Evaluating Midetush Bespoke’s Afrominimalism collection

In a dazzling display of fashion excellence, Oyo State Council of Arts and Culture in West Africa’s largest city, Ibadan, joined forces with emerging Nigerian fashion designers to showcase their collections in an exclusive outdoor Graduate Fashion Week event. “A Midetush Bespoke show is a celebration of prints and authenticity,” Oyewunmi said backstage, and in line with that sentiment, he gathered friends, influencers, and creatives altogether to unveil the brand’s SS23 Graduate collection ‘Afrominimalism’.

The collection boldly carves its path in the world of fashion, offering a refreshing take on African-inspired designs and a celebration of authenticity, eschewing the excesses of mainstream fashion in favour of deliberate minimalism. He was keen to give attendees a taste of old and new Midetush Bespoke pieces, reclaiming African design in its simplest forms as he challenged the homogenized and appropriated versions of African clothing that have permeated mainstream fashion through each look.

At the heart of the collection are plain and bold print fabrics, which serve as canvases for artistic expression. Each look ranging from plain, stripe and print shirts, blazers, and shorts is meticulously crafted to embody the essence of ‘Afrominimalism’ – a philosophy that embraces the beauty of simplicity and rejects unnecessary adornment. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the collection serves a deeper purpose. Each look inspires to connect the average Black man with his charm and the immediate environment. Even though I loved the unity across each of the looks, I was also aware of the danger the distinct themes had on creating quite cliché looks.

I think the most striking aspect of the collection is its laid-back approach to styling. Models are recast in a relaxed and effortless manner, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and beauty. A testament to the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and social change.