Spotlight on DD Fashion’s Debut at Fashions Finest Africa
By Dimeji Alara
The city of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heart, was recently abuzz with the electrifying debut of DD Fashion, the label owned by Kemi Dada, presented at Fashions Finest Africa a fortnight ago. The collection brought forward a fresh perspective, full of energy and cultural vibrancy, while also revealing areas where the brand is still defining its voice.
The first look to stride the runway featured a multicolored mini-dress with voluminous sleeves and lace cut-outs at the neckline. It was a daring choice, combining drama with sensuality. The vibrant print injected boldness, though at times it felt like the details from the lace panel to the dangling tassels competed rather than complemented. A touch more restraint could have allowed the silhouette’s strong statement to shine through more clearly.
Another piece with wide-legged trousers in an equally striking print paired with a red beaded crop top, showcased both creativity and confidence. The beading on the top brought a sense of craftsmanship and cultural flair, but its weight occasionally overshadowed the fluidity of the trousers. The pairing was impactful, yet one wondered how much stronger the pieces might have felt if given space to stand individually.
That said, DD Fashion’s debut made its intentions clear: this is a label unafraid of risk, volume, and unapologetic identity. The use of African-inspired prints was a celebration of heritage, and the dramatic silhouettes showed a willingness to push boundaries rather than settle for safe choices.
As with many first outings, refinement will be key. Cleaner editing, a sharper balance between detail and structure, and a focus on harmony could transform bold concepts into even more compelling fashion statements.
For now, though, DD Fashion has marked its arrival with a confident debut that speaks of promise, with Kemi being eager to experiment, to disrupt, and to make her mark. With time and refinement, DD Fashion could well become one of the exciting new voices on the African fashion stage.
