the best ways, with shapes that create a traditional yet modern aesthetic. It’s like taking a walk through an African gallery but this time it’s on a fabric.

And you see how it hugs the body in all the right places? Accentuating curves and enhancing femininity with the spaghetti straps that gives it that perfect summer vibe. But with those slits? Definitely cocktail-worthy. This is more than just a dress; it is a conversational piece.
Now how do you style an outfit like this? Keeping the footwear neutral allows the dress to do the talking, you don’t want to use any extra fancy shoes that’ll take the attention away from the main character – the slit. The nude heels are a very perfect choice here. Minimal accessories? A win!

The print is the star of design here, so there is no need to overdo it with all those extra jewelleries or accessories. In styling this, less is definitely more. But what really seals the deal is the confidence this dress requires. Wearing this dress, with all that confidence, you can walk into any room and own it. The woman who knows exactly who she is, what she wants, what she brings to the table and is not afraid to show a little skin.

This dress is quite simple but powerful, modern yet deeply rooted in the African tradition and this perfectly explains African fashion itself. The way the slits give that leg peek is the same way that African designers give us a taste of the rich and vibrant cultural heritage while still keeping things right and firm, doing numbers in the fashion world.

Overall, fashion can be beautiful and sustainable. You just have to think long-term and think Yehbo. Buy these gorgeous design pieces, wear them with confidence and remember; it is not about having a closet full of clothes, but about having a closet full of stories. Invest in outfits that you’ll cherish in years to come.