Daniel Obasi's Afrofuturistic Fashion Film Shows How Wax Print Can Still Be Edgy

Last year, OkayAfrica highlighted Daniel Obasi, Nigerian stylist and art director, as one to watch in the "NextGen" series—which featured an array of young Africans putting into practice what Afrofuturism truly stands for through their work.

His latest project, in collaboration with Vlisco and A White Space Creative Agency, is a strong start of a year of exciting work we're looking forward to see from him.

An Alien In Town is a short fashion film that "follows two stylishly clad humans who take on the responsibility of teaching a new found alien how to fit within the Lagos metropolis."

Featuring designs from Tokyo James and Abiola Olusola using Vlisco's special collection, the 5-minute film is a simple, yet beautiful execution of a futuristic vision of Lagos paired with vintage elements and cinematography. For Obasi to partner with Vlisco for this project, a brand that is nostalgic for many West Africans who grew up customizing clothes with their wax prints, shows the overarching juxtaposition of the old meets the new.

The designs featured in An Alien In Town show how wax prints can still be edgy, youthful and cool. Though challenging to pull off, Obasi does that vision justice in this film.

Watch An Alien In Town below. For more on what inspired the film, watch Obasi's interview with Vlisco here.