The retro craze that has consumed the younger demographic of Nigerian fashion buyers and spawned several boutique labels dealing exclusively in retro-inspired pieces has finally come full circle. Retro Religion, Nigeria’s most prominent retro label has released editorial images for its new collection themed ‘Nostalgia’. The entire collection is done in art-silk and Rayon emblazoned with prints that reference vintage scarves and greco-roman architecture with marble arches and baroque inspired filigree prints. Pieces range from print shirts, shift dresses and tunics that embed a feeling of nostalgia with every style.
The brand explains the inspiration behind the collection as thus, – “Nostalgia was constructed around the essence of engineering ease with functional grab-and-go garments that are both affordable and stylish at the same time through simple silhouettes.”
For what it is, its is quite interesting but for a collection called ‘Nostalgia’ the collection is glaring lacking any distinct references. The vintage inspired prints are simply that, vintage inspired prints and there is no direct reference in silhouette or tailoring to any definite fashion era, or significant fashion epoch. It simply is a collection shirts and dresses tied together by the fact that it is made with art silk and is studded what ill-informed Nigerian fashion consumers have termed as ‘vintage’ or ‘retro’ prints. It really isn’t too much to expect that extensive thought be put into the clothes we are expected to buy. It really isn’t.
Photo Credits
Photography: Tope Adenola (Instagram:@HorploadWorks / @Tope_Horpload)
Creative Director: Folakemi Awobotu (Instagram: @Retroreligion / @Fiolakemi_)
Styling: Moses Ebitie for Moashy Styling (Instagram: @MoashyStyling)
Models: Olamide Ogundele for FEW Model Management (Instagram:@Krushar_Lamar) | Toyin Oyeneye for ICE Model Management South Africa (Instagram: @ThetToyin17)
Makeup: Dave Sucre Studios (Instagram: @DaveSucre)
Contact: Follow them on Instagram: @RetroReligion | Send an e-mail to: [email protected] | Call: +2347088791154