Fashion Review: Exploring the Dahila Collection by Yehbo

The global fashion industry is growing constantly and rapidly, with a market value currently estimated at a staggering $1.7 trillion.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and a growing hunger for unique styles, the sector has drawn the attention of millions, from high-street shoppers to A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Zendaya, and Lupita Nyong’o.

But it’s not just the usual fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and New York that are turning heads. The spotlight is increasingly shifting towards Africa, where designers are breaking glass ceilings by mixing their local traditional styles with global trends.
African fashion, in particular, has seen a meteoric rise in recent years.

The industry is currently valued at over $31 billion and is expected to grow steadily, reaching an estimate of $5.57 billion in 2024 and $8.86 billion in 2029, as more designers make their mark on the global stage.

African celebrities such as Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and actress Nomzamo Mbatha, alongside international stars like Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell, are embracing African brands and bringing them to the forefront of red carpets and international fashion weeks.

African designs are not just ordinary clothes anymore; they have turned out to be cultural experiences that anyone can access. And we mean anyone, including non-Africans.

Among the key players making waves in this exciting space is Ghanaian designer Emmanuel Junior Yeboah, the visionary behind the Yehbo brand. Launched in 2016, Yehbo has carefully carved out a niche as one of Africa’s leading sustainable and artistic womenswear and unisex lines.

With his deep connection to his Ghanaian background, Emmanuel integrates his designs with a modern yet grounded feel, blending the liveliness and beauty of African life with the cutting-edge aesthetics of contemporary fashion.

Emmanuel’s core philosophy in fashion is a commitment to quality and sustainability. Every piece is created with thoughtfulness, both in terms of the fabric choices and the environmental impact. So, it’s not only about looking good but also about wearing clothes that wouldn’t harm the environment after disposal. It’s great to know that African fabrics can be easily recycled.

Yehbo’s latest collection, Dahila, is a perfect example of Emmanuel Yeboah’s creative mastery. True to his ethos, the Dahila collection captures true African femininity with a mix of traditional influences and modern fashion trends.

Yeboah’s designs don’t rely on overused motifs or excessive detailing but instead focus on clean lines, thoughtful cuts, and playful patterns that are designed to honour the everyday woman.

This collection showcases a fresh and wearable approach to African fashion that will appeal to style-conscious women across the globe. It includes creatively designed tops and trousers made with native fabrics.

So, whether you’re a fashion enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve or a professional in the industry, Yehbo’s Dahila collection gives you an exciting mashup of vintage and innovation, proving once again that African fashion is a force to be reckoned with in today’s global fashion industry.

At first glance, the floral print on the two-piece ensemble, called Floral Queen, catches the eye immediately. Bold brown flowers with vibrant blue accents stretch across the fabric in an organic, all-over pattern.

The use of African wax print—beloved for its vibrant, long-lasting colours and breathability—elevates the design from just another floral outfit to a piece that feels steeped in tradition, yet refreshingly modern. The print itself seems to suggest a tribute to nature, growth, and life, with each flower blooming across the fabric in its full glory.

The fabric choice is intentional; it hails from a lineage of textiles that is popular and significant in many African societies. Wax prints, also known as Ankara, have long been used as a mode of personal expression and racial identity.

The colours and symbols often carry specific meanings, and while Yeboah’s designs don’t lean into literal storytelling, the feeling you get from wearing this outfit is one of vibrancy and vitality.

The peplum top adds a sweet, flirty, and sophisticated touch. Peplum has long been a favoured design for its ability to create an hourglass shape, accentuating the waist before flaring out just slightly at the hips. This top achieves exactly that; it gives a balanced shape that’s flattering on many body types.

The length of the peplum is just right—it’s neither too short to be impractical nor too long to obstruct the lower half of the outfit. It sits at the waist, giving just the right amount of flow as the model moves. This cut also makes the outfit versatile, as the top can easily be paired with other skirts, trousers, or even jeans for a casual day out.

The slightly puffed three-quarter sleeves are another thoughtful detail. They add just the right amount of volume to the upper half of the body. They create this perfect balance. The sleeve length ensures that the piece remains lightweight and comfortable, especially in warmer weather. It also provides a great balance with the more fitted trousers, which ensures that the outfit doesn’t feel too top-heavy.

The neckline is simple and rounded—perfectly understated. It doesn’t compete with the bold print but complements it by allowing room for creative accessorising. A statement necklace or bold earrings would sit comfortably here without burdening the look.

The trousers are a relaxed, straight-leg cut. This is key to the overall flow of the outfit. Rather than opting for a skin-tight fit, Emmanuel chose a looser silhouette that allows ease of movement while still looking gorgeous. The straight leg also gives it a more tailored look, making the outfit versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal settings.

The high waist on the trousers is another detail worth mentioning. High-waisted trousers have become a favourite in contemporary fashion for their ability to elongate the legs and create a streamlined shape. Paired with the peplum top, the high waist allows for a seamless transition between the two pieces, creating a cohesive, polished, and classy look.

This is the perfect outfit for an outdoor event—think a garden party, a relaxed summer wedding, or an afternoon brunch. The floral pattern is fun and fresh, while the fit remains polished enough for more formal settings.

Pair it with open-toe sandals or wedges for a daytime event, or dress it up with heeled mules for an evening occasion. The versatility of this outfit lies in its ability to be both relaxed and refined, depending on how you choose to style it.

The second design, which is called the Royal Fit, is a feast for the eyes with its rich, bold interplay of colours. The purple, yellow, and deep blue floral print emits a regal quality, hence the name “Royal Fit.” The African wax print here takes on a more delicate, detailed pattern compared to the first design.

The colour palette alone is enough to turn heads. Purple has long been associated with royalty and luxury, while the gold and yellow tones hint at warmth and energy. Together, these colours create an eye-catching piece that demands attention.

African wax prints are revered for their deep, long-lasting textures, and this piece is no exception. The print’s complexity also adds to the outfit’s allure. The patterns are carefully placed, ensuring that the overall look feels harmonious and balanced, rather than chaotic or “too much”.

The structured neckline is the first thing to catch the eye here. It’s slightly wider than a traditional square neck, highlighting a unique take on a classic cut. This neckline is universally flattering, especially for those with angular jawlines, as it softens the face and creates a sense of openness.

It’s the perfect canvas for minimal jewellery, perhaps a pair of statement earrings to draw attention to the neck and shoulders.

The most dramatic element of this design is undoubtedly the balloon sleeves. These voluminous sleeves bring a sense of grandeur and movement to the piece. Balloon sleeves have made a strong comeback in recent years, and for good reason—they add style without taking away from the overall elegance of the design.

They are bold, but not overpowering or distracting. The fabric gathers at the wrist, ensuring that the volume is concentrated on the upper arms, while the lower arms remain more fitted.

The overall fit of the top is structured, which means that despite the volume of the sleeves, the piece retains a sense of polish and form. The structured bodice merges beautifully with the fun sleeves, creating a well-balanced style.

The trousers in this design are tailored to perfection. Unlike the more relaxed fit of the first design, these trousers are more fitted, especially around the hips and thighs, before tapering into a straight-leg fit. The high-waisted design remains, elongating the body and creating a sleek shape. The tailored fit is just perfect with the voluminous sleeves. Ladies, today, love these kinds of sleeves because of their comfortability.

This Royal Fit is perfect for an upscale event like cocktail parties, evening weddings, or even a red-carpet appearance. The bold print and structured fit emit confidence and luxury, making it ideal for women who want to stand out wherever they go. Pair it with beautiful heels and minimal jewellery to let the outfit the major focus.

The dramatic sleeves and tailored trousers make this a perfect outfit for evening events where you want to make an entrance like a true African queen. It’s elegant without being overly formal, making it versatile enough for various occasions.

Yehbo’s Dahila collection is a masterclass in blending African and contemporary fashion. As much as Emmanuel Yeboah’s designs have great aesthetics, they are also focused on making a woman feel powerful, graceful, and deeply connected to her African roots. Both outfits in this review reflect something unique; the flirty peplum and relaxed trousers of the Floral Queen design and the regal, dramatic flair of the Royal Fit are sights to behold.

These are outfits that belong in the wardrobes of women who appreciate the art of fashion and the stories that clothes can tell.

If you are dressing for a casual brunch or an upscale event, these two designs from the Dahila collection ensure that you’ll always make an impression, while staying true to the spirit of African fashion. Add them to your collection for that unique blend of art and culture!