Award winning label AsakeOge joined other established and emerging African labels in New York for the second annual African Fashion Week 2011 that took place in July. Since its inception, the London based label has styled artists and personalities for events and went on to be the runner up for the African Tourism Awards. Asake was also nominated and subsequently won the Best Female Fashion Designer for the 2010 BEFFTA. The inspiration behind the designs comes from her roots and the 2010 couture collection featured exotic African animals and scenery hand painted with jewel embellishments. The brand received an invitation to showcase at the 2011 African fashion Week New York and received much acclaim.

The ready to wear draws from her couture roots with exaggerated shoulders, cinched waists and sharp silhouettes. It celebrates the classic feminine hourglass shape with a hint of the tribal. The ready to wear collection features cutting edge designs in bold prints and tailored silhouettes with the ethnic influence apparent. AsakeOge is presently designing exclusive textile prints for its 2012 collection and have them manufactured locally in Nigeria thereby promoting homegrown textile manufacturing and providing more employment opportunities in Nigeria.

For a brand barely two years old the achievements have made the brand one to watch out for. AsakeOge has become one of the biggest designer brands in Diaspora promoting African Fashion. Due to this, the fashion world is now keener than ever to embrace the rich and vibrant cultures that emanate so effortlessly from Africa from the textures of the natural cloths to the prints and colors that appear so boldly and combine effortlessly. The garments are handmade by Asake or manufactured under Fair Trade in Nigeria working with native artisans using mostly silk, cotton and linen which are natural fabrics and sourced from all over Africa. The limited edition ready to wear is a solution to the fashion victim who finds it easier to follow high street trends such as AsakeOge . For more information, check out the fashion line at www.asakeoge.com and www.afwny.com

by Fatim Bangoura