On the last day of Fashion Gallery NYFW, Angola International Fashion Show was showcasing four designers that day. First up was a Dina Simao Spring/Summer 2015 collection, where zebra print was the main choice of animal print put together with rich, vibrant colors.
Dina Simão was born in the province of Luanda-Norte in Angola and came to Portugal in the 1980s where she started her international career as a dancer. Dina Simão’s varied career has included working as a dancer and dance teacher, a storyteller and model. She has also developed her own fashion range, has organized community development projects and managed international events. Her work has always been inspired by her African heritage and a desire to promote the talents of the various ethnic communities in Portugal.
Next up was designer Yhaniqua Lopes Spring/Summer 2015 collection where you can instantly see the ethnic prints with a Bible scripture “Proverbs 31:30” jumping at you in every piece coming down the runway . It was clearly evident that African print had a strong influence and a direct inspiration on this designer.
Yhaniqua Lopes is an African inspired clothing line that combines the beautiful roots of Africa with the natural elegance of a woman. Her designs attract strong, confident, edgy, chic and sophisticated women because of its elegant silhouette, wearable to work and night events. Her motto: Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Following after was a young Caribbean designer, Janay Reymond of Feelo ‘je Swimwear 2015 collections. The talented designer instantly grabbed the audience with a gold two piece swimsuit and had us until the last swimsuit piece. The rest of the swimwear were filled with bright bold colors of pinks, blues, greens, orange, and yellow associated with cut-out mesh monokinis to high waisted two piece to criss-cross from front to back one piece swimsuits. It was an experience that I think had the audience including myself in awe.
And lastly, the designer Moreira Lucrecia gave double feature of Menswear and Womenswear all in one runway collection. However what stole the show was her womenswear collection of mixed pattern designs with complimentary colors you think would be too much but interestingly enough work so well together.
