The struggles, the challenges, and in a way, the fashion of South Sudan aren’t as far away as most collegiettes might think.
Fashion designer Treana Peake has managed to connect the glamourous world of high fashion to a world filled with poverty, drought and plight through her clothing line, Obakki. The merging of these two worlds marks an effort to use fashion to inspire positive global change
On the surface, Obakki clothes represent elegant yet edgy apparel for women. But between the threads and fibers that make up each garment, there is a message of hope, a mission to better the world and an organization that is helping to bring water and education to developing countries.
This collegiette was lucky enough to attend the Fall 2012 Obakki Presentation for New York Fashion Week at the Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City. The event not only showcased the “effortlessly cool” clothes designed by Peake, but also inspired awareness about the need to bring change to places like South Sudan.
Through the use of color and texture, Peake translated the culture of the South Sudanese people into high fashion garments.
Whether the models were rocking a tight or loose-fitted silhouette, the outfit radiated an approachable elegance — perfect for the confident, sophisticated collegiette!
Now, it’s your turn! You too can take inspiration from Sudan and Obakki clothing and take these looks from the catwalk, to your campus! Take these ideas into consideration when putting together your next outfit:
Showing off your legs? Compliment tight, strait-legged jeans with a pair of pumps, but go loose and flowy up top with your shirt.
Likewise, if you’re wearing a dress with a seam line that would elicit daggers from dad or grandma, be conservative on top by picking out one with sleeves or a draped, loose fit.
But who says you need to show skin? The Fall 2012 Obakki collection featured plenty of pieces that emitted an elegant sexy that can only be achieved when you’re left wondering what’s underneath. It’s all about finding a way to offer a sneak peak! Here is what I mean:
A plunging neckline can be tacky. But when it’s connected to long sleeves and paired with a longer skirt, elegance meets sexy.
Same goes for a one-sleeved look: One exposed arm and shoulder highlight a specific area of sexy, while strategically covering other body parts emits sophistication.
Obakki prides itself on the ability to mix and match pieces that can very well stand on their own — a mentality that is practical and collegiette-budget friendly. Next time you hit the mall with your girls, look for pieces that not only make a great addition to your wardrobe on their own, but can also be paired with existing pieces in your closet to create a myriad of looks!
Obakki draws inspiration from cultures across the globe and brings them to life in places like New York — with fashion and art as its medium.
I had the privilege to talk with Peake briefly after the show. The designer says that by utilizing different networks — actors, models, art, fashion, and friends — we can pull together and make a difference, while creating something beautiful.
“People came tonight not only to admire the collection, but to support the cause,” Peake said.
Collegiettes on campuses across our country have the ability to not only look as fierce as the models who worked the runway at the Obakki Presentation, but to be a part of the changes Peake is initiating through her clothing line. Visit the Obakki website and make a purchase! One hundred percent of the profits go directly to the African villages to fund the installation of water wells and education programs.