Spring is a season we expect a rebirth, a vibrant and energetic sexiness in fashion. With the recently completed New York, Paris and London Fashion Weeks, among other relevant fashion markets, we saw this rebirth. Press, buyers and fashionistas alike saw lots of references to the 70s, vibrant colors, color blocking, colorful platform shoes in shades of red, blue and so much more. In Nigeria’s inaugural MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week we have also seen the vibrancy and energetic sexiness that we expect right about this time. Kicking off day one of MNTN’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week Spain’s Mango retail shop showcased its collection.
The Mango 2012 Spring Collection translated to a Summer Collection in Nigeria, given the weather, incorporated many of the trends we expected. Clothes responded to basic needs of the fashion forward Lagos woman, they were functional and most importantly, comfortable. We saw bright colors of orange, blues, florals and animal prints. Silhouettes were kept simple with long dresses, shorts, blouses, among others. This to us translates to sales and more sales for Mango.
Models: While models in terms of body shape and height met standard fashion requirements, we were a bit disappointed with the expressions conveyed by the models on the runway. There was a lack of a clear understanding that models are there to sell the clothes. Faces were forlorn, lips were pursed, and some models looked like they were walking on the streets of Lagos rather than on a runway. For next season, we want to see models come to the runway with a clear understanding of their purpose and step up their game.
-Uduak Oduok
Photocredit: Persnickety & Kola Oshalusi
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
