Emmy Kasbit, the buzzy brand founded by Emmanuel Okoro, was one of Lagos Fashion Week’s headliners. His new collection was inspired by his father’s Ukara cloth—a textile that historically belonged to a group of men in Igboland, in southeastern Nigeria. “This is a new dawn for Emmy Kasbit,” the designer said backstage. “We found a new way to revive history through the Ukara cloth and it’s our first time venturing into signature prints.”
It was unexpected, yet refreshing to see the designer experiment with traditional textiles and prints. The look was simple: a black shirt and trousers with a warm magenta Ukara cloth wrapped tightly around his waist. Other silhouettes included a tailored pale blue blazer with matching slim-fitting trousers, and fabrics ranged from Akwete, another traditional Nigerian material, to silk and linen. “We moved away from heavily structured pieces to more fluid pieces that can go from day to night,” he said.
The 30 looks were more commercial and wearable than past Emmy Kasbit collections. Okoro wanted to create looks that “people can just grab and go.” The show closed with an unexpected guest: governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a move that divided the crowd with some standing ovations and others stunned by the politician’s appearance.