The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

T he presentation from Aphia Sakyi wasn’t a focus on the clothes worn by the models but rather on the neck accessories she is renowned for, one of which was worn by Janet Jackson in her video ‘Made for Now’. Taken from her latest collection entitled ‘Still I Rise’, the first piece on the catwalk named after one of the most loved female heroes in African-American history Harriet Tubman was a long cape of African beanery in vibrant colours of yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red and white. Keeping with the same vibe, the second piece called Adom in a poncho style had similar beads but was shorter in length. At the top were rows of round beads, followed by multiple rows of hanging beads that swung from side to side as the model walked. The exact piece worn by Janet Jackson was also shown,Yaa Asantewa, a stunning necklace made of carefully selected beads with feathers. Finally, the Queen Akua accessory in black was sensational with a high neck and long cape made with beads. https://aphiasakyi.com bite catwalk T he show started with a bright orange patterned hooded crop top with a black and white band on the hem and cuffs, accompanied by a matching long high-waisted flowing skirt that floated down the runway. Next was a long flowing shirt in black and white stripes with two slits on either side of the back with an interesting print pattern on the central panel and cuffs. The colour contrast changed as an oversized top in a plastic-like material in green and orange print with a disco ball-like design met our eyes. It once again changed when a long sleek and slim halter-neck black gown with two puffed decorations in grey that lined the neck and a ruffled train pinned to the lower right-hand side of the dress. This was followed by a long flowing maxi dress in the same material and design as the first garment that showed, completed with a halter-neckband in black and white. A designer whose styles followed an unconventional order on the catwalk, the collection was full of surprises. The styles began to get shorter toward the end of the show with a mini dress, in yellow print, decorated with a gold centrepiece and puffed sleeves that glittered in the light, followed by another mini dress, this time in green print with a sheer mesh top panel and the cuffs in black and white stripes. The third mini dress design in beige was halter-neck with a glittering gold panel on the front and a side slit on the hem and was worn with a long chiffon coat. It was certainly a collection of abstract styles. www.dianecarltonstyle.com Africa Fashion Week LONDON 2019 Aphia Sakyi Diane Carlton