Serving up ’70s realness, this dynamic duo tapped into their inner psychedelic style for Day 1 of Afrochella. Nigerian fashion model Halimotu Shokunbi (left) wore an ultra-mini skirt with white knee-high boots, a blue I AM GIA top and a NOMÄ Cuban key necklace, while socialite princess Fathia Nkrumah was resplendent in a two floral pieces with butterfly hair accessories. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
Ghana has become West Africa’s certified end-of-year fashion hub and the latest installment of the Afrochella Festival was a testament to next-level wardrobe excellence on the continent. Thousands of patrons turned out in their finest to celebrate the theme of Afrofuturism—an ode to the forward-thinking cultural movement and a celebration of the festival’s new name, Afrofuture—and festivalgoers certainly did not disappoint. our SO Global Travel, Culture and Entertainment Writer Tenille Clarke was a specially invited VVIP guest on stage and witnessed the grandeur of style in the heart of Accra. With expert advice from Trinidad and Tobago-based UK-born designer Crystal Ivy London, Clarke also brought her own Caribbean flavor to the fashion mix at various outings, wearing some of the region’s top designers – directly, directly and in vivid color.
Here’s the SO replay with some highlights from the two-day event.
— Tenille Clarke is an avid storyteller, seasoned publicist and cultural enthusiast from Trinidad and Tobago who often writes about her ongoing love affair with travel, entertainment and culture through a Caribbean lens. Follow her digital journey @tenilleclarke1 IN Instagram AND I tweet.
Men were not to be left out on the fashion front, demonstrated by this present in a multi-print set. He kept the look clean with classic white kicks. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
Popular digital fashion designer Tenicka B brought fuchsia fun to Afrochella in this stunning Hadi dress by designer Waina Chancy of Atelier Ndigo. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
You can always spot a Sai Sankoh ensemble from a mile away, and this patron was regal in a goddess Scarlett Kaftan two-piece and Sadie pants from the Sierra Leone-born, US-based designer. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
SO Correspondent Tenille Clarke made a statement off the plane at her first event – the first annual WOODXWATTA Festival – in a custom floor-length jacket by Trinidad and Tobago designer Diane Carlton. She contrasted it with a red leopard Kendrick Trunk by acclaimed NY-based designer Brandon Blackwood. “This was Tenille’s first public appearance in Ghana and we wanted to bring black designers into full focus,” explained designer Crystal Ivy London. “Diane Carlton definitely knows how to make a splash of color, so balancing it out with a white two-piece was the perfect finish.” (Photo: Tenille Clarke)
Clarke hit the streets of Accra in this morning look by Jamaican-born, Miami-based designer OCHIE. Her statement Bamboo Round Bag is from Grenadian accessories designer Idle Minds Collective. “The styling goal was to maintain a clean aesthetic for this look – cool, elegant and uncomplicated,” explained stylist Crystal Ivy London. “OCHIE knows how to carry a sophisticated cotton look and the material was perfect to beat the heat.” (Photo: Tenille Clarke)
It’s all about colorful contrasts in this look with a coral Fimi jumpsuit by Jamaican designer Jae Jolly, a patterned crown by Trinbagonian Glori Retrofit and vibrant earrings by Statement Accessories. “Solids can still be festive, and this neon coral was perfect for Tenille’s chocolate brown skin tone,” noted Crystal Ivy London. (Photo: Tenille Clarke)
Effortless elegance was the name of the game for Clarke on Day 1 of the Afrochella Festival in a full Fe Noel look. This sage hibiscus pants and rust sleeve bodysuit by the Grenada-born designer was teamed with a pair of crystal sandals from Shoeaholics Jamaica. “A wide leg fit gives a great silhouette and silk thread is the perfect material for hot days,” said London. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
This festival goer dazzled in an open top and shorts in a maroon and tangerine print. Her razor-sharp platinum blonde cut brought the whole look together. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
This jade two-piece set was styled to perfection with an embellished necklace and combat boots. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
Model Sakina Dabre was beautiful from head to toe in traditional pink attire, while creative director Mohammed Black opted for a sand colored ensemble. Black also chose to ring in the new year with some bold accessories to elevate his look. The two completed their respective looks with futuristic glasses – right on the theme of this year’s Afrochella Festival. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
A classic black and white print is a standout in any crowd and for this look, proportions were key. An oversized shirt was teamed with a crisp white collar and he opted for chunky platform black sandals to complete the look. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
Nigerian-Jamaican celebrity Afrochella host Young Prince tapped Haitian-born designer Joshua Damis for his stage look. “We wanted to capture the ‘Afrofuturism’ theme while keeping it comfortable on stage,” Damis said in an Instagram post. “Finger lines [in the pants] Creating an iridescent illusion of color with movement was right on target for us.” (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
This trio of Trinbagonian beauties made the trip to Africa from the twin island republic with the stunner on the left wearing a cool number by Caribbean fashion designer Kimo Ifetayo. She completed the look with a pair of classic leather pants and minimal accessories. (Photo: Afrochella Festival)
(Photo: Afrochella Festival)
