Paul Mwesigwa Brings The Heat in Buki Akomolafe for Paper Magazine

Melanin Galore!

Ugandan star Paul Mwesigwa models looks from German-Nigerian designer Buki Akomolafe’s new ready-to-wear collection for Paper Magazine. The story was photographed by Niculai Constantinescu and styled by Kshitij Kankaria

Excerpt

“My understanding of style today is a reconciliation of both of my identities,” Akomolafe explains. “I call myself Afropean. I’m a kid of the diaspora and I’m proud that I’ve experienced two completely different worlds.” By fusing classic European tailoring with generous West African silhouettes, the designer creates a physical manifestation of her familial narrative. Traditional textiles and techniques including patchwork quilting that resembles materials worn by the Senegalese Baye Fall community and Ankara wax prints animate stylized Western separates from skirts and jogger-style trousers to button-downs, blazers, and bomber jackets.

Photographer: Niculai Constantinescu
Stylist: Kshitij Kankaria
Hair & Make Up: Richard Wilkinson
Model : Mwesigwa Paul (Twenty Model Management)
On Mwesigwa: Buki Akomolafe ready-to-wear

Head to Paper Magazine for the full story here