Ziza’s Lace Collection: Sleycrafts Fashion Ltd Reinterprets Ankara And Lace

By Rita Okoye SleyCrafts Fashion Ltd started its 2023 design year with Ziza’s Lace, a collection that gives a fresh take on the classic combination of Ankara and lace. Led by creative director Mercy John Otisi, the collection highlights structure, proportion, and form, moving beyond just the printed patterns. The collection explores how Ankara’s bold […]

By Rita Okoye

SleyCrafts Fashion Ltd started its 2023 design year with Ziza’s Lace, a collection that gives a fresh take on the classic combination of Ankara and lace. Led by creative director Mercy John Otisi, the collection highlights structure, proportion, and form, moving beyond just the printed patterns.

The collection explores how Ankara’s bold patterns work with the delicate details of lace. One example is a mini dress with a high neckline that shows this balance. Circular guipure lace cut-outs on the Ankara fabric add depth and texture, while the princess seams create a neat, shaped look. Careful placement of the waistline and smooth lines from bust to hip show attention to proportion, helping the materials blend together instead of just looking decorative.

The mermaid-style gown is another example of Otisi’s technical skill. Its corseted lace bodice with shaped boning gives structure, while the Ankara skirt flares out in a controlled way. The skirt is made to move easily and look elegant, so the wearer can walk and turn smoothly. This design keeps comfort in mind, letting the dress flow with each step. Here, lace softens the firmness of the printed fabric, showing a balance between strength and softness in one piece.

The finishing could be improved with more careful seam treatments and stronger understructures, like adding a few millimetres of understitch. This would make the pieces more durable and help them keep their shape, especially where lace meets heavier fabrics. Some visible seam tension shows how tricky it is to balance stretch and weight in different materials. These details don’t take away from the collection’s purpose but highlight the skill needed to combine traditional fabrics in new ways.

Ziza’s Lace is part of Mercy John Otisi’s growing body of work and shows her skill in working with textiles and structured design. The collection is aimed at women who appreciate fashion that is rooted in culture and values both form and craftsmanship, along with strong visual appeal. As Otisi keeps improving her finishing techniques, she shows more confidence in blending tradition with new ideas.