There is no denying that the overall quality of the shows at this year's Africa Fashion Week was good. Really good in some instances, and slightly less than good in others. But overall it was good. Obviously I will simply share with you the shows that I thought were super good. Starting with the show that opened the week, Kluk CGDT. How divine. Really. Just like a stunning gift box that you are loathe to unwrap because it looks so lovely, but you do, and with every delicate piece of tissue you remove, another frothy convection of delight appears. Until you are sated and emotional and once more you believe in the good in the world. Sublime. Congrats boys.
I also loved the professional sheen, exquisite cut and extraordinary colour combinations of Bunmi Koko. This was a masterclass in design and the closest we have yet to see on our local runways to international award-winning standard. I am obsessed with this team.
Lola Faturoti was a surprise. Unfamiliar with her work, I was delighted by the beautiful fabrication, the pattern and the incredible attention to detail in lose, flowing pieces. It was sophisticated and classic, with a pallette of Africa.
Christie Brown blew the cobwebs out of our eyes with her sunshine collection of contemporary African fashion. I liked it a lot, although it probably isn't her best collection to date.
And Thula Sindi. Ah, Thula. This man clouds my fashion judgement by being the warmest heart in the business. He knows his market of fabulous, strong women who like to dazzle when they dress. He makes mature, statement pieces for the ladies who like to be noticed and love him as much as his work loves them. It is a staggering relationship, and when you consider his relative youth, it is an achievement that deserves to be recognized.
If you would like to see all the images from these fantastic shows, trot on over to http://afi.sdr.co.za