The hills were alive – or in maharishi’s case, the desert – as the brand’s Tour D’Afrique AW17 collection filled the populous room of the BFC Showspace. As the sounds of grime created familiarity and fun for the predominately British crowd, we soon saw the soundtrack transport to a more up-tempo afrobeat that created a shoulder rock dance the audience couldn’t help but let take over their body.
The collection made a strong reference to a the brand’s signature military style, and was inspired by (but hopefully critical of – as suggested by the slogan “the mind can make a heaven out of hell/or a hell out of heaven”) French colonisation in Africa. There was an undeniable cultural awareness throughout maharishi’s pieces that came in a neutral and earthy colour palette, with dashes of yellow and soft pinks – paying homage to the African desert.
Models confidently moved across the runway in djellabas (North African hooded, loose fitting robes) and jellabiyas (hoodless wide-collared sleeved robes originating from the Horn of Africa). Beautiful silk tracksuits with embroidered stitching of birds and the continent of Africa created a delicate tone to the collection with references to the continent throughout.
A collection that will surely have many talking throughout the weekend, The Tour D’Afrique became a tour de force.
Images via Catwalking.com for maharishi
Boohoo’s attempts to appear ethical are empty and damaging – we must keep calling them out
In Zimbabwe, traditions are clashing with climate adaptation
How the politics of representation mask fashion’s unethical underbelly
When will fashion brands stop sexualising the cheongsam?
