JABO

LOOK 6 - Threads of Legacy (The African Garb)

For centuries, variations of this garment have been allied to diverse African regions and tribes. Though styles and names shift with geography, the garment remains a shared thread of identity and pride.

In re-imagining this garment, I am committed to preserving its essence—the majesty of its silhouette, the dignity it embodies, and the cultural memory it holds. My interpretation pays homage to its rich heritage while offering a contemporary lens. Through choices in fabric, structure, and hand-painted gold detailing, I aim to celebrate its timeless presence.

The integration of Kente - a hand woven fabric originating from Ghana into this look - is a deliberate act of cultural preservation and celebration.
The aim is not only to honour its deep-rooted significance but to engage in a dialogue about the value of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary fashion.

This approach also reflects a commitment to sustainable garment creation—by uplifting artisanal production methods, supporting local makers, and moving away from mass-produced textiles.

Ultimately, the use of Kente is both a cultural homage and a creative responsibility—to celebrate, sustain, and reimagine African excellence in fashion.

LOOK 5 - A celebration of the unconventional beauty found in African tribal adornment—drawing inspiration from the bold symbolism of lip plates, the graceful elongation of neck rings, and the intricate craftsmanship of traditional beading techniques. These elements, deeply rooted in cultural identity are reimagined within a luxurious context, creating a dialogue between heritage and high fashion.

Millinery wire is employed not only for its structural integrity in maintaining elegant curvature but also as a visual motif, echoing the concentric repetition found in traditional tribal neck rings. This dual function bridges the utilitarian with the symbolic, referencing cultural adornment and identity while supporting the form.

LOOK 4 - A complexity of details that transcend into an unexpected editorial piece, rich in layered elements.

LOOK 3 - A fusion of diverse tailoring techniques and silhouettes that celebrate the elaborate, voluminous essence of African attire, accented with delicate beading details for a touch of refined craftsmanship.

LOOK 2 - The Floating Jacket

Bound together by gold metallic branches, reminiscent of the eternal bond we hold in Christ.

LOOK 1 - Utilising Aso-oke, a traditionally hand woven African fabric originating from Yoruba land which is made by undergoing a labour intensive process that involves reclaiming ancient methods and focusing on sustainable materials and processes with the use of natural fibers like cotton and silk. Aso-oke has been around for centuries, connecting different cultures and traditions.

Design & construction:
Model: .divis
Photography:
Hair & Makeup:
Production:

URITHI - A collection that embodies facets of a rich African heritage fused with modern elements of design and premium craftsmanship.
Embracing the use of sustainable hand woven African fabrics that have been around for centuries, traditional beading techniques that have been combined with several aspects of fashion design such as millinery, tailoring, needlework, corsetry and textile fabrication.

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