Trendy Fashion Report: Trunk Show Courtesy of Busayo, NYC

The continent of Africa has staged a massive takeover in the fashion world. Legions of seasoned and relatively new designers are increasing their global presence and proving without a doubt that the Diaspora is definitely is a force to be reckoned with both culturally and artistically.

That’s why it’s always exciting and inspiring to meet young and talented thespians that have what it takes to be trailblazers in their respective industries.

I was lucky enough to meet Busayo Olupona, a fellow Nigerian who also happens to be a delightfully intuitive fashion designer a few weeks ago. We both attended media strategist Bevy Smith’s Life with Vision event, and the purpose of that gathering was to bring together young, energetic and ambitious go-getters who need the right dose of encouragement to take them into the next phase of their lives. Networking is an invaluable tool and thanks to that lovely afternoon of spiritual fulfillment, I made contact with an exceptional group of women.

Busayo Olupona

Busayo and I kept in contact and that led to an invite to her trunk show being held at her friend’s spacious Upper West Side apartment. Upon arrival the first thing I noticed were the vibrantly dramatic dresses both Busayo and the hostess were donning, and the colorfully decked out wonderland at the center of the living room. That set the tone for the rest of the evening and what followed was an unabashedly fun time that consisted of playing dress up, comparing looks, re-discovering our passion for shirt dresses, and oh, did I mention loads of wine!

Despite being born in the States, I was raised in Nigeria, so I have had a long standing relationship with our native fabrics but ironically it has taken me up till now to truly appreciate their versatility and dependable functionality. A lot of that comes from my interactions with designers like Busayo who possess an innate ability to translate and manipulate staple fabrics like ankara, and batik to create exquisitely sculptured pieces that drape effortlessly without presenting any hints of constriction. From her kinetic jumpers to her magnetic dresses and skirts, Busayo, whose fashion house also bears the same name, offers a healthy array of options that will be sure to satisfy any fahionista’s palette.

MTB Editor in her favorite of the night

Her objective is to be a socially conscious designer who presents a refreshingly modern twist while working with traditional materials that only recently have been used in a more exploratory way. Her attention to detail is genius as is her ability to enhance a woman’s best assets. She enjoys the power of brightly lit hues and as her newest fan I am more than happy to oblige. And I am sure her future devotees will gladly adapt to her vividly eclectic collection.

For an in depth look into the world of Busayo, NYC, visit: www.busayonyc.com