Stella Mccartney's SS18 collection takes inspiration from 'Yoruba Mummies' kaftan

olamide olarewaju

October 5, 2017 10:36 AM

Ankara in Yoruba styles were seen in Stella McCartney's Summer 2018 presentation at Paris Fashion Week. They come 'interesting' too.

The collection which was vibant as per usual features at least 5 African/Ankara prints inspired looks- some were even done in bold Nigerian-ish styles! (Think those Ankara dresses Yoruba mums wear casually around the house!).

The Ankara inspired pieces in the collection were around at least five (5) pieces and they were not overdone or overly modified, just plain Nigerian inspired casual 'mummy-styles'!

The Ankara inspired pieces were featured in wrap shirt dress, a bardot ('off shoulder' free kaftan!) free casual wear, a tiered hem one mono strap bardot look.

Another Ankara inspired playsuit meets culottes one-piece style layered with a denim jacket on the runway bore striking similarities to a 'buba' over a short 'wrapper' while another took heavy inspiration from the ruffle neck long sleeved blouses which was presented on the runway on white tailored pants and boots.

The runway presentation got a lot of reactions from Nigerians especially who saw the Africa prints presented with barely enough coloured model strutting the runway for the fashion designer.

The designer however acknowledged that the prints were Africa inspired in a tweet detailing some of the looks off the runway.

In the past designers like Stella Jean had chosen Ankara prints (the Barbara dress made famous by Rihanna) to work with, Celine worked with 'Ghana Must Go' bags and so on.

Safe to say African fashion is fast becoming the ultimate inspiration for international brands!

See the entire collection below.

olamide olarewaju