Jewellery designer Wanger Ayu expanded her repertoire at the 2015 LFDW Fashion Focus showcase, debuting her first collection. It was quite the platform and Ayu used it well, debuting one of the few cohesive collections in the entire showcase.
She has since put out an editorial campaign to promote the collection. Themed ‘A Little Blue Life’, the collection is done entirely in shades of blue. Cobalt, and royal blue and white are the the three colours chosen as the foundation on which Wanger Ayu builds.
It is pertinent at this point to address the styling for the editorial as some are already drawing parallels to IAMISIGO’s Spring 2015 collection ‘Taboo’, which loosely draws on Woodabe traditions. The make up and hair of Wanger Ayu’s editorial celebrates Kanuri and Nupe women, who are known for their distincitive pompadours and side plaits and facial scarring which Ayu replicates with silver makeup.
As part of her press release Ayu shares her inspiration behind the collection.
“Blue is more than a colour. Blue is life. Not just a mere expression, blue is a self exploration, my sober reflection of things unseen, of things believed, of chaos and calm and the things that I seek. Blue is more than a colour. Blue is me.”
The clothes themselves are cohesive. Ayu plays on the knife edge between coy and sensual, offering sheer lurex mesh skirts with solid panelling, floaty chiffon vests paired with high waisted shorts. Pleating is a strong element in the collection used to create volume, playing on the culottes and wide legged pants trends that have swept through fashion in the last year. Her interpretations are fresh but always svelte. They’re the kind of all occasion pieces that translate from boardroom to red carpet to wedding with minimal ease.
It is refreshing to see Abuja based designers explore the less recognised Nigerian cultural influences for a wider audience. We hope this happens more often.
Photography – Toyosi Kekere-Ekun
Stylist – Ify Onyido
Hair – Bernard O
Makeup – Ifeoluwa Banjo
Model – Nkemdilim Obata