Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many fashion shows and weeks had to be cancelled totally, or done virtually as you may already know. The Milan Fashion Week took place from the 15th of January up until the 19th of January, and different fashion designers all over the world took that opportunity to showcase their look-books and unique outfits virtually.
Read More: Deola Sagoe’s Ethereal Collection Is Making Many Put Her Designs on Their Wardrobe Wishlist
Popular British-Nigerian fashion designer, Tokyo James also premiered his new Autumn/Winter 2021 collection at the event. The designer who has a range of celebrity clients, including Burna Boy, channelled his creativity to deliver this collection tagged ‘Ogidi Okunrin’.
About Ogidi Okunrin
Ogidi Okunrin, the Autumn/Winter 2021 Collection by Tokyo James is one that looks at the concept of unity and masculinity from the gaze of the modern Nigerian man, through the lenses of Yoruba culture. The collection is a mix of formal, classy and edgy outfits that each represent the modern man.
In case you didn’t know, Tokyo James is one designer that is recognised widely for designing specialised suiting which boasts of playful prints and daring embellishments. Over the years also, he has set his brand apart to cater for modern men who appreciate simplicity with a contemporary edge.
Inspiration
Just like we shared earlier, Tokyo James was fueled by a mix of both his Nigerian and British roots to deliver this collection. With this collection, he aimed to showcase in a compact and unified way, the various expressions of masculinity.
“Remaining true to our origins, the brand continues to explore the idea of intersection and commonality – where two points connect – and the unification of varied expressions of masculinity.” – Tokyo James.
In a world where men are expected to behave and act in a certain light, Tokyo James really had to show that men can express their masculinity in various forms, and should not be limited at all.
Execution
As a result of years of experience in the international fashion industry, Tokyo James also had to use the right elements, fabrics and many more to tell the story of the collection. In this collection, he revisited modern tailoring in terms of cuts and deconstructed silhouettes.
He also made use of fabrics like embossed leather and sustainable materials, including local raffia, which was woven by local artisans.
The collection consists of blazers with chain details, biker jackets, sequined bomber jackets, multi-coloured sequin suits to give an edge, as well as two-pieces for a casual look. One thing to note with most of the pieces in this collection is how the trousers have ruched designs.
Typically, ruching is used in most women’s fashion because it helps to mimic a waist-clinching effect. However, Tokyo James was able to infuse it seamlessly in his collection, and we think that’s commendable.
Although this collection was designed with the modern man in mind, we can’t help but wonder how many of the pieces in the collection men would be able to rock confidently. Most of the pieces are deconstructed and have unique cutouts, and while that is great, it may not be generally appealing.
So, having this in mind, this collection could have been designed in a bid to show more expressions of masculinity. Asides that, we think Tokyo James really did a good job with this collection, and the elements were definitely in sync to deliver the message with a modern take.
