Designer Serafina Sama puts on stage a teatrical performance to present Isa Arfen Spring / Summer 2017 collection. The whimsical and unexpected showcase featured models playing different scenes of mid century ordinary life such as doing each others hair, hanging laundry up and preparing for dinner. Set on the dilapidated top floor of an industrial building in East London, the presentation drawn inspiration from the Omo Valley tribe of Ethiopia and from the portraits of Mid-century Malian women taken by photographer Seydou Keita. The traditional Ethiopian body paints were used by Serafina a a fashion motif, while North Africa tribal vibes were expressed through rough and higly tactile fabric combinations such as linen, jacquard, tapestry-like textiles and fine embellishments with feathers trimmings. The color palette included a range of earthy colors and light pastel peach, pink, light violet, and navy shades, paired with retrò lady-like silhouettes. The key pieces were off shoulder dresses, long blouse shirts and elegant striped trouser, which created a good mix of European elegance and the heritage of African roots. In line with the Omo’s joyful approach to existence, the collection celebrated life in every form with playful attitude and subtle grace.
















