It’s London Fashion Week. The streets of London have transform into a sartorial wonderland, with fashion influencers and street style photographers capturing the most eye-catching looks. Designers are pulling out all the stops, presenting their imaginative creations that push boundaries and challenge conventional fashion norms. The catwalks come alive with a vibrant display of colors, textures, and avant-garde designs that captivate the audience, leaving a lasting impact. Our editor Kai Lutterodt provides unique insights from her experience as a runway model this season.
Editor Kai Lutterodt walking for Radka Fashion bags, The Pa Musa and Adebayo Jones during LFW 09/23. Photo credit: @twinsdntbeg
If you’re into fashion and lifestyle, LFW is a super exciting time of the year. The autumnal air is charged with anticipation as London becomes the epicentre of style and innovation. And is not just about the extravagant shows; it’s also a platform for emerging talent, fostering new voices in the industry. I had the honour of swapping my note pad and pen to model at the All Things Fashion Fashionista LFW event, produced by Diana Dahlia PR. The show was a celebration of diversity, and inclusivity, showcasing designers from the UK, Europe and Africa. From sustainable fashion initiatives to avant-garde designs, the evening highlighted the ever-evolving nature of the fashion world.
Adebayo Jones’s Couture Collection take the spotlight…
My role as a ‘runway model‘ was thanks to one particular designer whom I was first introduced to when I participated as a contestant in Miss Ghana UK ’05 (I’m giving away my age here!)… Almost two decades later, we were reunited, and I once again had the honor of participating in the unveiling of a breathtaking show. We’re talking about none other than the highly esteemed Nigerian fashion designer, Adebayo Jones, with his stunning couture collection – EMPEROR & THE EMPRESS.
Held in one of London’s most prestigious venues, the Institute of Directors (IoD) on Pall Mall, the All Things Fashion Fashionista event brought together an elite crowd of fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, celebrities, and fashionistas who were eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Jones’s latest creations.
Editor Kai Lutterodt walking for Adebayo Jones during LFW 09/23. Photo credit: @twinsdntbeg
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COLLECTION
Mr. Jones shared with me his vision of crafting a collection that exuded regality, while embodying lavish elegance and grandeur. “The collection presented on the runway was inspired by royalty and titled ‘The Emperor and the Empress’. I wanted to create a collection that reflected aristocracy and was unapologetically lush, refined, luxurious, stately, and grand.” Needless to say, his vision was flawlessly realised and exceeded expectations.
The Adebayo Jones “Emperor Monarch” menswear collection is a rich, luxurious, elegant compilation of classically designed pieces that are exquisitely tailored and created in sumptous, elegant fabrics like silks. Jaquards, wools, chiffons, velvets, wools.
Similarly the “Empress Luxuriance” ladieswear collection embodies an alluring line of classically designed pieces created to withstand the seasonal changes in the fashion industry. The pieces are elegant, fabrics are luxurious, the asthetics purposefully defined and detailed with the use of appliqué, laces, and intricate hand beading detailing.
Known for his exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to seamlessly blend African and European influences, Adebayo Jones once again proved why he is considered one of the most innovative designers of his generation.
From the moment the first model, New York-based beauty Grace Modi, stepped onto the runway, the audience was captivated by the sheer elegance of Mr. Jones’s designs. Each garment exuded sophistication, and delicate embellishments that showcased the designer’s incredible talent. The collection featured a mix of flowing gowns, tailored suits, Greek goddess-like ensembles with statement crowns and accessories, all meticulously crafted to perfection, reflecting his unique vision and insight into timeless trends.
“The show was a rewarding climax to the effort invested in creating the collection.
The models looked fabulously resplendent and graceful, the audience equally rewarded the presentation with an outstanding appreciation of the effort, art, creativity, flair that embodied the collection of both the mens and women’s wear lines at Adebayo Jones.” Mr. Jones continued to share with me.
Adebayo Jones has once again proven why he remains a force to be reckoned with in the realm of couture. His ability to create pieces that seamlessly blend cultural influences and modern sensibilities is truly remarkable. As the applause echoed through the venue, there was no doubt that Adebayo Jones had left an indelible mark on London Fashion Week, cementing his status as a true fashion visionary.
And as fashion enthusiasts, we can only imagine the artistic brilliance that awaits us in the seasons to come.
My utmost thanks to Adebayo Jones for seeing the model in me after all these years, and to Diana Dahlia and her team/partners for an amazing event to be a part of this LFW!
Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl | Photo credit: @twinsdntbeg
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