Spring stitches blend of fashion: A review on modernism in African styles

The African fashion industry has been fast evolving and is currently estimated to be worth $15.5 billion of the global fashion industry. From brightly lit runways to making good potentials in the large-scale industry.

There are about 32 fashion weeks held in Africa in each passing year which means talents are always discovered in the haute couture and clothing crafts category.

Many fashion designers have emerged from the African landscape to set the course of incorporating a high level of sophistication in African traditional wear. Several prominent designers have paved the way for themselves with their ability to create innovative designs that richly influence African culture and posit it on a global scale.

The majority of African fashion today is experiencing a renaissance that has garnered a good number of audiences around the world. Fashion designers are creating pieces that maintain the African identity and evolve along with the seasons and trends which occur year-in-year-out.

One of these outstanding fashion designers is Augustina Temitope Abisuga. The founder of a brand that celebrates cultural heritage, Spring Stitches. Since 2016, Augustina Abisuga has been spreading her vision of blending fashion and tradition. Having decided to use sustainable and indigenous fabrics to create collections that give rise to inclusivity and modern Nigerian aesthetics, Spring Stitches has gained recognition through Augustina’s innovations.

Each outfit created by Spring Stitches exhibits close attention to detail, neat seam lines, quality materials, intricate designs, and a blend of traditional designs with contemporary styles. The vision of the brand is to tell the story of African fashion with women who are beautifully dressed in versatile clothing and exhibit diverse identities in different forms of self-expression.

Let’s introduce one of their best-selling pieces to you – the Feminine Essence 2024 collection.

AMARA DRESS

Spring Stitches has been able to create a collection that promotes African excellence. The first piece in the 2024 collection is the Amara dress. This stylish dress was created to resonate with elegance. The inspiration for this dress must have been borne out of the need to promote more sophisticated women’s looks this year.

Made with an excellent combination of Ankara and crepe fabric, this outfit is designed as a mermaid dress. The upper part of the dress is a large shoulder and chest area flare, tailored down to a flowing mermaid lower bodice. Nothing beats a dress with perfect fitting.

For the style, one of the best features is the corset. It perfectly outlines the dress and makes the mid area an outstanding attribute. This outfit exudes affluence and timeless style. It is the perfect dress for an informal occasion. Imagine stepping into an event looking all graceful. This is how this outfit will make you feel perfect accessories would be required to elevate the befitting looks of this dress; a statement necklace, high heels and a mini purse are the perfect combination.

DIANA DRESS

Perfectly designed with a Mikado Fabric, this brand succeeded in creating an elegant dress. This outfit is perfect for all occasions as it gives a chic and fun appearance. The double tone of this dress adds more to the fun look. The detailed emphasis of the polka dots made with pink fabric, on the lower part of the dress allows you to step into your feminine aura with this exciting black and pink combo.

When you intend to step out as a diva, this dress with the puffy off-shoulder design and a ‘snatched’ waist accentuates the curves of the wearer before flowing in a straight flair seam which gives room for easy movements around the legs. A necessary feature of this dress which makes it easy to wear is the zipper.

This style is indeed a masterpiece and can be styled with accessories like flat footwear or heels, handbags, bracelets and statement earrings. Overall, this is a one-of-a-kind design from Spring Stitches and the intricate design is top-notch. The design embodies African excellence.

DINMA SET

This stylish set allows you to maintain your ‘steeze’ even on a formal occasion. This Dinma set comes in the colour of royalty, purple. A vibrant match of two tones, it was created to give you an avant-garde but sophisticated working-class woman looks. For ladies who intend to keep it classy yet simple, this is your go-to outfit.

The interesting piece of this outfit is the silky flowing kimono jacket. It adds a uniqueness to the simple design of the jumpsuit wear. Making it an outstanding appearance in the way the jacket rests loosely on the jumpsuit. Another attribute which makes the set even more interesting is that it can be worn to any type of occasion.

The assured versatility of this dress stems from the choice of fabric material. The silky look of the material makes it unique and only reserved for special occasions. The secret to making sets like this is to make it two-piece and two-toned, that way the desired trendiness of the outfit is achieved alongside enhancing the personality of the wearer. Bold earrings, bracelets and flat footwear are best to accessories and enhance the beauty of this outfit.

DUPE DRESS

The Dupe dress. The perfect outfit for a Nigerian ‘owambe’ occasion. Every detail of the dress complements the other and it must have been a deliberate addition to make short Ankara fabric sleeves atop the long lace sleeves. This work is impressive and highly commendable. They think-out-of-the-box art incorporates not only comfort but a state-of-the-art piece of clothing.

The mid-section of the dress is structured with a full cup corset, sewn with lace and Ankara fabric. It accentuates the waistline of the wearer which makes it exaggerated with the stylish bodice of the dress. This dress tells a story that only a creative fashion designer will be able to bring out.

The hemlines are even and the length of the dress is perfect for the occasion. With proper accessories, this dress will reveal extra sophistication and excellence in style. Across all of this neckline is another feature that amplifies the bust area of the wearer. Perfectly cut and sewn to be less revealing, this dress is perfect for classy women.

GOKE DRESS

This is the type of outfit that gives you the “rich aunty” vibes. Spring Stitches definitely knows how to make you unforgettable at an event. This attire will suit any body type. Are you shaped in a petite way or rectangular or hourglass? This dress complements all body structures and by incorporating statement accessories, it adds more to the great look of the outfit.

As impressive as this design is, it does not hinder your bodily movements. It is the perfect piece for you to feel comfortable in. The V-neckline and short puffy sleeves are the major highlights which radiate your femininity and allow you the freedom to flexibly move your body.

The beaded details and aso-oke fabric design on the front outlook of this piece is a perfect technique for introducing African culture into the outfit. A good commendation can also be given to the sleeves, the designer introduced a unique style by making them slightly puffy with elastic bands at the ends. Making it firmly grasp the arm of the wearer and not yielding to bodily movements that can cause discomfort.

This beautiful look deserves to be paired with statement jewellery, a matching headpiece, a mini purse and high-heeled shoes.

Spring Stitches has proven to be an outstanding brand. Wavering through the evolution and dynamics of the global fashion industry, the brand is reaching the peak of showcasing excellence and improving the quality of fashion. This is a diverse collection of beautiful pieces and the designer did not fail to blend Western styles into the Afrocentric designs.