Ibileye reveals a new dynamic: geometric prints with clashing colours.
Print-designer Sophia Bentoh launches her own silk-screen designs featured in a new collection with the name Ibileye. The theme: African roots meet 80s punk.
Bentoh presents a daring combination of expressive ethnic drawings, graphic forms and rhythmic colouring. Looking at her prints is like looking through a kaleidoscope.
Personal memories and cultures are visibly interwoven in the designs of ‘Ibileye’, the name Bentoh was given by her African grandparents meaning ‘a precious and beautiful piece of fabric.’ How suitable for the collection! Every item is divided in geometric forms coloured with different patterns, in striking complementary or contrasting colours. Bold figurative prints with African origin find the Western ‘pop & punk culture’ of the Eighties. Characteristic for her ethnic drawings is the use of symbolism you see in the designs of her new portfolio.
Typical punk elements like safety pins, lightning flashes and spikes are combined with peace symbols. Using symbolism is common for African prints, different symbols or meanings for different occasions. The styling for the photo shoot got punk-rebellious: with accessories like safety pins and Mohican haircuts, a hair style also seen with some African tribes.
Ibileye presents layered prints and pieces for both women and man, for city nomads who dare to stand out with mixed colours and patterns. In the attachment you find the vision presented in a fashion shoot photographed by Marnix Postma.
Photography: Mark Groeneveld