admin The age-old adage “my body is a temple” has its roots in the Bible. But in the modern world, it has evolved into more of a personal self-love mantra rather than serving as a fervent religious declaration. In her spring collection, titled Temple, Feben paid tribute to both her physique and the metaphorical bodies that revel in the pleasures of the flesh.
Referencing the work of American artist Carrie Mae Weems, who’s known for her exploration of temples and buildings as symbolic spaces for bodies, Feben contemplated how her physicality fits into the broader narrative of identity. Her introspection played a significant role in this collection, resulting in her naked body being screen-printed onto jersey column dresses. “While I’m a designer, I’m also a woman who’s had to embrace living in this body,” Feben reflected during a preview. “My younger years were surrounded by imagery of very skinny bodies, which left me feeling that mine couldn’t be celebrated—so this is a sort of ‘fuck you’ to those outdated ideals.”
This season’s palette delved into earthy richness with deep yellow and chocolate brown, punctuated by vivid bursts of crimson, lilac, and jet black. Feben’s signature twist pieces, synonymous with her brand, had new silhouettes that exemplified a body-consciousness that celebrates the female form. Elsewhere, there were chiffon-panel dresses boasting sheer inserts, as well as silk minidresses featuring digitally printed magnified spiral brushstrokes.
Continuing Feben’s partnership with Accra-based artisans, the runway was graced with exquisitely crafted beaded pieces, their presence accompanied by a distinct and pleasing swishing sound. This section had similarities to her last collection, but it felt more refined than ever, especially in the form of gowns featuring cascading floor-length tassels and minidresses with a striking V-shaped skirt adorned with intricate layers of beadwork. “The intention was to create a resemblance to the female anatomy,” Feben remarked. “In some ways, it’s meant to evoke a sense of discomfort, but it ultimately celebrates the beauty of a woman’s body—her sacred temple.”
For the grand finale, the iconic American model Debra Shaw stole the spotlight, suddenly pausing mid-runway in a formfitting twist dress while a parade of models passed by, set to the late Sinéad O’Connor’s “I Want Your (Hands on Me).” Feben explained her choice of song, saying, “The mood very much encompasses the collection; there’s a pull and teasing between being extroverted and vulnerable—totally honest, totally insane.”
