In the ever-evolving world of fashion, creating a collection that transcends the ordinary is a rare and commendable feat. Owolabi Olabisi Michael, the creative director behind Molabido Fashion, has achieved this with his latest collection, “Modern Majesty,” which he recently launched at the Fashions Finest Africa Epic Show held on May 31 and June 1, 2024.
The collection captivated audiences with its blend of contemporary design and traditional elements, and it has been a topic of discourse among attendees, fashion enthusiasts, and media alike, showing their praise and support for the creative lead of the brand. This collection redefines contemporary menswear, offering the modern man a chance to feel truly majestic, exuding elegance, confidence, and timeless beauty, hence the collection’s name, “Modern Majesty.” The collection showcases Owolabi’s exceptional technical skills as he transforms luxurious Irish and cashmere fabrics into sustainable, striking fashion statements. Each piece is a testament to the wonder of Owolabi’s creation, where every dress has been meticulously crafted to elevate the wearer’s sense of style and presence.
Owolabi sewed the designs into two pieces for men featuring Dansiki and Sokoto, Senator Wear, and Kaftan and pants. The collection has shirts and trousers with short or long sleeves, which are mostly round necks. One of the dresses is a vibrant red ensemble made from the richness of cashmere fabric, which drapes the model in luxury while maintaining a bold, structured silhouette. It is usually worn on regular occasions. The collection includes colors like neon red, black, white, navy blue, lemon green, yellow, and brown. These choices of colors for each fabric highlight Owolabi’s approach to creating pieces that make the wearer feel bold in their overall look. The vibrant colors used can also be worn independently or matched with others in the collection in whichever way the wearer can style them. Another piece that commanded attention was an all-black ensemble with a striking metallic accent, which added a contemporary edge.
Some trousers or pants in the collection have a high waist and a slightly tapered leg that gradually narrows from the thigh down to the ankle. This adds a sleek appearance to the wearer while maintaining comfort and flexibility. A standout detail that is vividly seen in almost all the designs Owolabi created is the long, flowing belt that drapes elegantly from the waist and chest regions, adding movement and a sense of dynamic style to the overall look of the wearer.
The audience’s reaction to this look was palpable. Each design, as simple as it looks, combined luxurious fabrics and meticulous detailing to create a powerful visual impact. Each piece in the collection stands out as proof of Owolabi’s exceptional skills in draping, sewing, and product design. One notable and significant impact of the collection is the seamless blend of modern minimalism with traditional elegance. This distinct combination allows Owolabi’s collection to stand out for its ability to cater to both cutting-edge fashion and the traditional, stately style of the older generation.