The Sun -CULTURAFORM ’24: BLENDING THE AFRICAN ORIGIN STORY WITH ITS BRILLIANT FUTURE

It’s not wrong to say that Africa is the cradle of human creativity. Neither is it an exaggeration to claim that African designs are rooted in the fabric of human origin. While other cultures celebrate human industrial achievements, the myriads of African cultures remind humanity across the world to stay connected to their many origin stories. That glimpse is captured brilliantly in Naba Clothing’s new collection, Culturaform ‘24.

This brand has brought cultural expression to the fashion industry with the founder; Oluwadamilola Adeola, widely known for his exceptional ability to blend sustainability with a cultural ensemble. This African brand ensures both male and female experience its deep affection for cultural heritage through fashion. The success of these new designs speaks for itself, showcasing the designer’s creativity and diligence poured into this work of art. Hence, the designer’s potential to become a world-class figure in the fashion industry will be evaluated in the course of this review.

This first design opens the future to African art and fashion.

It is a two-piece ensemble having a kaftan robe and wide trousers. The outfit features unique designs that make it an instant favourite, both for its creativity and functionality. Green colour is the most distinct, especially with the multi-coloured vertical and horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and blue. These distinct patterns offer the outfit an exotic look that only traditional wear possesses.

The aso-oke-made robe has a V-shape neckline that is best described as conservative. It is neither a plunging neckline nor a tight one, giving it a delicate appearance of professionalism and playfulness. But the sleeves are delivered with a different and more refined approach. These sleeves dance between the kaftan’s style and the dashiki’s flair. Although they shy away from the wrists, they have a loose-fitting structure that contributes to the uniqueness of this outfit. While one could imagine that these sleeves would tremble endlessly in the wind, the hemline does not need rushing air to trouble the eyes. Although this hemline looks rather ragged and convulsed. Perhaps it would have looked better if the hemline were more layered.

Moving to the next design on this rack, I call it the traditional Assembly.

This outfit is crafted in a clean structure that reveals the ‘Senator’ style. The designer and his team unveil art and maturity in this design. The neckline of this outfit has a round collar typical of native wear. One might think this design is made of two, but the design is actually a three-piece ensemble of trousers, a jacket with an inner top, all of the same colour. The jacket’s sleeves are elbow-length with a relaxed fit. This feature adds dynamism to the overall structure of the outfit. From lean and clean to robust and full. The buttonless jacket exposes the inner top. It also has a wide chest pocket with a flap, which offers a periodic outlook of older designs.

However, the colour selection does not increase the aesthetic appeal. This is a light greyish green that has no inspiration. Though it might be a cool colour that is pleasant on the eyes, it looks vulnerable without a complementary colour.

In this piece, the designer can adopt a few changes to make the plain colour stand out. Just looking at this design with extra detail that extends from the wearer’s flap, seems as if the designer may have attempted to craft a belt. However, it should have been better hidden or removed. This outfit can stand without the jacket, although it would only dull the wearer’s presence. To add more aesthetic to the jacket, the designer can adopt the use of black antique nickel buttons to add more feel.  It would make the wearers different from every regular guy on native.

This next design makes any wearer look smart and professional.

Here’s an outfit similar to a double-breasted suit. One thing that works for this piece is the sharp structure that creates an edgy outlook. From the sleeves to the neckline, every feature is squared like a piece of blueprint. The deep navy blue offers a modest look of originality. The jacket’s V-shaped neckline is framed by two rectangular lapels that seem like a seal’s pair of tails. Its blade-like construction gives the outfit a clear-cut appearance. The long sleeves are fitted with a neat structure, giving it a professional blend. But if this design were placed in the list to be selected as the star of this show, it would probably be this double-breasted button.  The designer and his team introduce the sculptural function of a double pocket to enhance the outfit’s well-constructed outlook. The trousers maintain a standard, that is moderately fitted cut made to look sleek while providing comfort.