What if African prints were never invented? Can you even imagine what fashion would be without it? This is a memory no fashion enthusiast would like to have.
Why is this?
It’s simply because African print has made a huge impact on the global world that it is implausible to even think about it not being in existence. A world without African print is unimaginable.
In present years, African print has become a pillar and a driving force in global fashion. it has succeeded in transcending borders and captivating audiences around the globe. Though a traditional attire, African prints have evolved into a coveted luxury material, rivalling international standards. Factors like African’s desire to reconnect with their heritage, social media democratisation, the renowned quality put into creating the print and the innovations of several designers, are joint forces that fuelled the demand for African print all over the world.
This print impacted the fashion industry to the extent that fashion powerhouses, such as Burberry and Versace acknowledged its influence and appeal and incorporated it into their collections. As we celebrate the power of African print, our attention turns to the talented designer, Daniel Chinedu Ibeh, whose latest collection embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Daniel Chinedu established Danibe Studios, his clothing line in the year 2017.
Danibe Studios aims at creating garments that not only reflect modern elegance but also celebrate the rich heritage of African artistry. It is a brand committed to producing quality and innovative outfits that are appealing to discerning women who appreciate both style and cultural significance. Due to its exceptionality, the brand was recognised as one of Guardian Life’s “One to Watch” in 2018 and was carried by Temple Muse, a luxury store located in Lagos. Additionally, the designer was also selected as one of five finalists for the prestigious Alara Emerge Fashion Fund, showcasing his skill set and effort.
Using the wide range of clothing that the brand had created, it went on to showcase some of its designs in various renowned events such as unveiling its SS20 collection at Fashion Finest Africa and participating in the African Fashion Week Brazil in 2023. The designer, due to his dedication to excellence has been recognised with nominations, including Designer of the Year in 2020 by Fashion Finest Africa.
One of the brand’s outstanding collections is the 2023 collection, a Duo set which we will be discussing in this article.
Take a moment and take this dress in.
Isn’t it just spectacular, we are in awe of its simple but classic look. Dress Dessire just as the name implies is one to be much desired. The brilliant blend of colour, fabric and design is so captivating. Dessire is that dress that will have people asking you questions like— ‘Where did you get this dress?’
The outfit is a two-piece attire which makes it all the more fun when it comes to styling. At the top is a simple blouse and at the bottom is a trouser.
The blouse is an off-shoulder top with short puff sleeves that are held with an elastic material by the hem. It also has a detachable zipper which can also be referred to as a ‘separated zipper’ or ‘open-end’ zipper. On the bottom is a sharp-clinging bell pant. The resonating feature of the trousers is the ‘bell’ part at the lower half of the fit. This part of the wear was created with careful plaiting stiches and delicately cut-out fabric. The bell trouser is often talked about with the likes of palazzo, gaucho and culottes which are all wide-legged pants.
The complete set was created with an African print popularly known as Ankara. This particular print has a wide range of colour schemes and patterns too. Some of the colours that can be found on the fabric are purple, dark green, black, etc while the pattern can be analogised to a plant’s leave or some sort of root. Due to how perfectly cut, shaped and designed the wear is, lapse cannot be found. However, the design could invent an additional top without the off-shoulder feature for some who don’t like body exposure.
In addition, this outfit can be styled in so many ways because of its duo feature. For instance, bell pants can go with a wide range of blouses like cropped tops, halter blouses, polos, etc. The top is also the same, it can go with denim, leggings, jeggings, and the rest. Accessories can be attributed to personal tastes but here are a few options— bangles, shaped earrings, pendants, knuckle rings, cross bags, clutches, bindles, wedge heels, kitten heels, block heels, ballet flats, flat mules, etc
The second of the collection is Faves.
We have just one word for this dress—wow. The dress is really living up to its name and may really end up being everyone’s absolute favourite in the collection. Though one might think that it is a gown, Faves is actually a two-piece wear made out of ash and black zig-zag Ankara which consists of a top and a skirt.
The top is very simple but elegantly designed with a crew neckline and no sleeve. Although barely has any highlighting feature, the top still stands out because of how aesthetically sewn it is. Just like the first set, this top also has an open-ended zipper.
The skirt starts off with a waistband and curves shapely down to the knee where it is intentionally halted. Such kinds of designs are referred to as cut-out dresses. However, unlike other designers who attach lace or net material to join the uppercut out to the lower cut-out, the designer used thick ropes instead which is quite inventive. This means that you can transform the skirt into a two-in-one look.
Now you wonder, how is this done?
Once the ropes are released, the lower part of the skirt falls off turning it into what is called a rope skirt but if it is tied back on it becomes a fashionable skirt!
Isn’t it amazing how such a simple-looking dress turned out to be a spectacular piece?
The only downside to the dress is the slit at the side of the lower half of the skirt. The skirt already has an opening in between, adding slits at the side doesn’t just rhyme with the fit but this can easily be rectified by making it into a Papillion hem instead.
The dress can also be styled in multiple ways just like the first. However, because the bottom is a skirt, you must be careful in selecting what goes or fits with it.
Dress Belle is a true beauty indeed! The splash of colours and fabric is simply amazing. This air of elegance and grace exudes from the attire.
The cropped top has a round neckline going down to the long bell sleeve and a separating zipper at the back the highlights of this part of the dress are the sleeves and the cropped feature which makes it look trendy. The bottom part of the wear is an ankle-length simple loose trouser with side seam pockets and a zipper. The looseness and zipper of the pants allow for ease in movement and wearing the dress. Unlike the first piece, these wide-legged pants lean more towards palazzo pants. The style of the piece is very simple but sophisticated.
The stunning part of this attire is also a dual piece which gives you the freedom of styling in more ways than you can imagine. When separated, each piece could be coupled with different fashion items like shorts, suspenders, jeans and many others. For instance, the Palazzo pants can be paired with a black high-collared top and the blouse with a plain midi high waist flared blue or white skirt, depending on the look you are going for or the occasion you are attending. Some accessories options that would make a good addition while styling the outfit are a wristwatch, knuckle rings, a pendant, bracelets, dangling earrings, wigs, braids, like wedge heels, stilettos, block heels, plumps, ballet flats, flat mules, sneakers, etc.
After taking a tour through this collection, the best words to describe it are eccentric, flamboyant, elegant and classy. All that is left to say is well done to the designer and the brand for making such a stunning collection that not only showcases true style but also the beauty of African heritage.