Alicia Roache, Staff Reporter
Kenyan model, Ajuma, was a hit in this design by Nigerian Mobilaji at the International Mecca of Style Fashion Show, presented by Saint International at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, last Saturday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
IT SEEMS the trend for good things to come from Africa also relates to fashion. With names like Mosime (Mo-see-meh) and Mobilage' (Mo-Bi-La-geh), who can disagree? The two designers, one from South Africa, the other from Nigeria and also contributing editor of Fader Magazine, brought equal yet disparate fashion sensibilities to the runway of Saint International's Mecca of Style on Saturday night.
Mosime's simple yet elegant designs combined African chic with cross-continental and cross-cultural appeal. Her take on the 'red, gold and green' phenomenon in fashion gave credence to the trend without trivialising or exploiting the significance behind the combination.
Her collection featured strong textures in linen and leather, and multitonal designs ranging from light beige and cream to dramatic orange and black combinations, and red, green and yellow hues accented by small beads and cutwork embroidery.
The black martial arts shoes emphasised ease and comfort, along with the cross-cultural appeal of the designs.
COOL RETRO LINE
Mobilage' went retro with a nod to the present, combining long sleeved, close-fitting shirts with appliqué or cutwork embroidery and short-sleeved shirts with patch pockets and fedoras or skull caps. The line was very Spike Lee/Malcolm X meets contemporary male fashionista. The cool retro line remained laid-back with soft yet strong, burnt orange, green or beige linen or cotton blends.
Other designers who contributed to the very satisfying fashion experience included Zam Barrett with avante-garde sophistication; Parisian Gaspard Yurkievich's funky, eccentric and edgy designs; and Carlton Brown's showstopping rock star glamour for men.
