Margaret Oluwatosin Adedoyin, the creative force behind Fashion Array, introduces a bold new chapter in her design journey with the Native Fringe Collection. This line speaks to cultural identity through texture, movement, and print. Known for her passion for storytelling through fashion, Margaret brings a fresh voice to the evolving space of contemporary African design.
This collection marks a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, using fringe as both a visual and symbolic element. This collection celebrates personal style rooted in cultural heritage, woven into wearable pieces that allow the wearer to move with grace and purpose.
The name Native Fringe reflects the heart of the collection, and as seen, these designs carry a strong sense of native pride, decorated with fringe that adds character and rhythm. Fringe here is more than just flair; it represents a connection to culture, dance, and personal expression. Through bold Ankara prints and flowing materials like tulle, the collection comes across as both rooted and contemporary, capturing the spirit of heritage in a fresh, stylish way.
One of the standout looks features a short dress made from a red-and-black floral brocade fabric, complete with shimmering gold fringe along the sleeves and hem. The print is rich and festive, and the gold fringe adds a playful, almost celebratory touch. What makes this piece work so well is the contrast between the structured fabric and the lightness of the fringe, as it gives the dress personality and flow, especially as the wearer moves.
A similar piece to the previous outfit is one that leans into drama, using a fiery, lava-like Ankara print in red and orange tones. This silhouette is fitted and sharp with vibrant orange fringe running across the sleeves and hemline of the dress, which makes it feel more daring and expressive. The print grabs attention on its own, but the fringe elevates the mood, making the entire look feel dynamic, even when still. It’s a bold, energetic outfit that speaks to confidence, individuality, and unapologetic style.
One can say Margaret showed a clear understanding of how to balance fabric, form, and movement. Her choice of bold, cultural prints sets a strong tone for the collection, while her use of fringe adds life to each piece. The tailoring itself is simple and clean, which allows the prints and textures to shine. She’s not trying to do too much at once, and that restraint shows maturity.
Another striking piece is a design that expands the narrative of the collection, this time through a refined sleeveless, halter-style bodice made from printed Ankara fabric in vivid shades of blue and white. The top is detailed with a daring center slit that balances confidence with compositional elegance. The pattern on the Ankara carries symbolic weight, as it references traditional West African motifs while being styled in a distinctly modern silhouette, an act of reclaiming heritage through a contemporary lens.
What sets this look apart is its interplay between weight and movement. The Ankara top, rooted in traditional form, gives way to a voluminous sky-blue tulle skirt that floats with unexpected softness. The sheer, tiered tulle introduces a dreamlike quality, light, expressive, and visually poetic. There is also a story being told through these designs, one that ties personal expression to cultural heritage. By making fringe such a central element, she draws attention to themes of flow, freedom, and continuity. It’s fashion with depth and meaning, not just surface-level beauty.
While the collection is visually strong, it could benefit from more variety in silhouette. Most of the showcased outfits follow similar short-dress shapes. Introducing diverse cuts like a full-length ensemble, an asymmetrical design, unexpected cuts, or a modern two-piece could enrich the narrative and spotlight Margaret’s full range as a designer.
Also, since fringe is such a defining feature, it would be interesting to see it reimagined more radically, perhaps used in geometric patterns, layered panels, or in unconventional placements that challenge its traditional form.
Overall, the Native Fringe Collection is a confident and culturally inspired showcase from Margaret Oluwatosin Adedoyin. It reflects her thoughtful approach to design, her appreciation for storytelling, and her eye for detail. This new body of work makes it clear that Margaret has a voice worth listening to in fashion, and with just a bit more exploration in silhouette and experimentation with her design elements, her work could reach even greater heights. Still, Native Fringe is a beautiful and meaningful step forward, one that celebrates identity, heritage, creativity, and the timeless power of style to tell a story.
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle