BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Pith Africa is set to make another bold statement in Lagos this weekend with the unveiling of its newest fashion drop; the much-anticipated Pith Petal Vest and Safari Petal Hat. These pieces, rich in symbolism and intentionality, will be available exclusively at the upcoming Pith Pop-Up, taking place from April 19th to 21st at 17 Maitama Sule Street, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. True to the spirit of Pith Africa, this isn’t just a clothing launch–it’s an invitation to reconnect with home, heritage, and the stories that shape who we are.
At the heart of this drop is “Closer to Home”, a poetic and reflective campaign exploring what it truly means to belong. It’s not about grand monuments or national pride–it’s about the street corners where laughter echoes, the quiet resilience of people forging ahead despite the odds, and the invisible thread that ties communities together. “We believe in us, cause we come from us,” the campaign declares, a mantra of self-worth and solidarity. It’s a defiant, soul-stirring affirmation of identity rooted in glory, struggle, and unbreakable bonds.
The Pith Petal Vest and Safari Petal Hat are extensions of this narrative. The naming alone suggests a poetic duality; the toughness and utility of “pith,” juxtaposed with the soft, blooming imagery of “petal.” It’s a balance that Pith Africa has mastered: designing clothes that wear like art but feel like armor. The legacy of the brand’s previous “petal” pieces like their Cat Suit and Petal Jeans points to a consistent design language steeped in nature, movement, and expressivity.
Founded in 2020 by Cosmas Ojemen, Nez Anazodo, Adedayo Laketu, and later joined by tech lead Seyi Oluwadare, Pith Africa is more than a fashion label. It’s a creative house, a cultural vessel, and a movement rooted in the expressive power of African youth. The Lagos-based collective has carved its space in the global fashion conversation by doing things differently; thrifting, upcycling, collaborating with local artisans, and documenting the growth of the Pan-African creative scene through every stitch, dye, and silhouette.
Their ethos extends far beyond aesthetics. Pith Africa has been championed by platforms like Vogue Business, i-D, and Highsnobiety for its authentic storytelling and for creating space where various subcultures–LGBTQ+ communities, skaters, young creatives–feel seen and celebrated. Their collections, often called “dillys,” function as visual chapters in a living, breathing diary of modern Nigerian existence.
This weekend’s Pith Pop-Up is set to be more than just a retail experience. It promises to be a living embodiment of Pith’s philosophy–an immersive celebration of identity, craft, and collective memory. The energy building around the event suggests an unforgettable convergence of fashion, art, and community. For loyal fans and first-time visitors alike, it’s a chance to experience the spirit of Pith Africa in motion.
In a world that often seeks to commodify culture without context, Pith Africa remains fiercely intentional, reminding us that fashion can be a language of resistance, remembrance, and reclamation. The Pith Petal Vest and Safari Petal Hat are not just garments; they are declarations. And the Pith Pop-Up is not just a shop–it’s a gathering, a homecoming, and a step closer to the stories that raised us.
Whether you wear it, witness it, or simply walk through the experience, this drop is a testament to how deeply fashion can speak when it’s rooted in truth.
