While we exist in the midst of an African fashion renaissance that has seen continental brands, scenes, and aesthetics ascend to global prominence, such a colossal movement could not exist without the efforts of African fashion creators who boldly champion continental couture. One such creator is Ifeyinwa Azubike, who worked in the highest echelons of the Nigerian legal world as a commercial lawyer before leaving it all behind in 2014 to become a fashion entrepreneur. Two years later, her decision to enter the world of couture birthed The Ladymaker, a Nigerian fashion brand which blends traditional sensibilities with modern silhouettes. Over the years, these seemingly opposing approaches have come together to form a sophisticated brand that represents the understated yet undeniable prestige of African womanhood.

In line with its emphasis on tradition, the Ladymaker adopts a highly sustainable production process, propelled largely by local artisans that operate from the Ladymaker workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. What’s more, the brand routinely pulls from traditional Nigerian techniques in its design process, and its past collections certainly embody this Afrocentric, slow fashion ethic. The ‘Indigo’ collection features a vast array of deep blue adire, a traditional Yoruba tie-dyed cloth, while the ‘Ceramica’ collection, with its delicate yet striking pieces, features hand-woven aso oke fabric, also indigenous to Yorubaland. With six meticulously-produced collections in its past, the brand’s journey has been a long and fruitful one, and it has culminated in the release of their brand new collection, ‘A Vintage Summer.’

The Ladymaker’s newest collection resumes Azubike’s longstanding mandate of meshing Afrocentrism and elegance, rendering tradition irresistible. ‘A Vintage Summer’ looks just as it sounds, inspired by the warmth and intimacy of summer days and nights, complete with 16 looks doused in warm hues and sleek silhouettes perfect for the heat that accompanies the middle of the year. The collection embodies vintage as it hearkens back to Nigerian tradition, calling upon the usual suspects in Azubike’s sensational work: vibrant tie-dye and stripy aso oke. With this collection, all points on the color compass point to warmth. It is filled with mellow yellows, calming greens, and burnt oranges - as evidenced by pieces like the graceful Grasslands Dress.

In line with the season, ‘A Vintage Summer’ largely features free-flowing dresses and the occasional cover-up. These fluid pieces are the result of a desire for versatility in this collection, ensuring that fashion lovers of diverse sizes and body types can equally partake in what is sure to be a stellar summer. However, the collection also contains a solid selection of co-ords, such as the blue and indigo-dyed Camp Set, that are perfect for the season’s varied activities. Essentially, ‘A Vintage Summer’ is an extensive collection that has something for everyone, while retaining the regality and understated power that is at the heart of all of The Ladymaker’s pieces.

Timely as ever, the collection launched on June 1, 2024. For the fashion-forward looking to step out into the summer in style, the stunning pieces from ‘A Vintage Summer’ can be found at The Ladymaker flagship store located at 22B Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, as well as on their website. Whether it is the luxurious Twilight Dress or the verdant Carbon Kimono, any item from the Ladymaker’s newest collection is sure to make this summer one to remember.