At the Kuikmode Exhibitionin in Leeds, UK this April, one designer made the kind of statement you don’t forget. Apanisile Anuoluwapo, the Creative Director Ennystyles introduced her new collection, “Floral Sovereign,” to a crowd that quickly realized they were witnessing something special.
Set in the Assembly House Studios, the venue’s quiet, stripped-down atmosphere gave way to a show that bloomed with color, culture, and meaning. This was not just a fashion show rather, storytelling in motion.
Apanisile herself said it best: “Fashion speaks when words cannot.” Her designs did exactly that. “Floral Sovereign” is inspired by strength and softness; how women, like wildflowers, can thrive even in the harshest conditions. The collection is all about contrast where tradition meets bold new vision, elegance meets attitude, and African heritage meets global fashion.
One standout look featured a satin blouse with large puff sleeves which is a nod to vintage glamour and paired with sleek black trousers.
But the magic was in the details. A giant bow at the neck made a powerful, feminine statement, while the trousers suddenly flared at the ankle into a surprise burst of floral fabric. It was unexpected, joyful, and full of character, just like the women it was made for.
As models walked the runway, the room changed. You could feel it. Phones lifted, guests leaned forward, and the buzz was not just about the clothes. It was about what they represented – strength, identity, and a fresh African voice saying, “This is who I am, and I’m here to be seen.”
In an industry where originality can feel rare, “Floral Sovereign” stood out. It was rooted in culture but aimed straight at the world stage. Apanisile said, “This is the kind of artistry I want to bring to the world stage deeply African, wildly creative, and fearlessly global.” She is not just designing outfits; she’s creating movement, meaning, and a platform for African fusion fashion to thrive in wardrobes everywhere, from Nigeria to the UK and beyond.
What made this show unforgettable was not just the fashion (which was stunning). It was the heart behind it. Each piece told a story. Each stitch had purpose. This was not fabric on a body, but confidence, creativity, and culture walking the runway.
In this collection, Apansile offers more than a seasonal collection. She presents a manifesto of style, identity, and cultural renaissance. If this is the beginning, one can only imagine how far her bloom will spread.
