There's no way to go about this without being dramatic: Deola Sagoe broke the faucet and rained down glamour.
It was a staggering and stunning downpour at Deola Sagoe's show earlier today - an avalanche of influences from the swinging 60s, to a dash of victorian glamour and a perhaps subconscious dose of underwater inspiration. From dresses that mimicked the glorious metallic colors of fish and their dazzling scales re-invented as sequins and embellishments, we couldn't shake off the feeling of mermaid/otherworldly glamor. For a collection almost exclusively executed in the distinctly African aso-oke [traditionally woven cloth] as many of her past collections have been, this is an astounding testament to Deola Sagoe's ability to invent, re-invent and transcend.
The emphasis on movement and shape alongside the most stunning design elements (sharp shoulders, embroidery, sheer panels) tied this collection up in a neat little bow and filed it in the 'extraordinary' compartment of our hearts and minds. A stunning and unbelievable sartorial and visual experience.
Here's a closer look at the most striking design elements:
A touch of the polka:
Magnificent floor-length frocks
Gorgeous multi-tone metallic looks that reminded us very much of colorful fish:
Mini metallica:
Lace and sheer panels:
A dose of black:
Shape and movement:
Victorian glamour, complete with lace and plaid:
Skater waists and sharp sleeves/shoulders:
The designer herself:
AMAZING.
See the entire collection here, courtesy of AFI.
XO
