Tuntop Fashion House made a notable impact at Africa Fashion Week London 2024 with a collection that truly embodied the richness of African heritage while embracing modern design sensibilities. The event was held at Kensington & Chelsea Conference & Event Centre, Hornton Street, London on October 12, 2024.
The showcase, which took place during Black History Month, fused African tradition with contemporary silhouettes in a way that was both bold and innovative. Each of the five pieces presented spoke to the designer’s vision of “Africanizing modern dresses”. See some of the pieces below:
1. Knee-Length Straight Dress
The knee-length straight dress showcased a striking dark cherry-patterned Ankara fabric, highlighted with bright red and yellow gold accessories.
The wave-like shapes in the front and the addition of yellow feather trims on the side, coupled with rhinestones, created a dynamic contrast. The red wing-like shoulder details added to the bold, dramatic effect, transforming this piece into an attention-grabbing spectacle.
This dress is a powerful statement of African-inspired design, with the Ankara print paying homage to the vibrant textiles of the continent, while the feather trim and rhinestone embellishments bring an element of modern flair. The wing-like shoulders added a strong sense of cultural identity, evoking imagery of African strength and grace.
2. Long Sunflower Print Dress
This long-shift dress was a beautiful celebration of nature, featuring a bold sunflower print on a dark backdrop. The green feathered shoulder wrap and luxurious red drapery cascading from the waist added a regal touch, with a high slit on one side introducing a sense of sensuality.
The sunflower print was a vibrant and fitting tribute to Africa’s natural beauty and energy, while the green feathered shoulders added a striking and unexpected contrast.
The metallic red fabric that flowed down the side introduced a rich, luxurious movement that felt regal and elevated. This piece wonderfully captured the essence of nature and African culture while remaining modern and elegant.
3. Green and Black Leaf-Patterned Shift Dress
This long-shift dress featured green and black leaf patterns with a contrast of black velvet. The asymmetrical design with an off-shoulder wrap and gold embellishments added a touch of opulence. The vibrant red beads cascading from the shoulder enhanced the overall look, and the bold floral headpiece gave the dress a theatrical flair.
The leaf patterns and black velvet worked harmoniously to create a grounded yet sophisticated feel, while the gold embellishments were elegant and rich, subtly nodding to African heritage. The red beads were a striking detail, providing a perfect contrast to the dark tones of the dress.
The floral headpiece made the dress feel alive, drawing attention to the boldness of the design.
4. A-Line Green Lace Dress
This dress stood out for its intricate green lace fabric paired with gold floral accents. The dramatic sleeve embellishments, resembling star-like flowers, were a creative and dynamic touch, adding depth to the design. The green lace was elegant and sophisticated, and the gold accents added a sense of opulence and refinement.
The floral motifs within the lace provided texture and a nod to nature, giving the dress a timeless and culturally significant aesthetic. The star-like sleeves were an innovative touch, showcasing Tuntop’s creative vision and ability to blend modern ideas with traditional fabrics.
5. Ball Gown with Butterfly and Rose Appliques.
The ball gown was a colourful, playful design featuring a fitted bodice with butterfly appliqués and a full, voluminous skirt adorned with rose-shaped appliqués. The white sheer overlay added a whimsical touch, with feathers on the shoulders completing the dramatic look.
This gown captured the essence of freedom and transformation, symbolized by the butterfly motifs, while the rose appliqués added a touch of romance. The sheer overlay introduced an ethereal quality that worked beautifully with the feathers, creating a sense of movement and grace.
This piece was a powerful, imaginative representation of nature’s beauty and growth that is symbolic of Africa.
Tuntop Fashion House’s collection at Africa Fashion Week London 2024 was a powerful celebration of African culture, with each piece making a bold statement of creativity and innovation. The designer’s ability to infuse African motifs with modern elements was evident in the good use of fabrics, embellishments, and colour choices.
Before Africa Fashion Week London, in April 2024, Tuntop Fashion House and Tuntop Fashion Academy were recognized as the Top Fashion Design and Fashion School of Lagos State Nigeria by the Top Notch Nigeria Business and Professional Award in recognition of Tuntop Fashion House’s outstanding performance and key contribution to Lagos, Nigeria.
With her ability to push boundaries and reinterpret African style for the global runway, Temitope Olorunfemi, the creative director behind Tuntop Fashion House is one to watch as she continues to push African-inspired designs on the global stage.
She recently launched a ready-to-wear brand in the UK called trentfash ( www.trentfash.com) after completing a Masters degree in Fashion Management from Birmingham City University. Temitope continues waving the Afromodernist fashion flag beyond Lagos to the Global stage.
