The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitecatwalk Amarelis N igerian clothing and lifestyle brand Amarelis, founded by Omolara Cole, uses virtuoso fabrics to create intro- spective collections of cutting-edge designs and on- trend styles. All designs are fluid, timeless and classic, matching its slogan ‘Sustaining the effervescent spirit of Afri- ca!’ The designs embodied a fusion of modern, multifunctional trends and African heritage with a timeless elegance appealing to a wide range of fashion-forward women searching for looks to compliment their existing wardrobes. Amarelis’ ‘Mothering’ collection featured six unique and time- less pieces highlighting the different styles of the African woman. While Adewale Ayuba’s ‘Ijo Fuji A’ played, a one-shoulder Ayanfe dress in a knitted two-tone dark and light blue with a frilly hem descended the catwalk. A more casual look was seen in the An- kara print Aduni Set consisting of a gathered heart-shaped top in purple and white and flowing pants in green and black with white accessorised with a patterned crossbody bag. The pleated heart-shaped Aso Iyunnu Eyo dress in purple and white amplified the model’s curves with elegance, featuring sev- eral splits highlighting the model’s legs. Aso Ola, meaning ‘cloth of wealth’, featured a plaited headband and a light, sheer dark blue dress that accentuated the body. It also had several splits and a slim fabric scarf that could be thrown over the shoulder or left around the body. Alade dress in a beautiful ruched silky grey was perhaps the most sophisticated apparel. Omoluabi dress in maroon had similar features to Aso Ola apart from the glittery fabric scarf that can be moved from around the neck to cross the body. Flowing and light, Mama Malaika (Moth- er Angel) in baby blue organza lit the runway with its Buba-like style. With balloon sleeves, the v-neck gown with a gathered sec- tion in the middle created a layered effect at the hem. As the mod- el turned, you noticed the strands of fabric on the back. https://amarelis.com Ìk-Pen B ased in Abuja, Nigeria, the luxury women’s fash- ion brand Ìk-Pen was founded in 2006 by Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti to desire perfection and crafts- manship. The African-inspired brand with con- temporary designs is known for its bespoke services and prêt- a-porter. The latter line for the sophisticated woman with style engages ethnic details and fascinating silhouettes. It provides timeless pieces for its wealthy clientele, including traditional bridal attire, everyday classics, resort and glamorous dresses. At first, the colour coordination of beige into brown seemed to go in sync, but then it changed drastically. The opening jacket and skirt with fringe trims lining the jacket collar down to the hem and two sides of the skirt were followed by a long double collar coat with a tie belt. The third look contrasted the beige and brown, which proceeded into a brown and black patterned coat worn with satin trousers. The palette jumped into green and then an earthy striped orange, yellow and brown. As the camel dress proceeded down the catwalk, it was fol- lowed by a rich dark brown satin dress with a large yellow and white flower and green leaf print that immediately caught the eye. The two black, green, yellow and white bands across the dress’ back gave it an intriguing and inspiring touch. Elements of brown mixed with yellow, white and black on the intricately printed coat with a black lining worn under a sequin brown, black and grey tone micro dress made an interesting apparel combination. A similar style was seen in the blue and yellow pattern coat with white panels worn over a light blue glittery high-thigh split dress. The back of the coat accentuated the dominant yel- low print with contrasts of striped black and white panels. The palette changed for the last time with a gorgeous slim-fitting pink multi-tone striped dress with a front split and a satiny scarf around the neck extending into a balloon shoulder on the right and layering the shawl at the back. Africa Fashion Week LONDON 2023 https://ikpen.com/?currency=GBP