As you’ll know, LFW 2019 has been and gone, but rest assured there was ample Mammypi presence to ensure y’all don’t miss a thing. In all honesty, the runway shows and presentations oozed oodles of talent, even the most fashion savvy would’ve been hard-pressed to spot the best. That said, one designer, in particular, stood head and shoulders above the rest. London based Tolu Coker. Put it this way, she didn’t bag the coveted AW19 Merit Award for coming to play.
TOLU COKER LONDON FASHION WEEK 2019
One thing we’ll hardly ever be accused of @ Mammypi is not looking after the full spectrum of our fanbase. So, let’s commence by levelling out what’s left of the playing field as far as Tolu Coker goes. By the way, being an uber fashion-conscious bunch, we know not many Mammypi fans are still in the dark about the sheer force that is Tolu Coker. Nigerian-born Coker is a fashion/textile designer and illustrator, a finalist in ASOS 2018 Discovery award and a hat trick award winner during the globally-acclaimed ITS 2018. As if those accolades won’t do, Coker has collaborated with brands such as Swatch, Dr Martens etc and her work has featured on platforms such as Vogue, Tate, Love Magazine. So, naturally, her client list sports the likes of Tiwa Savage, Rita Ora, Rihanna and Demi Lovato. Need we say more?
TOLU COKER – AW19 MERIT AWARD – FASHION SCOUT
LFW 2019 was an opportunity to be swept off our feet by Coker’s brilliance. Think repurposed denim, leathers, plastics and lace straps paired with bold prints and silhouettes. Then think black and white, hoodies, jeans and tribal Nigerian headgear. Decidedly, this brand is offering a scant apology for pushing the agenda for acceptance and freedom in fashion with youthful, contemporary and luxurious abandon.
Again, to illustrate how Coker’s work embraces her dual heritage and culture, excerpts from her Father’s diary, personal prints and old family polaroid photos feature heavily in her pieces. Employ zoom on the black and white piece and prepare to be knocked out of cognitive dissonance as you are reminded of the 2014 Sandy Hook Connecticut massacre.
Tolu Coker’s Art
Such is the power of the delivery of Coker’s art. A unisex brand centred around inclusivity, diversity, the models embodied that energy to a tee. Out they poured, onto the runway, like torrents of excellence. Believe you me, it was a sight to behold. Indeed, Coker so bad-assed her way off the charts with proof after proof of superior talent, we felt the distinct urge to say her name thrice.
Finally, to crown it all, something just right for our very bourgeoise palate exploded into view; that burgundy print number. Accessories of a golden bike and headgear to boot. Oh! To have a front row seat at LFW!
TOLU COKERĀ AW19 MERIT AWARD FASHION SCOUT
