Kenneth Ize, Spring-Summer 2019

We are all familiar with mannequins, but it can still be perplexing to suddenly see them outside their normal context. These unexpected encounters do have a strong artistic appeal. This is what Kene Nwatu explored in his lookbook for the 2019 spring-summer collection by Kenneth Ize. Nwatu's playful and evocative series of photographs captures the surprised looks of Lagos residents when they suddenly come across the tall, proud mannequins dressed by Ize.

In his studio in Lagos, Kenneth Ize works with local artisans to create his collections. His garments are characterised by high-quality handwoven fabrics and vibrant colours. The designer is known for his gender-neutral silhouettes that are rooted in traditional craftmanship. “Weeks before a special celebration, my mother and her friends would take over the whole house with rolls of fabric as they prepared their outfits. I’d just sit there and watch my mother put her outfits together.”

Many of the age-old techniques Ize incorporates in his collections are in danger of disappearing: a shift from handicraft to mass production has meant that the traditional weaving techniques are not passed on as much as they were used to. With his collections, Kenneth Ize wants to help to keep these precious old crafts alive by using them to make innovative clothing for a younger generation.