French Beninoise fashion house Nash Prints It has just put out editorials for its Spring 16 collection. The Paris operated label has made a name for itself in the saturated African inspired wax print market with its interesting construction choices and the vibrancy of fabrics.
Created by Nafi Shade, a multiracial Beninois woman, Nash Prints It is an homage to Shade’s multiracial ancestry and is inspired in part by international singer and songwriter Solange Knowles’s whole hearted embrace of prints, helping to popularize it. It is also inspired by the designer’s holidays in Porto Novo where vibrant Ankara prints serve as informal formal uniform for most adults.
The tribute collection pays homage to the designers that have served as inspiration to Shade over the years, designers like Isabel Marant and highly coveted fashion house Valentino. The collection is also an homage to the designer’s friends and family, whose personal sartorial choices have served as a source of inspiration to the label. Shade reaffirms her love with African inspired prints, using it as the primary foundation on which the collection is built.
Aiming to celebrate colour and femininity, Shade references the retro-style of the 50’s and 60’s, updating them to fit present day aesthetics. She creates shift shirt dresses with oversized collars, fit and flare dresses with exposed backs, peplumed tops and beaded blazers.
There is a softness to the collection, that is best brought to light through the label’s editorial campaign that features a racially diverse cast of models, all gleeful as they stretch and strut. It is all so delightful to see.
Photo Credits:
Photography: Jerome Jack
Creative Direction: Nafi Shade.
