Nataal is partnering with Koibird this season for it’s African fashion takeover. The London concept store is dedicated to discovering inspirational talent around the globe and reinvents itself every six months with a beautifully curated, travel inspired theme. Following previous adventures to California and Korea, Koibird went to Lagos Fashion Week last October to explore some of the continent’s best designers who show there. Now its summer edit brims with these sought after brands, and many more.

“It’s been exciting to participate in this important moment in African fashion and to learn about the immense talent at its forefront,” says Koibird founder and creative director Belma Gaudio. “We found that sustainability and a slow fashion model is one that most designers employ naturally. And we fell in love with brands from a number of countries who take inspiration from their culture to create unique contemporary aesthetics. The collections were all so fresh that it was hard to choose which brands to bring back to the UK.”

The fashion and homeware edit now features over 30 African brands – perhaps the first time so many desirable names have been brought together in London. Nigeria’s finest include Kenneth Ize, Lisa Folawiyo, Orange Culture, Clan and Ejrio Amos Tafari. Kenya is represented by Ami Doshi Shah, Kikoromeo and Anyango Mpinga. From Ghana comes AAKS, Christie Brown, Baba Tree and Studio One Eighty Nine. There are South African major players such as MaxHosa, Thebe Magugu and Rich Mnisi. Côte d'Ivoire’s Loza Maléombho, Morocco’s Bouchra Boudoua and Tanzania’s Sidai Designs all go into this bold and colourful mix, too.

As is Koibird’s fun tradition, its Marylebone Lane store has undergone its seasonal transformation also. The space now features a graphic monochromatic design inspired by an exhibition in Dakar by Senegalese artist, Babacar Mbodj Niang. Having reopened on 9 March, Nataal will be co-hosting some intimate events with Koibird in the coming weeks as well as sharing culture stories on its new digital platform. So stay tuned for more Koibird news soon.

Discover Koibird’s Lagos Fashion Week season now at 62 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2PB

Art direction Ben Robertson
Photography Ruth Ossai
Styling by Julia Sarr Jamois at CLM
Model Bibi Abdulkadir at Storm
Hair Issac Poleon
Make-up Athena Pagington
Words Helen Jennings

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Published on 10/03/2020