Ahluwalia Conjures Nigerian Folklore on the Runway
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- March 6, 2024
Priya Ahluwalia has a gift for weaving vibrant stories through fashion. Her Fall/Winter 2024 collection for her namesake label is a mystical journey into Nigerian folklore, a dreamscape brought to life on the London Fashion Week runway.
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Set in a transformed Central Hall Westminster, the show was a feast for the senses. Lush greenery and the echoing calls of exotic birds transported viewers to the heart of a tropical jungle. “The Prince Who Wanted the Moon” and “How the Leopard Got His Spots”, tales from Ahluwalia’s childhood, ignited the collection’s fantastical energy. By weaving in the works of contemporary African female artists, the designer signals a new era for the continent’s creative voices.
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Ahluwalia paints her Nigerian mythscape with an artist’s touch. Fantastical trees and otherworldly creatures adorn locally-sourced textiles. Traditional Igbo body painting techniques inspire the draping, as fabrics cling to the body in sinuous, asymmetrical forms. Bold prints explode across cutout dresses and casual shirting, while geometric knits shimmer with an almost ethereal light. Even familiar Indian saris are transformed, reimagined as hooded robes and svelte suits ready to embark on an unknown quest.
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The standout moment was the debut of Ahluwalia’s Levi’s collaboration. These weren’t mere jeans; they were wearable sculptures. Winged figures graced trench coats, while jackets and flared trousers mimicked the dappled patterns of a reptile’s skin. Denim became a canvas for pure artistic expression.
More than just beautiful clothing, Ahluwalia’s FW24 collection is indicative of her powerful storytelling, her commitment to honoring her heritage, and her limitless imagination. This isn’t just fashion; it’s an invitation to step into a world of wonder.
Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN
