TK-COUTURE BRINGS CULTURE AND ROYALTY TO THE FORE AT OAU FASHION WEEK

The most recent edition of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Fashion Week held from the 21st of May till the 27th  of May 2023 was a fashion delight. With over 22 tertiary institutions and states across Nigeria represented by a wide range of fashion designers that catered for the fashion need of males and females for different occasions and events. The exhibition was a representation of the African fashion heritage and a display of youthful ideas and creativity. Each designer displayed their craftsmanship in unique ways that gave an insight into fashion as it stems from different tribes in Nigeria and made an adequate effort to elevate it with the class such that it fits into modern fashion trends and styles as much as it recompenses ancient looks. Designers who the most represented culture and told a story with each designer in their collection to make it a wholesome product. TK-Couture did just that with OLÓRI, The Elegant Vibe Collection.

The term elegant vibe perhaps doesn’t do enough justice to the collection as it was an awesome representation of royalty. The term Olóri translates as queen, and it was impressive to see that each design accommodated a piece of accessory that elevated it from a classy dress to a royal status. The brand explored different fabrics but focused on two cultures in the delivery of about 5 designs. In recent times, their collection seems to be one of those that reflected the royal tradition of the Edo and Yoruba people with a fusion of the UK royal culture. The marriage of the three cultures was beautiful and the uniqueness of each was evident through it all. Accessories like cowries and beads were highlighted, while headgear and hats were made with fabrics to fit like a crown. For the dresses, the elegance of the hemline was amplified in modesty to show how African women of older generations wore their dresses, and each was designed with stones to portray confidence and class.

The dresses were fit for all types of occasions, formal and informal, but more importantly, were made with both affordable and luxury fabrics so that it fits into different budgets. TK-Couture did not only deliver an exciting range of designs, but they also made sure each was accompanied by fashion accessories like purses, bags, and adorable neckpieces to complement various skin types and dress sizes. The collection exudes glamour and creativity. The embroidery art on a couple of them was made handmade to perfection, and the effort of the team to give an insight into what inspired each of them was applaudable. TK-Couture has displayed their passion for dresses and skirts, and in the process celebrated and preserved the African heritage and history through fashion. It will be exciting to see designers that will rise to beat this standard in the next edition of OAU Fashion Week.

Ire.