Crowds of men and women gathered outside wearing their best Emmy Kasbit looks. The brand has amassed a cult-like following over the years and its signature akwete, a traditional Nigerian fabric, is hard to miss.
For spring 2027, founder and creative director Emmanuel Okoro, Emmy Kasbit found inspiration in an Indonesian designer with whom he worked earlier this year, drawing similarities between Akwete women and the Javanese women of Indonesia. “We’re very particular about culture and its preservation,” he said, adding that the two cultures might be very different on the surface, but are united in perseverance, community, and heritage. The overlaps motivated the collection’s blending of traditional Nigerian handwoven textiles and Asian silhouettes. Lightweight trousers inspired by a sarong and a poncho made out of two different types of akwete exemplified this fusion.
“It’s a fresh start for Emmy Kasbit,” he said. Indeed, it was the first season since the brand’s start 13 years ago that Okoro did not design with matching sets in mind. While the uniformity has historically performed well with his customers, he wanted to try something new. “The client doesn’t have to take the look as they see it on the runway if they don’t want to. They can take [individual] pieces.” Highlights included a white silk fringed dress and orange fringed blazer, as well as green tailored suits.
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