The Noni Styles African Collection is synonymous with brilliantly crafted clothing for men and women, so it was no surprise that last Saturday, the brand’s 2024 fashion show received a standing ovation at the Major Owens Community Center in Brooklyn.
The 12th Annual showcase, which featured more than 40 outfits in three segments, opened with a line of jackets and floor-length coats for both men and women. The orange and black mud cloth fabric designs were finished with pockets and leather trimming. The male jackets sported hoodies, ready to light up the fall season.
A diverse group of models marched down the runway in a well-choreographed show, setting the tone for a night of awe-inspiring Nigerian owambe glam.
Inspired by the Sub-Saharan African region, the clothing was colorful, alluring, ready to wear, one-of-a-kind creations suited to every occasion and body type.
Nonya Anyadiegwu, who is described as a beacon in the world of fashion through her designs of elegance and identity based on her rich cultural Nigerian roots and offers a platform for beauty and African fashion to flourish, brought these elements to life.
The barrage of exquisite and unique outfits in floral, gold-encrusted fabric and blends of color brought the audience to its feet.
As the infectious African rhythms blared in the Betty Carter Auditorium for the Arts, models sashayed along the catwalk in evening wear of bold prints designed with frills and trumpet sleeves — a thigh-high fishtail pink off-the-shoulder, designed with one sleeve. A glittering body-hugging sequin, topless-less blue sequin, and yet another dazzling topless with a plunging neckline followed. A peach sequin dress with long sleeves designed with a satin ribbon in a crisscrossed effect wowed patrons, as many other show-stopping pieces, many accented with headwraps and jewelry, lit up the catwalk.
The male collection also made a debonair statement on the runway, with separates, suits, and intricately designed shirt shirts in blue, black, multicolor, brown, and green — all eye-popping, stylish attire.
The captivating night of excellence and ingenious talent was capped off with an appearance by Nonya, herself, wearing a stunned outfit, as she made her way to the front of the runway to take a bow, much to the audience’s delight, and applauded the fashion maven.
The colorful, patterned floor-length robe with a flowing train attached from the shoulders was coordinated with a tower-high headwrap and matching jewelry.
The fashion expert and brilliant couturier, whose 1215 Nostrand Ave. store also sells children’s clothing and has been a community cornerstone for more than 20 years, told Caribbean Life she was inspired.
She told this reporter she was motivated to design pieces that evoke a sense of uniqueness for the season.
“My designs prioritize creativity and individuality, whether they’re casual or formal, aiming to create truly extraordinary outfits.”
“Seeing my brothers and sisters exuding confidence and royalty, wearing bold, colorful attires that showcase their unique beauty and individuality. I love to see women and men looking good. This also inspires me to be a better designer,” said Nonya.
The show, highlighted by a beautiful violin solo by Dr. Melanie R. Hill and emceed by popular hostess Sharon Gordon, received loud applause for its extraordinary presentation.
To view Noni Styles’s clotting collection or purchase a piece, log on to www.nonistyles.com or call 347-885-8610. Nonistyles is # Instagram and Nonistyles@Facebook.
