MENSWEAR TRENDS SPORT INFLUENCES   Taking the spirit of brotherhood often found on the sport courts and playing fields, this menswear trend adopts the masculinity of street wear and combines it with more androgynous touches, such as cropped layered sweats and tees and bold colour combinations. This global sports-luxe direction was recently seen on the catwalks of London and Paris and was captured perfectly by Nigerian designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal, the name behind the internationally acclaimed label Orange Culture, when he delivered a directional and cutting-edge show at Glitz Africa. Vanksere also picked up the colour palette and bold geometric patterning of this trend with his more structured interpretation.   PRINTS & PATTERNS The African fashion industry’s strong use of colour and patterns has always been a source of inspiration for international designers and this season is no different. Wearing head-to-toe and matching prints in monochrome tones is the key look, as seen in the Glitz Africa menswear shows for Abrantie The Gentleman who also introduced touches of colour through fastening and cuff detailing and badge motifs and Clemas whose menswear illustrated how to update traditional patterns and styling with this more uniform, yet tonal colour palette.   SOFT TAILORING For this season structured tailoring has been given a softer feel through the use of a pastel and light coloured fabrics and muted floral patterns. For the complete look, style pink and coral toned suiting with shawl lapels with contrasting pieces featuring delicate blooms to make a bolder statement as seen at Mai Atafo. Alternatively, go for military precision with jackets and trousers in air force blues and steely greys and add soft accents through accessories and ties as worn at the recent Bosi and Charles show.   WOMENSWEAR TRENDS   Sheer Pastels Intricate patterns and laser cut pieces layered on sheer fabrics create both a confident, yet playful look for the season whilst also offering soft feminine layering that can be worn day or night. Demure cape styling with high necks and a bold lace detailing worn over delicate shorts at Lumiere Couture, whilst Poqua Poqu interpreted the trend with overlays of sheer material that’s simple square patterning contrasted perfectly with the uber-cute ornate mini underskirts. The trend was also seen by Abbyke Domina who delivered the style effortlessly in matching coordinates in slightly sharper tones.   Shades of Red Red and all its variations is the key colour at the moment, perfect for making heads turn and the most dramatic of statements. Seen all over the catwalks from Paris to Milan and definitely one of the most important looks at Glitz Africa Fashion Week. This colour trend was seen from empire-line evening dresses and show-stopping lace gown with matching parasol at Lumiere Couture to seventies-inspired uber-cool jumpsuits at She by Bena through to contrast panelled body-con dresses by Sally Intiego. Bold Geometrics Mismatched and bold geometrics add the definition whilst the dark and deep hues create rich harmonies to tie this trend together and make it ultimately a very wearable look.. Label Alinafe used intricate pattern and construction techniques to take these geometrics from 2D to 3D whilst Aya Morrison’s figure hugging designs popped through the use of deep v necklines and lace details. The trend was also shown by Stylista, where intricate patterns swirled across the body in metallic art-deco colours.