The year 2017 has indeed been an iconic one when it comes to fashion. However, as the saying goes, “Out with the old and in with the new.” With 2018 finally upon us, a new dawn of fashion is in full swing and new and fresh designs will be here to take the lead. Therefore, there’s no better way to find out how fashion will evolve if not from the fashion designers themselves. We spoke to a few designs in the Nigerian fashion scene on their take on what fashion in Nigeria and globally will look like in 2018.
Hindatu Alamin (Lamins)
Lamins designs ready-to-wear pieces for women: from skirts, blouses, dresses, pants to kimonos, with plans to expand this year. With the designer outfit based in Abuja, the clothes are made in Malaysia and shipped to Nigeria.
Alamin said, “All fashion lovers should expect a lot to come their way in 2018 because from what I have seen, there are many designers bringing new items to the fashion industry, and even though we live in a conservative society, many designers are breaking barriers and creating what suits best. Also, I’m proud to say changes are now made to fit Muslim women too.”
She added that, “The use of pastel colours will reign. Many designers such as Micheal Kors and Valentino made use of pastel for their ‘Spring 2018’ collections. Also, at the Lagos Fashion Week, brands such as Style Temple made use of pastel colours too: this is another trend I think will make it to the 2018 art-infused designs. Art and fashion intersected on the ‘Spring 2018’ runway are making a colourful and rich way to shake up any wardrobe.
“Corsets need to stay in 2017,” she said, and added that, “We have seen dresses, shirts and tops made with corset this year sold by many basic and major designers. I think we have enough of it for this year, but they will be a bit uncomfortable; especially for people like me who would glam up and over eat during lunch or dinner.”
Ibrahim Abdulmumini Aminu (House of Kaya)
The CEO of House of Kaya, Aminu, said, “House of Kaya is here to push its designs in a new light and continue to uphold its ethos in the fashion industry by looking more inward and embracing the African and northern culture with more usage of the African print fabric used in a neon modern and minimal way. I think warm colours like pepper red, sunflower yellow and snorkel blue will carry on.”
“Fabric manipulation of frills and volumes would also carry on into 2018, but I think they would be used in a bolder way than they are being used right now.”
As for the trend he thinks should be left reigning in 2018, Ibrahim said, “The trend that I think should be broken is the idea that it’s okay to plagiarise other designers.”
Zinatu Ahmed Salik (Xeena Salik)
This brand specialises in shoes and bags that are locally sourced in Nigeria and then the products shipped worldwide. Her love for unique and affordable bags for all women inspired her to start her brand in 2016. Here’s what she said about the fashion world in 2018.
“The Alexander Wang Delpozo and Gabriella Hearts bag designs must move into 2018 because of how unique they are, and they date back too: they are timeless. I also love the fringe and two-colour trend. Thinking out of the box and creating something nice is what fashion is all about,” Salik said.
“I also suggest that every woman owns at least two Xeena Salik handbags, and for the guys, a pair of good slippers from Xeena Salik will do,” she added.
Arafat Bage (Levels Label)
Levels Label is an Abuja-based brand which kicked off in 2014. The clothing line caters to both men and women with designs the CEO, Arafat Bage, said “stemmed from the intention of my ardour to bring my ideas to life.”
Here’s what Bage believes 2018 has to offer.
“Gone are the days of ostentatious and sharp looks that have established themselves over the last decade. Designers are now going back to the bedrock of their models, returning the system of the fashion industry to the cornerstone of their archaic yet winsome collections.”
“I believe 2018 will be the year the native sector of the fashion industry will blossom. You can see it evolving across glorious lines, and it can only be greater.”
Bage added that his fashion line would bring a unison between the northern culture and what is in vogue around the world: “Even though bringing the two to the table can be arduous, being a creator is all about making what looks paradoxical come to life. So up-to-the-minute designs without keeping out our urbanity is a concept to look forward to next year.”
On what trend he thought ought to be put behind, Bage said, “I think people should be allowed and given the leisure to put on anything of their choice. What you wear goes a long way in portraying your personality; which is one of the things we all don’t have in common. Placing a finishing date to the few things which probably work for some people is not too square if I must say. I believe in the freedom of fashion.”
Fatima Kure (Kure’s Kouture)
Kure’s Kouture is a fashion brand that started in 2015 and specialises in bespoke tailoring such as Arabian gowns (abayas), kimonos and dresses.
Kure had this to say, “The trend that I feel should move into 2018 is fringe dresses. This trend goes way back and is here to stay. Fashion lovers should expect something entirely different, modest and of the absolute best quality. I believe that clothes aren’t going to change the world, but women who wear them will.”
“The trend that I feel should sprout up in 2018 is the Edwardian Blouse: it is more conservative with a high neckline with more delicate details like ruffles, embroidery and lace.”
Sumayya Abdulqadir Azare (Sumee’s Collection)
This bespoke tailoring brand makes various pieces for all women. The CEO of Sumee’s Collection, Sumayya Azare, also shared what she thinks the fashion scene holds in the New Year.
“Fashion lovers are going to start asking for more. The fashion scene is so vast now and will only expand with time.” Sumayya said, and added, “Kimonos will not only move to 2018, but will reign until 2020. They fit everyone: they’re free, comfortable and can be worn with almost everything,” Azare said.
“I also believe that 2018 should also give room for the men to rock kimonos too. 2018 should be the year of being more daring by adding something new,” she concluded.
Hammad Yusuf Rabiu (SacreBleu Couture)
SacreBleu is a male fashion line with kaftans, jalabiyas, agbadas, caps and cufflinks of exquisite taste. Its CEO, Hammad, also speaks about what the fashion world has in store for the men.
He said, “I think the native royal clothing of the Hausa kings should be a top trend in 2018. The embroidery is unique, it’s hand-stitched as has been around for hundreds of years and probably will be around for hundreds more.”
He said originality was also key, and therefore, “Designers should top selling other people’s ideas or designs. The largest brands that exist today are in place because they are innovative. Fashion can only evolve if we stay original and true to ourselves.”
