Monochrome Precision: A Signature Creation of Modern Ankara Style by Yekinni Omolade

By Dimeji Alara

Yekinni Omolade, the Creative Director of Reo Apparel has again maintained her exceptional creativity and prowess with the IGBALODE native gown. Before this time, Reo Apparel by Omolade has been designing beautiful styles and garments which radiate traditional craftsmanship and modern trend. This is why this newly designed gown has made it to my favorite list of the year and the reason is not doubtful.

The styling in IGBALODE is a testament of dynamic evolution in the African fashion. In a moment where most African designers have transitioned from using cultural and native textiles, Omolade appears to be among the few who serve us haute and modern couture while using African fabric such as Ankara.

Normally one would not had thought that contemporary style of luxury and class could had been carved from African Ankara prints. But if I were to be expressive, I would say Omolade does the magic here.
IGBALODE is a fit gown made from quality and high end Ankara print fabric. It us a perfect example of calm and comfortability. The motifs on the fabric captures a priceless flow of precision and boldness. That Omolade made a choice of Ankara print utilized in only black and white colours made the entire dress to stand out; not just as a regular garment but one in its own class.

From the cutting, sewing, waist snatching, structural balance and details in the tailoring. She got it all with the well structured breast cups that add to the dress fit and even the ball shaoed sleeves. Omolade seems to be taking us through an interesting fashion storytelling. And she was able to add a touch of sophistication to the gown with white long sleeves underlayer insert under the main dress. The underlayer did not come cheap. It is made from expensive Chantilly lace. Meanwhile, here Omolade balances the sophistication with the perspective layout of the dress.
This dress is all shades of elegance and feminine essence; making it apt for any casual events, but this at the same time poses a limitation on the dress, especially as it appears expensive considering its production details. Omolade does not have low budget fashion consumers in mind while designing this gown. But for women who do not mind to spend a little more for a signature dress and to slay, this is the perfect garment for the gig.

In overall, the dress is a perfect example of artistic craftsmanship and precision from Yekinni Omolade. She did a great job especially with the structure, pattern arrangement and tailoring. She also revealed that African inspired textiles can be relevant globally. And designs like IGBALODE are a proof to the growing impact and influence of Afrocentric textile in fashion and trends.

With Omolade pushing the boundaries of fashion this way, the future of African couture looks more promising.