What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, ‘Men in Black’? Do you only think about secret agents in black suits, protecting the movers and shakers of society and chasing down their counterfeiters or do you reason like us? For us, when African men wear black, we see beyond the dark tuxedos.
In African fashion, black is more than just a colour. A shade steeped in history, black evokes elegance, power, magic, reverence, dominance, and mystery. For fashion enthusiasts like Isaac Temidayo Olayinka, black is an ongoing dialogue between ancient mysticism and contemporary realities.
Isaac Temidayo is the inspiration behind TemmyDWears, a clothing brand that celebrates self-expression, creating a platform for individuals to express their unique styles authentically. By blending bold designs with a commitment to empowering personal identity through fashion, his works transcend the boundaries of traditional style, creating pieces that reflect individuality and inspire confidence.
Temidayos’s deep understanding of fashion’s transformative power is embedded in every collection, offering more than just garments but expressions that allow wearers to be everything and anything.
These expressions were clearly stated at the 2023 Ancestral Echoes Collections where we first discovered what it truly meant to be a historical ranger.
The legend behind Temidayo’s Suit
A masterpiece that has no plans of leaving our memory anytime soon, this design retells the legend of the “dashiki” a quintessential style in African fashion. With deep roots in West Africa, particularly within Yoruba and Hausa communities, the dashiki’s origins trace back to the easy-to-wear work clothes worn by men to endure the region’s heat while maintaining an aura of dignity and tradition.
As this piece of clothing continues to evolve in the dexterity of contemporary designers, the dashiki comes in vivacious colours, mind-blowing embroideries and designs, that suit the wearer’s style and occasion.
Temidayo’s preferred shade and knowledge about the design are, indeed, non-negotiable but so are other noticeable metrics like fabric choice, market sensitivity, and attention to detail. Nothing too boisterous, except for the well-pronounced V-neck, the hanging tassel wool fringe and the sailor collar, secured with gold clips, this outfit echoes class and sophistication.
Made from expensive silk brocade, the wearer’s pose is proof that one can look costly in a less dramatic way. Accompanied by a silver choker and earrings, the model’s look communicates a 21st-century stylish man’s language.
Complemented by a corresponding pair of black trousers, this suit is a first choice for men who are sensitive to trends and want to leave lasting impacts on their admirers.
Should we also talk about the shoes?
These designer black boots are not a coincidence. Nonetheless, a pair of sleek loafers or palms would be a great alternative.
Giving this iconic ensemble a panoramic view from head to toe, TemiDWear’s philosophy is clear: fashion should empower, not conform. Each design from the 2023 Ancestral Echoes Collections is a thoughtfully curated magnificent piece of clothing, confirming his belief that fashion is another form of storytelling — or in this case, historical inventions.
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