HERITAGE COLLECTION: INSPIRING WOMEN TO SHINE THROUGH AFRICAN FASHION

Tosin Clegg

Have you ever slipped into outfits made from brightly coloured African fabrics and felt a surge of energy in you? That sort of feeling that makes you empowered and confident. That is what African fabrics does. It complements the stylish and elegant design with a burst of energy that makes you feel self-assured and resilient.

African fashion has long been known as a source of inspiration, offering women the freedom to express their strength and individuality. Through bold colours and vibrant patterns, African fashion extends beyond clothing the body to empowering the mind. It makes women feel confident in their skin and unapologetically proud of who they are. It is more than style, but confidence wrapped beautifully in history.

African-inspired fashion invites women around the world to embrace designs that honour their individuality while celebrating their cultural heritage. With fabrics like Ankara, each crafted design challenges women to be more, feel more and even do much more than society expects of them. When you wear outfits from these fabrics, you don’t ask to fit in, because it makes you stand out.

Today, African fashion has extended beyond the walls of the African community, making headway in the global fashion landscape. Not only does this fabric make African women stand out among other fashion enthusiasts, but it also creates a blend of cross-cultural fusion. By blending with contemporary fashion, African fashion creates timeless pieces that resonate with a global audience. This distinctive approach to African fashion inspires women everywhere to embrace pieces that are as bold as they are meaningful.

Wearing these designs is about feeling grounded and rooted in the richness of different cultures. This fusion of traditional and modern fabrics and designs woven into every piece inspires a new generation of women— women capable of redefining elegance on their own terms.

Whether it is through vibrant dress that turns head when you wear them or a minimalistic design that radiates elegance, African-inspired fashion offers something unique. A chance to wear the legacy that these pieces have through every pattern and fabric.

Among the top designers known for contributing significantly to upholding African fashion in Nigeria and beyond is Spring Stitches. The premium clothing brand established in 2016 by Augustina Temitope Abisuga, has consistently created pieces that celebrate the cultural heritage. Every piece of design from this brand empowers self-expression and promotes inclusivity and artisanal craftsmanship.

Through its Heritage 2021 collection, Spring Stitches showcases how it celebrates the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of the African continent. The designs, which are masterfully crafted infusing contemporary elements, are made to inspire women to express their true selves through colourful designs and vibrant prints. The collection emphasises the distinctiveness and adaptability of African fashion. The designs in the collections take you on a thrilling fashion adventure combining modern trends and African aesthetics.

One of the designs in the collection is the Coker Jumpsuit. The jumpsuit is designed from a mixture of both African prints and crêpe fabric. Both fabrics are perfectly blended into an outstanding statement piece. The designer meticulously made each fabric cover half of the designs giving the piece a unique appearance.

The overall design of this piece is a fitted silhouette that outlines the wearer’s shape comfortably without creating any form of discomfort. The bodice features a fitted elbow-length sleeve. While one end of the sleeves runs plainly, the other shoulder features a cut-out design giving it an irresistible edgy look. The cut-out is complemented by a two-layer ruffle that adds to the beautiful design.

The bodice features a deep V neckline that slightly extends towards the cleavage, allowing the wearer to express her femininity subtly.  The neckline design also draws attention to the wearer’s face.  The pants are designed into a loosely fitted silhouette to creates the optimum level of comfort while outlining the wearer’s physique. The pants are designed in such a way that the right side is made from African fabric while the other is made from crepe. The right side of the pants also features a discrete pocket.

This design is a great piece that allows the wearer to feel comfortable while running through their daily activities. The piece can comfortably transition from formal to casual events. Irrespective of your event, you can complement this masterfully crafted piece with different fashion accessories that elevate your fashion sense. Overall, this piece makes a bold statement while radiating confidence and glamour.

Another enthralling piece that made its way to the collection is the Lara Set. This design consists of a classic kimono and a pair of pants. The kimono is designed with a three-quarter sleeve that is loosely fitted. The neckline is designed into a plunged V-shape. The overall design is a minimalistic design that offers comfort and elegance. The piece radiates a bold statement allowing every woman to express their individuality without having to take caution on their fashion style. The pants are loosely fitted enhancing comfort while running through the daily activities.

This minimalistic design from Spring Stitches perfectly blends African fabrics with modern styles to create a timeless piece. The outfit can comfortably fit semi-formal and casual events easily making it a go-to ensemble for every woman looking to make a bold statement and show their deep-rooted connection to the African culture without sacrificing comfort, elegance, and sophistication. The kimono jacket however can be made a bit shorter to enhance the overall outlook. With a shorter length, the outfit can better appeal to a large audience, especially a petite audience.

Regardless, this piece is a great ensemble for every fashion lover. It can be complemented with several fashion accessories to taste.

The last piece that found its way into the Spring Stitches Heritage collection is the Ifunaya dress. Also meticulously crafted from the fusion of African fabric and crêpe, the dress beautifully suits a fun and playful casual day. The design features a beautiful African print bodice and a crepe balloon sleeve. The bodice is designed in an A-shape design that ends slightly above the leg. This draws attention to the wearer’s leg.

The stunning pattern on the African prints perfectly blends with the black crêpe used to make the sleeve. The crêpe fabric was also used to create a midline on the bodice balancing out the overall structure of the design. The gown neckline features a crew cut calling attention to the face region.

Overall, this design is a great piece from Spring Stitches as it perfectly blends comfort and sophistication. The outfit is best suited for casual events where you want to look your best but simple. Complementing this design with different fashion accessories can enhance the overall look and statement you make with this piece.

In essence, Augustina Temitope Abisuga through her designs, embraces the pulse of African fashion through this collection. Every piece in the collection blends African-inspired fashion with contemporary styles while maintaining elegance and sophistication. The Heritage Collection encapsulates the essence of African fashion in a way that resonates globally. The intricate designs invite women to embrace their uniqueness and stand out, with a look that is effortlessly bold and sophisticated. It further inspires women to redefine elegance on their terms, celebrating both identity and artistry.