WHY BOLD CHOICES MATTER IN MEN’S FASHION

Tosin Clegg

It’s about time men’s fashion is no longer left on the back burner. The intentionality and attention given to women in fashion shouldn’t be limited to one gender. Now is the time for men to shine through their outfits, make a statement, and change the narrative of boring, drab pieces. For centuries, men’s fashion has been relegated to simple and not-so-vibrant designs. Although the intent behind that may have been to portray societal expectations of masculinity—strength, authority, and a lack of flamboyance. The preference for neutral tones like black, grey, navy, and brown, along with classic, structured garments, has been seen as a way to project professionalism, seriousness, and maturity.

A trip down a store and without the help of a sign that says “men’s wear,” you can still tell which section is which. Why? Because, without being told, the section for male apparel is filled with soft hues and understated designs.

It’s time to shake things up and move away from the old rules of men’s fashion. Gone are the days when men were limited to basic suits and neutral tones. Fashion for men is embracing bold colours, unique cuts, and creative patterns. But it’s not just about how it looks—it’s about men showing their individuality, confidence, and personality through what they wear
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Fashion isn’t just self-expression for women—it’s for everyone. Men are now stepping into styles that were once considered too “out there” or unconventional. Think streetwear, avant-garde designs, and even gender-fluid trends. It’s about celebrating the freedom to try new things—whether that’s textured fabrics, mixing prints, or rocking fitted blazers that show off personality.

Day by day, men are being encouraged to step out of the traditional box and explore fashion that fits who they are. Bold prints, sleek blazers, statement shoes, and eye-catching accessories like jewellery are all on the table now. It’s a chance to break old norms and redefine what it means to be stylish today.
Rilwan Rotinwa Olamide and Abdul-Mumeen Ayodeji Agbeniga seek to infuse this narrative with their Fashion brand. A dynamic duo behind a thriving Afrocentric label that caters specifically to men. Through their brand, they are redefining what it means to be a fashionable man in the 21st century.

The Adire Summer set in the 2023 Ibara Collection brings a vibrant mix of traditional and modern styles, inspired by the rich heritage of Adire fabric. It’s a great example of how designers can seamlessly combine timeless patterns with fresh, contemporary cuts, crafting a bold and unique wardrobe for the modern man.

Adrift from the regular styles in men’s clothing, the hues used in the Ibira collection are bold, unapologetic, and unconventional. While the off-white backdrop offers just the right amount of balance to keep it grounded. The hues are striking yet give a sense of finesse—a perfect blend for those who aren’t afraid to stand out.

And the patterns? They’re a visual treat, a conversation starter. This isn’t your average summer print; it’s art in motion. The subtle imperfections in the design add character, making each wear feel like an exploration of something deeper and earthy.

Infusing Adire or Kampala Fabric
Adire fabric, which can be traced to the Abeokuta people of Nigeria, is celebrated for its stunning tie-dye techniques and eye-catching patterns. By weaving Adire into their designs, Rilwan Rotinwa and Ayodeji Agbeniga not only honour their heritage but also connect with a global audience. What’s more, the collection focuses on ready-to-wear pieces tailored for today’s modern man. Each garment strikes a balance between style and versatility, making it easy to switch from casual outings to more formal events. This practicality reflects the realities of contemporary life, where fashion needs to be both stylish and functional.

Black and Bright Accents
The collection features striking hues dominated by black, complemented by vibrant accents such as orange and pink. This contrast not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes an energetic feel. The bold colours draw attention to key design elements, making each piece a statement in itself. While the black tones bring a subtle feel to the collection, they instil a sense of masculinity, with a twist of individuality in every piece.

Patterned Outfits and Trousers
Using patterned fabrics adds depth and character to the collection. From asymmetrical lines to abstract designs, these patterns reflect traditional African artistry while staying relevant in contemporary fashion. The trousers and shorts are tailored to provide comfort without compromising style, making them ideal for various settings.

Let’s talk about the short-sleeved, button-up shirt—a staple piece that elevates summer wear effortlessly, especially when incorporating kampala fabric. This shirt can easily make a statement whether you’re strolling through Westminster Abbey or taking a trip to Niagara Falls. It’s the kind of outfit that turns heads amidst the crowd because it’s different and eccentric—an indigenous twist to everyday wear.

And that’s the story Rilwan and Ayodeji aim to tell, where culture transcends borders, through fashion, style, and masterpieces that redefine men’s fashion. The two-piece shorts and shirt don’t just offer casual comfort; they radiate effortless style for warmer days. This is the shirt that screams, “laid-back, yet I still care.”

It is a stand-out feature in the collection with the use of pink fabric, which brings a fresh vibrancy to men’s wear. This choice challenges traditional gender norms in fashion, inviting men to embrace bolder colours and patterns that express their personalities.
The cracked, organic pattern draws inspiration from the beauty of sunbaked earth and rugged stone surfaces. This earthy vibe gives the design a rustic charm that instantly connects you to the great outdoors. Designed with summer in mind, this piece pairs beautifully with summer shorts, creating an effortlessly stylish outfit that’s perfect for warm days.

This look brings together African culture and modern minimalist style. The contrast between the black and orange print shirt is where the excitement begins. That bold splash of orange batik on one side catches the eye, but it feels like the shirt is holding back. Imagine if the vibrant orange took over more of the design—how much bolder and more daring it would be!

The black pants balance things out, but they’re almost too subtle. A different fabric texture could bring the whole outfit to life, making it feel less like your everyday look and more like a statement piece. The shoes? Practical, sure, but they could use a bit more punch to truly elevate the outfit.

Now, let’s talk details—like the pocket and seams. Often overlooked, these small elements play a big role in creating a polished look. The pocket, lined up with the orange print, seems like a missed chance. A well-placed, standout pocket can be a game-changer in men’s fashion, but here, it fades into the background. Maybe a diagonal cut would’ve added that extra edge.

The seams, while clean, don’t make much of a statement. In modern fashion, seams can highlight the body’s shape or create unexpected visual interest. With an African-inspired design like this, there’s room to take advantage of the craftsmanship, making the seams pop or become part of the overall vibe, reflecting the strength and creativity of African fashion.

Colour-wise, the black and orange combo does the magic here. Orange is bold, energetic, and confident—especially in men’s fashion. It’s a colour with cultural depth in Africa, symbolizing warmth, harvest, and transformation. Here, though, it feels like the design only scratches the surface of what orange can do. Why not play more with patterns or textures to make it even more impactful?

Looking at trends, Afrocentric designs are becoming a global phenomenon. Men’s fashion is stepping away from neutral tones, embracing vibrant colours like orange to showcase individuality and cultural pride. This outfit taps into that wave, but it plays it safe. In Africa, especially among the younger crowd, there’s a movement to blend traditional fabrics with modern cuts in creative ways. This look is on the right path, but with a little more risk-taking, it could stand out even more in the ongoing cultural fashion revolution.

For global significance, the entire collection hints at the blend of tradition and modernity. It’s functional enough for a casual setting but falls short of the kind of daring experimentation that we’re seeing in contemporary African menswear. Fashion, especially within African contexts, is increasingly about making a statement, whether that’s about heritage, identity, or breaking free from stereotypes. While the black and orange two-piece plays it safe, it’s still a subtle nod to the power of African design on the global stage. With a bit more boldness, it could become a true symbol of fashion’s ongoing dialogue between the past and the future.

Overall, the 2023 Ibara Collection exemplifies how Rilwan and Ayodeji are redefining men’s fashion by merging cultural heritage with modern sensibilities. Through the use of Adire fabric, thoughtful design choices, and diverse colours they create pieces that resonate with today’s man—confident, stylish, and deeply connected to his roots.