By Christy Anyanwu
Wave-making label, Styledbyzk, has given African fashion a bold and innovative creative touch in the “Woven to Express” collection which it just unveiled.
Creative Director of the label, Zainab Kolawole, in a brief chat noted that her latest collection showcases African fashion as evolving and sustainable.
The collection features carefully selected fabrics, including cotton, Ankara, polished cotton, and Chantilly lace.
Three standout pieces include: the asymmetric spiral dress, which is masterpiece of structure and movement, featuring an asymmetric neckline, puff sleeve, and flare bottom. A striking mustard yellow bias adds dynamic motion and artistry.
The second one is the asymmetric flare dress – a sophisticated blend of cotton Ankara and polished cotton, merging structure with effortless movement. The V-neckline, pleat-gathered shoulders, and subtle flare create a graceful silhouette.
Then you have the Chantilly lace & Ankara skirt, which is harmonious blend of softness and structure, striking a perfect balance between heritage and modernity.
Kolawole shared that the designs would be showcased on prestigious runways in the UK, to introduce Nigerian craftsmanship to the international fashion scene.
“Fashion is more than fabric; it’s a voice. In ‘Woven to Express’, that voice is amplified through refined silhouettes, intricate craftsmanship, and intentional design,” she said.
The collection is designed for the modern woman who wants to be bold, refined, expressive, and effortlessly chic. The pieces in the collection are designed to be worn effortlessly from official settings to social moments.
The pieces prove that African fashion can be both timeless and contemporary. Throughout the collection, a muted colour palette replaces excess, allowing the craftsmanship and silhouette to take center stage.
Ankara, traditionally bold, is reimagined as a fabric that enhances the wearer rather than overwhelms them.
The collection, Woven to Express, is not just about aesthetics—it’s a commitment to sustainable fashion that lasts. The designer chooses premium fabrics – A carefully curated selection of cotton Ankara, polished cotton, and Chantilly lace, sourced to uphold quality and tradition.
Kolawole said she targets a ‘Limited production’ where the designs are produced out in small batches, ensuring exclusivity and reducing waste.
The pieces are designed for longevity, given that they are not fast-fashion pieces, but investments meant to be cherished and re-worn.
“Sustainability is at the core of what we do. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we ensure that every piece carries both cultural and environmental responsibility.
“Woven to Express” collection will hit the runway in May, starting in Nigeria and moving on to prestigious runways in the United Kingdom and other fashion centres.
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