A look at the 2022

By Christy Anyanwu

African culture has been preserved for many years through diverse means, such as folktales, stories, language, etc. However, from time immemorial, fashion has been one way through which a people’s culture and heritage are preserved.

Since fashion has become a way to express different personalities, origins, and ideas, it is still in place to have a collection crafted to showcase the beauty and radiance of African heritage and culture.

With festivities like Ojude Oba in Ogun State, where Yoruba cultural attires are portrayed in full regalia, there is no two-way about it—traditions and histories are preserved with fashion. A recent study by Dr I. J. Diyaolu, who specialises in clothing and textile designs, conducted research where he specifically examined the dress code at Ojude-Oba. It was discovered that most participants at the festival believed that the Yoruba attire played a significant role in promoting culture.

On this premise, Emmadube created the Bemrodo 2022 collection to display African culture with elegant, embellished styles. This is a testament to traditional textiles and designs being ever-beautiful. The Emmadube brand, established by renowned fashion icon Chidubem Emmanuel Agbasimalo, who has been in the game for several years, puts pieces together to craft unique styles, including Afrocentric designs that effortlessly beautify the 21st-century women and exude confidence and style while upholding culture.

Uniqueness and charm come to mind with the Bemrodo collection, with a radiant mix of Ankara fabrics that typify creativity in its full glory. The designs were nicely combined with mikado, cotton, and crepe fabrics. One primary attribute of the collection is the generous use of bold sleeves to accentuate every dress and outfit, embodying daring designs and alluring masterpieces.

Who says African prints and designs can’t be funky, especially when accessorised sophisticatedly? The Vivina two-piece is perfect for the modern African woman whose style and creativity shine through in her fashion sense. The edgy V-neck collar effortlessly conveys boldness. Mixing and matching two different materials while maintaining a good fashion sense is a nudge that fashion doesn’t have to be boring.

Exploring different styles and ways to remain fashionable is not a one-way street. The bourgeois sleeve complements the slim-fitted dress, and the sleeve adds a touch of distinction, making the dress worthy of being noticed. The side-parted bun of the model gives room for comfort without interfering with the design details. The pattern typifies an African print, and the Vivina dress’s patterns speak of calmness with its mix of green and brown. This calmness reflects the quiet confidence the dress exudes.

The Vivina dress is ideal for a woman looking to appear sophisticated while celebrating African culture. It is perfect for family functions or semi-formal gatherings and will stand out on any occasion.

The Emmadube Brand desires to see the modern woman comfortable in every piece and style while pursuing her goals. With never-ending tasks to meet and goals to achieve, fashion should stay put; looking elegant and classy should be a lifestyle. The Jures two-piece is perfect for any woman who loves elegance and bright outfits made with African prints.

Made from a brightly coloured print with brown and orange as dominant colours, this two-piece presents a beautiful material that perfectly suits its chosen style. The puff sleeves provide a dramatic outlook, while the ruffle at the end of the sleeve creates a narrower fit at the wrist. This eccentric detail adds texture, volume, and a distinctive shape to the sleeve, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the jumpsuit.

The off-shoulder button top adds a feminine touch to the outfit by drawing attention to the shoulders, adding a hint of sensuality. The buttons on the top ensure easy wear and versatility. The masterpiece truly comes alive with the right accessories. Pairing the jumpsuit with black-heeled sandals adds elegance and sophistication to the look.

Emmadube ensures that every material fits, and the design is meticulously crafted to meet the highest fashion standards while catering to the everyday woman. Aesthetic details were carefully considered when creating this piece.

Imagine an outfit that celebrates class and elegance while showcasing the versatility of African print: the Jures Outfit.

Choice of colour, style, and design name all speak to an idea a designer is trying to convey in fashion. Blue is a beautiful choice for this outfit, as it comes in a wide range of shades, from deep navy to soft hues, as seen in this design. The sky blue evokes serenity, tranquillity, and freshness, while the deeper blues exemplify boldness. Creating a two-piece outfit is a nod to flexibility in styling, as each piece of top or trousers can be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe, making diverse fashionable statements with the same outfit.

The simple medium-cut trouser at the hem ensures smooth mobility and flexibility. Created with African prints, which have become a staple in the fashion industry, the Rina piece typifies pride in African culture and identity. The collar speaks volumes about the versatility of Ankara fabrics, as it blends a modern cut with traditional attire. The use of sky-blue satin material on the top justifies the choice of high-quality materials and the fusion of conventional prints with modern-day fabric.

Without question, this two-piece portrays a cosy and comfortable style fit for corporate outings, embodying the bold spirit of a woman who aims to stand out and be different.

Ankara prints have become prominent in global fashion trends, with designers and fashion enthusiasts incorporating them into contemporary and custom-made designs. They add a distinctive and unique touch to fashion collections worldwide, showcasing Africa’s rich culture and artistic expressions while appealing to a global audience.

Emmadube understands this and continues pushing history, ideas, and creativity in the African continent forward. It constantly mainstreams the African culture through carefully curated designs, outfits, and styles that elevate the fashion industry.