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By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
The MAKANI set
“The inspiration behind this collection is to create something that embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds worldwide, providing a sense of inclusivity and comfort for everyone”.
– Adeola Obaseki
In the sub-urban area on one of the islands of the busiest archipelago in Africa, Lagos, a new fashion company unveiled its debut collection to positive reviews. This brand is called Mohala Grey, founded by Adeola Obaseki who also doubles as the brand’s creative director. The collection can be categorised by its incredibly detailed motifs and the intricate use of pleats, drapes and gathers.
A brand’s debut collection is arguably its most important step to its audience. This is because the debut collection is burdened with several questions; Why should we shop at your site? Why do we need your brand? What makes your brand stand out? What does fashion mean to you? Is this just a money grab for you? Along with many more. These questions are justified and it is the right of every future client to learn as much as they can about a brand before they put their trust in it.
There is nothing more assuring when the designer speaks of a brand as if it were an extension of them. That is how Adeola spoke of Mohala Grey, wearing a two-piece suit with one of the prints debuted in the Mohala Grey collection. I eventually learned that it was the AKANLA print, and learning about the origin behind the print was an experience. The inspiration of the print is West Africa, as Adeola explained that its design is a Duafe comb attached to Ila (tribal marks), paying homage to the Akan people of Ghana and Yoruba people of Nigeria, respectively. Laponle, a popular adire motif native to the Yoruba people, was also used in the design of the AKANLA print. Also spread across the AKANLA print were cowries and although they aren’t as prominent as the Duafe and Ila patterns, they definitely added some uniqueness and vibrancy to the fabric. The collection takes its inspiration from Adeola’s aspiration to craft something that welcomes people from all around the world, offering a feeling of inclusiveness and comfort to all individuals, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.
Besides the AKANLA print, two other print designs debuted at the launch– the MAKA and BLOOM prints. The literal meaning of the word MAKA is ‘face’, and the print is beautifully adorned with the facial silhouette of a woman, and surrounded by a burst of colours ranging from brown to black and lilac, depending on what variation of the MAKA print you pick.
The MAKA word is not the first time that Adeola looked to the indigenous Polynesians for inspiration when it comes to nomenclature. MOHALA means Bloom in Hawaiian and she was equally happy to talk about her love and admiration for the people of Hawaii. BLOOM meaning to flourish, serves as the essence of the brand and this can be seen on the BLOOM print, as it is a series of gorgeous floral motifs.
There is a recurring theme seen all through the brand’s collection. With the collection titled KANAKA meaning people from Hawaiian, the collection includes dresses called MAKANI which can be translated as wind in English, and KAHE meaning flow in the Polynesian language. The brand expresses that fashion is an art and art draws inspiration from anywhere, sometimes home as seen in the use of the ILA and DUAFE, other times away from the Atlantic and into an archipelago on the Pacific. The focal intrigue of the brand is the intentionality behind it. Adeola proves she is passionate about Mohala Grey and every aspect of the brand is important to her. From the choice of fabrics such as mesh, plissé and jacquard chiffon to the naming of the designs. The KAHE (flow) dress is a seamlessly flowing dress made with the pleated fabric known as Plissé in the MAKA print. Another look with the MAKA print is the MAKANI set, This utilises a ruched long-sleeved mesh bodysuit paired with a draped midi skirt made with plissé.
The AKANLA sets, on the other hand, made use of thicker fabrics such as linen and cotton, with oversized shirts, cargo pants and cargo mini skirts. Lastly, the BLOOM prints are used for the silk and jacquard chiffon dress. It can be spotted on the LEDE dress which is a low neckline dress with a waist gather and underneath a draped bodice. The NANI dress which is a v-neck, puffy-sleeved, unrestricted long dress with gathers at its hem, is also made with the BLOOM print.
Mohala Grey is committed to delivering not only style but also quality, diversity and sustainability. Every piece is meticulously crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring that they stand the test of time. Her love for various cultures and the experience of MOHALA and what it means to her is an exciting one and I anticipate the next collection. The launch of the womenswear brand might have been an event, however, for Adeola; it’s a statement. It’s a statement of empowerment, diversity, and style. It’s a celebration of the world, its people and their multifaceted lives. Mohala Grey’s fusion of West African motifs with Hawaiian and Polynesian influences is a testament to the brand’s global outlook. It’s a celebration of different cultures, traditions, and the beauty that lies in embracing our differences.
As Mohala Grey steps into the world of fashion, it brings with it a promise to redefine the way women experience clothing. In an era where diversity and inclusivity are paramount, Mohala Grey proudly embraces these values. The brand recognizes that beauty comes in all forms, and its collections are designed to celebrate this diversity. Whether you are looking for timeless classics, bold statements, or casual chic, Mohala Grey offers the perfect print and outfit. In the world of Mohala Grey, it becomes abundantly clear that this brand is not just about fashion; it’s about storytelling, culture, art and a deep appreciation for the diversity of the world we live in. Adeola Obaseki’s passion for her brand and her commitment to infusing it with meaning and intentionality shines through every piece of her debut collection. She challenged herself with her inspiration and perfectly executed it. We eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this remarkable brand.
The Akanla top and cargo pants
The MAKANI set: The KILIKA bodysuit and MAKANI skirt.
