By Lanre Falolu

Have you ever thought of rocking an Ankara suit to the office or a formal gathering? At first glance, this may seem like a stretch but you’d be surprised to realise that it is a brilliant fashion idea. Designers have started crafting tailored suits and slim cuts that transform bold African prints into something corporate, giving them a professional edge. This makes you look sharp. These suits are colourful and perfect for anyone who wants to show off their heritage with pride.

The truth is that African designers are constantly redefining style, thereby sparking conversations. They bring bold and unique patterns into the industry, from Ankara prints to intricate and creative beadwork.

Over the years, these designers have created designs that have made us stop and stare. This is due to their creative blend of traditional elements with modern designs, which capture the essence of African fashion today. These designs are stunning and imaginative pieces that are hard to miss.

Have you ever heard of a Hybrid Agbada? This is another daring design making waves recently. Agbadas are known for their flowing elegance and are reserved for special events in Western Nigeria. But today, these iconic robes are getting a twist that balances streetwear and tradition, letting you take the royal vibe into the streets.

Next are Beaded Blazers. We have creative beadwork designers in Africa who do the work well, taking this innovation to the next level. Who would think that a blazer can be beaded? Well, that is the creative spirit of our African fashion.

These Afri modern vibe styles highlight the emergence of contemporary and traditional styles. They speak volumes about where fashion is heading. The best part is that designers take cues and create new designs that meet creativity. And as African fashion continues to grow, we can’t wait to see how these blends evolve.

Joining the contemporary and traditional blend trend is Simeon Benjamin Akpan, whose works are inspired by his mother’s custom-made garments in their small home. After years of watching his mother sew, 2018 was the year Simeon decided to set up his fashion brand, ‘SimBena’. SimBena is a label that celebrates traditional African aesthetics that fosters inclusivity.

Each design in his collection is thoughtfully woven to evoke happiness and make wearers feel their inner joy extending it to those around them. What Simeon Benjamin is doing with his brand is worth emulation. The imaginative Afri fusion designs he has adopted for his brand seem to be the way to go because the trend of the contemporary and traditional blend is the new wave.

Ankara Fashion has always been a favourite of many women. The bold, outstanding colours never fail to grab attention. And these dresses in the 2024 Afrivibe collection can become a favourite.

The Ankara short-sleeved jumpsuits bring a whole new meaning to the collection. Let’s talk about the fabric! The fabric is purely Ankara, known for its 100% high-quality cotton feel that is lightweight and durable. The fabric is made from classic Ankara fabrics with totally eye-catching patterns. The print brings a pop of colour with deep blues, warm yellow, and a hint of red, weaving together to make it look lively. You can practically feel the energy in every detail. The cut is absolutely on point.

The jumpsuit’s short sleeve makes it super comfortable and casual. It’s the perfect clothes for any casual occasion or a warm weather day out. Whether it is a casual brunch, exploring the city or even heading to an event, the outfit is fitted just enough to show off your waist. The legs give you that slightly loose, relaxed fit that makes you move with ease.

Throw on a pair of heels for a more polished look, or rock it with your favourite sneakers for a day-to-day vibe. For accessories, pair it with bold earrings, or a necklace, and you’re set to turn heads. This Ankara jumpsuit is one of those pieces that takes zero effort to style but makes a huge statement. It is a showstopping piece that makes you look unforgettable wherever you go.

One quirk in this attire is that styling is limited. This means you might find it hard to wear without pairing it with other outfits. Plus, visiting the restrooms could be a hassle.

Recommendation: Try styling your jumpsuit with layers. Layers like a denim jacket, which gives it a streetwear edge. Also, a fitted blazer makes it ready for a semi-formal occasion. This is because the contrast between the jumpsuit’s print and the layer could add dimension, letting you dress up and down depending on the occasion.

Here is another jumpsuit to style any day and at any time. The Ankara fabric is 100% high-quality. The patterns plastered around the material make the fabric exciting and attractive. The fabric’s colours, blue and brown, make the entire outlook calm but still pop. The tiny strap gives the cloth a sophisticated look. You could tell that this design was birthed from a place of deep thought.

The square shape is perfect and suited for the style. The belt attached to the waistline is a great styling trick. Instead of using a normal modern belt, the designer opted for something different. The leg’s cut could be considered common, but the stand-out feature is its elongated length. Even though the style covers the foot, a heeled shoe can elevate your look.

Although your foot might be covered a little bit, the length still gives you this feel and elegance. Pair with a statement earring and necklace; silver or gold jewellery will match the fabric’s patterned combo. While the styling is commendation, one downside is the design’s fit. From the bust area to the leg, the design is quite loose. Making it a bit more fitted would elevate the design.
Overall, Simeon has shown that there are more creative Ankara styles that would grab attention when you wear them. They are intriguing and, at the same time, fit any style you want. Hence, no matter your style, the good news is that you do not have to eradicate the idea entirely. The point is that 2024 designs are versatile, and the door is open for more styling creativity—this collection made that very clear.