HN Clothings, led by creative mind Chikodinaka Perpetua Chima, unveiled the Urban Muse collection June 9th, 2021 , a body of work that attempted to merge modern glamour with architectural detail. The showing felt like a continuation of Chima’s steady journey towards placing HN Clothings in the larger conversation around Nigerian design identity, while also grappling with the pressures of appealing to the red-carpet crowd.
The collection was marked by layered silhouettes, an embrace of bold colours, and flourishes that leaned toward the theatrical. Chima’s decision to structure several of the gowns around movement — cascading ruffles, flowing hems, and fluid lines — gave the pieces a sense of presence. However, this same approach occasionally threatened to overwhelm the wearer. At times, the fabric seemed to carry more of the narrative than the tailoring itself, raising the question of whether spectacle was prioritised over subtle craftsmanship.
A standout piece was a sleeveless floor-length red gown with dramatic ruffle details running asymmetrically down one side. The design captured attention instantly, bold in its simplicity yet dramatic in its finish. While the ruffles created motion and depth, they also risked drawing focus away from the clean halter neckline, leaving the gown in tension between minimalism and excess. It was a look designed to command a room, but perhaps less suited to moments where subtlety is prized.
Elsewhere, the collection delivered quieter wins. A structured dress with restrained detailing showed that Chima is at her best when she leans into discipline rather than spectacle. The cut was sharp, the fit thoughtful, and it reminded the audience that she has the ability to balance daring ideas with everyday elegance. It is this tension — between her flair for show and her instinct for restraint — that will ultimately shape the identity of HN Clothings as it grows.
In terms of cohesion, Urban Muse occasionally stumbled. While the theme of urban sophistication was clear, the execution varied in its success. Some looks felt purpose-built for the camera rather than real-world wear, which is both a strength and a weakness depending on how one views fashion’s role. For a red-carpet designer, spectacle is currency; but for longevity, restraint is just as crucial.
The presentation made it clear that Chima is not afraid to take risks, even if those risks sometimes come at the expense of refinement. And perhaps that is part of the evolution of any designer: testing the boundaries of taste, daring the audience to accept, and recalibrating along the way.
Verdict: Urban Muse was bold and memorable, even if uneven. It showed a designer with ambition and the courage to chase scale. If refinement catches up with the spectacle, HN Clothings could carve a distinct and lasting mark.
Rating: 7/10 – Confident in concept, occasionally heavy-handed in execution.
- By Daniel Usidamen