In an era where fast fashion dominates the global stage, Mettabel’s Thread—helmed by visionary creative director Damilola Edun—has emerged as a quiet force reshaping the narrative around contemporary African fashion. Founded on Edun’s deep desire to explore identity and craftsmanship through clothing. W Edun began creating garments from her Lagos studio with a conviction that fashion could serve as both an artistic and cultural language. Over the years, her pieces have become synonymous with intentionality, elegance, and emotional resonance.

Mettabel’s Thread’s latest collection, Ethereal Threads, stands as a defining moment in Edun’s creative journey—elevating her work to global relevance and making a compelling case for her endorsement on the world stage.

Ethereal Threads is a rare collection that succeeds in marrying narrative depth with sartorial elegance. Positioned at the intersection of fashion and storytelling, it resists the fleeting nature of trends and instead carves out a space for garments that carry memory, heritage, and emotional resonance. It is a body of work that is both poetic and grounded, offering a rich commentary on identity through fabric, form, and colour.

What sets this collection apart is its deeply rooted aesthetic language. Drawing from the natural and spiritual rhythms of the African landscape—from dusty harmattan breezes to the deep blues of midnight skies—the palette feels lived-in and intentional. Shades like burnt sienna and dune beige evoke specific emotional registers rather than simply decorating the surface. It’s a visual language that invites reflection rather than spectacle.

Materiality plays a central role in delivering the collection’s vision. Locally sourced cotton, hand-dyed batiks, and silk blends speak to a commitment to craftsmanship and locality. The tactile qualities of each piece are not just beautiful but meaningful—textures that invite touch and recall the human hand in their making. This thoughtful approach gives the garments a rare integrity, elevating them beyond mere aesthetics.

The standout pieces in the collection exemplify the designer’s ability to balance concept with wearability:

The burgundy blazer dress is a masterclass in quiet power. Its clean tailoring and matte texture offer structure without rigidity, making it an ideal piece for women who command presence with subtlety rather than volume.

The black and white off-shoulder dress is notable for its architectural simplicity. The strong neckline and minimalist lines create an effortless sense of sophistication, perfect for formal settings that call for understatement with edge.

The black ruffled dress brings needed drama to the collection, with pleated movement and a sculptural neckline that avoids being ornamental. Paired with bold pink heels, it shows how tradition and modern flair can coexist in a single silhouette.

The peach floor-length gown is perhaps the most serene of the four. Its origami-like neckline and fluid lines convey a sense of grace and precision. This is a piece that doesn’t shout, yet demands attention through its purity and control.

In totality, Ethereal Threads is not just an aesthetically successful collection—it’s an emotionally intelligent one. It invites us to reconsider the role of clothing as cultural archive, personal expression, and artistic medium. While its references are grounded in African heritage, its voice feels global, confident, and timeless. Few collections manage to speak softly and still be heard with such clarity.

Through Mettabel’s Thread, Damilola Edun has demonstrated a rare ability to merge storytelling, craftsmanship, and innovation in a way that resonates across cultures. Her commitment to sustainable practices, authentic narratives, and refined aesthetics positions her as a rising global talent worthy of international recognition. Ethereal Threads is not just a collection—it is a movement, and Edun is undoubtedly one of its most compelling voices.