African art is prove of an advanced civilization dated centuries ago and it proves that we have one of the greatest cultures in the world. African art is made in Africa, and they have deep complicated meaning and history. Many of these arts and carvings have a secret purpose designed to be used for spiritual rituals and dances, honouring the dead and have an ancestral meaning and representation. The African culture is rich in heritage and hold a lot of cultural values. According to ancient study, civilization started in Africa and over the years, Africa culture has made its stamp all over the world and in the fashion industry. Fashion is and should be an expression of our times, our culture, heritage, and freedom to express it. The concept of my work is connected to my origin and root. As a British-Nigerian, it is important to showcase the rich cultural heritage and representation of the African culture and its aesthetics. The “Hidden treasures” collection is greatly influenced by the African culture exploring the African masks and artifacts. Masks are highly stylized because African cultures distinguish between the outer look of something and its essence. These masks are made to represent an abstract subject which explains symbolization. The concept of this research is infused with each design by analysing the details, components, movement elements and prints by bringing the cultural aspect and beauty into limelight, uncovering these masks to reveal realism, and interpreting the craftmanship behind each mask with the use of lines, shapes, cut, and exaggerated silhouette producing a wearable contemporary and modern collection.
Research and development
research on masks
Research page
research on weavers from west Africa
Research and development
design implementation and research page
Research on mating
showing different methods of mating using cords
Resist dye
How resist dye is done
Resist dye and pattern making
Hand made process of making resist dye fabrics
Design development page
showing different design ideas
Research on elephant ear mask and design ides
design inspiration and design ideas
Research process on mating
research process and development on making the blazer
Design ideas
Design ideas for look 1
Design process
Design process of making the wing dress
Design idea and design process
process of making the second look
Design idea
Design idea inspired by the kakawa mask
Look 1 woven blazer and skirt suit
presentation sheet
look 2 mask face top and culotte
presentation sheet
look 3 Dress top and ankle tie trousers
presentation sheet
look 4 Tweed cut out suit and batik top
presentation sheet
Mask face woven dress look 5
presentation sheet
wing dress and bolero look 6
Presentation sheet
Design ideas and design development
showing different designs ideas inspired by the mask
Range plan
range plan
Range plan
Range plan
Range plan
Range plan
Range plan
Range plan
Line up
Line up of design
To report inappropriate content, an infringement of copyright, or to report a problem on the Portfolio platform, please contact the Digital Team