For her Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, Nigerian designer Mowalola Ogunlesi brought New York to London. The designer delivered a collection consisting of "New York Yankees" inspired pieces that pay tribute to the Big Apple. The collection titled "Dark Web" explored extreme "techno-apocalyptic tones," signature Mowalola brand risqué pieces, and lots of New York nods.
In addition, highlights of the collection include huge bootleg Yankees logos that were on Mowalola pieces such as oversized leather jackets, knee-high boots, and belt buckles attached to skirts. Also featured on the runway was the label's rumored Timberland collab with a perforated Yankees motif. "Smack a Bitch" rapper Rico Nasty was featured as a model for the collection. She sported an oversized mustard yellow motorcycle jacket and micro-mini skirt look emblazoned with a black New York Yankees-inspired motif.
Mowalola Autumn/Winter 2023 Collection
Mowalola created her Autumn/Winter 2023 collection to honor blueprint African-American fashion. Sagging pants, cocked hats, and Uptowns appeared on the runway. Elsewhere, bold and daring pieces were displayed such as extreme cutout dresses. A bawdy tank reading "insert disc here" with an arrow pointing to (you know where) was also featured. Additionally, massive handbags, sewer top totes, bizarre three-eyed sunglasses, and LED light makeup looks completed the "Dark Web" vision. According to Office Magazine, “Dark Web encapsulates the threads of sports, culture, and corporations that embody New York City — referred to by its darker moniker Gotham through signature the New York Yankees logo and NYC license plates printed across leather bags, jersey tees, leather jackets, and baseball caps.
Even the city’s Museum of Modern Art lettering was reimagined with “MoWA” text stamped on hoodies and tees reminiscent of local merchandise”. Moreover, there is no question as to why Mowalola decided to use New York as inspiration for her new collection, as did several other designers this season including Heron Preston, Who Decides War, and so much more. The city is filled with an eccentric style, art, and people on every corner. Mowalola Ogunlesi is known for captivating audiences with her unique designs that draw inspiration from literally anything and everything. All in all, while this is only her most recent example, we anticipate that this will definitely not be Mowalola's last.
[Via]