Olakunle Akindipe’s Golden Stitches Africa Brings African Tradition to the Forefront of Contemporary Fashion at Africa Heritage Fashion Week

On April 20, 2024, the Africa Heritage Fashion Week and Awards brought a vibrant crowd to the elegant Pinorich Villa in Buea, Cameroon, where designers from across the continent gathered to showcase their work in an atmosphere of celebration, heritage, and forward-looking style. Among the night’s highlights, Golden Stitches Africa by Olakunle Augustine Akindipe stood out with a menswear collection that honored African tradition while embracing modern aesthetics, creating a sense of elegance that felt both timeless and fresh.

Akindipe’s collection opened with a white kaftan suit, clean in lines yet rich in detail. The pristine white fabric made a bold, minimalist statement, letting the silhouette speak for itself while inviting the audience to notice the finer touches. A subtle embroidery on the pocket added a layer of interest, creating a look that felt complete without any need for excess. This white kaftan established a tone of sophisticated restraint, showing a respect for the simplicity of traditional attire with just enough modern nuance to make it feel fresh.

As the collection progressed, color and print brought new dimensions to the lineup. One of the standout moments came with a green Ankara print shirt layered under a tailored kaftan suit, striking a balance between classic structure and lively African textile traditions. Rather than letting the print act as an accent, Akindipe placed it as the focal point, bringing energy and personality to the look. The choice of a bold green tone in the Ankara brought a sense of vitality, a clear nod to African culture that felt like a natural extension of Akindipe’s creative voice. The look was daring yet entirely wearable, showing his ease in blending traditional fabrics with contemporary menswear.

One of the night’s most memorable pieces was a black agbada suit, embodying elegance and regality. The agbada, a garment historically associated with prestige and respect, felt both powerful and understated in Akindipe’s hands. The voluminous black silhouette moved with the model in a way that seemed almost ceremonial, yet the look was tailored enough to feel modern. Akindipe’s attention to proportion allowed this piece to feel grand without overpowering, revealing his skill in marrying traditional design with contemporary styling. This agbada didn’t just nod to African heritage; it felt like a tribute, reimagined for the discerning, fashion-conscious man of today.

Golden Stitches Africa’s collection as a whole painted a vision of African menswear that is respectful of the past but clearly forward-looking. Rather than leaning too heavily into nostalgia, Akindipe created pieces that felt relevant and stylish in a modern context, honoring African roots without being bound by them. His work on the runway spoke to a global audience, presenting African attire as refined and aspirational, yet distinctly grounded in heritage.