The vibe was vibin’ at African Fashion Week

BY TRISHA SMITH

African Fashion Week was a force to be reckoned with this past weekend. It was the highlight of the summer and talk of the town. Their presence was inescapable on day one with a full-blown runway show in the heart of downtown at Dundas Square. The next day was all about lavish and luxury at an exclusive couture event. The last day was the icing on the cake with a rooftop day party that rocked the city with the latest in afrobeats, r&b and reggae. There was an after party for both nights, to celebrate the achievements and success of a hard day’s work, and those didn’t fail either.

I want to take this time though, to focus on day two, the couture event that featured renowned Nigerian fashion design Adebayo Jones.

This year’s events were streamed live on YouTube and streamed and held at the BBL Go Live studios and the decor did not disappoint. I walked into an afro-sheik, well-lit and camera-ready atmosphere. I was seated right at the front, so I did not miss out on any action. Afrobeats was on blast as people started pouring into the room and filling the seats. It was a full house, and I could feel the joy and anticipation in the air. The crowd did not press any brakes when it came on to their attire. I saw beautiful traditional African attire, the latest African fashion, to modern wear with the matching accessories and shoes from both genders. I was sitting amongst opulence, and I was loving it!

There were about four large screen TVs set up around the front of the stage to catch every angle of the models. The chairs were adorned with extra fabric to add to the crowd’s comfort and aesthetics of the place. The air conditioning was also on blast which kept us all cool and comfortable as we mingled and patiently waited for the festivities to begin.

This year’s theme was called Empress and Emperor. The lights were dimmed, and the music changed to the regal classical era. The show started with the men’s line of suits. The models wore a combination of eclectic patterns, colours and materials. Some were bold like a king while others had a more innocent and playful touch like a prince. The women showed out in their stilettos and long gowns, pants suits, skirt suits and thigh high dresses. The attire of both models was filled with sequin, suede, velvets and flower patterns. The entire fashion show screamed luxury and authenticity. My favourite outfit was a black and gold flower patterned pant suit. She wore a beautiful corset with straight leg pants and gold stilettos. The corsets V-neck and bottom, along with the sides of the pant boasted a bold jewel pattern that shined from across the room. Her look was topped off with sheer off-white gloves that went past her elbows, with an off-white clutch bag and to top it all off, a beautiful diamond crown on her head that contrasted beautifully with her rich dark skin. I loved it!

At the end, the posh Adebayo Jones came on stage to our applause and to answer some questions. Mr. Jones is a Nigerian born designer that operates out of the UK. He is a very sought after and multiple award-winning designer with a global following. He said that he had been with African Fashion Week from the beginning when it started 11 years ago with some talented youths who had a vision. Although his schedule called for more pressing invitations, he was intrigued with their vision and wanted to support the young people who were determined to make a difference in the African fashion scene here in Toronto. He accepted the invitation and has watched African Fashion Week grown into something unforgettably special over the years. I could see the gratitude that filled his eyes as he motivated the crowd to keep working towards their dreams and to never give up.

He ended the night with appreciation of how far he’s come by serenading the crowd with an acapella verse of the gospel song “How Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. Little did he know that almost everyone knew that song and the crowd sang along into the chorus. I’m not a church goer but I was definitely in church at that moment. Mr. Jones’ beautiful baritone voice along with the gentle vocals of the crowd was the perfect end to the night. There’s nothing more honourable than having an attitude of gratitude and Adebayo Jones was indeed humbled.

Be sure to keep up with his amazing works on all social media platforms and his podcast, With Adebayo Jones, located on all streaming platforms.

After the show the crowd was still buzzing with conversation, pictures and music. Thirty minutes later, the crowd slowly made their way to the free after party to eat some tasty African cuisine, while listening to music and keeping the vibes going.

Despite running a bit behind schedule, Day 2’s Couture Experience was a night to remember. It’s so important for us as  a people to come together and support one another’s accomplishments and achievements and African Fashion Week did just that. Support their initiative and follow them on IG to keep up with the highly anticipated African fashion week 2024.