The weather is cold and at such moment’s warm clothing is the best option for anyone. What comes to mind for trendy ladies in terms of comfort and style is the hooded dress.
It is making waves, fits easily and has become very versatile.
The hooded dress which is a smart straight gown comes with a hood. This is useful when you just want to tuck in your hair, have a simple look or a take break from the salon.
It can be worn to formal and informal events looking glamorous and elegant.
From the simple flowing outfit, it comes in unique colours and shades that you cannot ignore.
Black, blue, brown and white colours are the most popular but it also comes shades, pocket design, studs, sequins, trimmings and more.
Sometimes, you can have a combination in two shades or colours and they can be really magnetic. They all look good when you combine creatively with other items in your closet and accessories for that chic and feminine look.
The bridal fashion industry is changing fast where Just a few years ago buying a wedding dress tended to involve trying on big gowns in traditional boutiques, there are now more choices than ever for Brides not just in the style of dress they can choose from but in the process they can undertake to find one. If you are getting married and don’t even know where to start, K3D Couture founder and creative director Faith Florence urges you to think back to the last time you felt amazing in a dress, and then think about why that dress made you feel great.
“The inspiration for this exclusive collection came spontaneously when I was working on a custom wedding dress for a friend last year. I wanted to give her a light and elegant dress that complemented the woman’s figure yet resembled the essence of our designs and Brand K3D couture. So the wedding collection felt like a continuation of our core designs Re-imagined in a wedding scenario.” This was an imaginative, creative depth of Faith Florence Emmanuel Obot and K3D couture that gave birth to this very exciting collection named “RKNA COLLECTIONS” This collection was inspired by all the fashion moments you can create during the most exciting days of your life. Faith Florence stated in an interview. “I wanted to offer a collection of accessible and affordable pieces, in a range of styles that both myself and my friends want to wear for all the events surrounding a wedding.”
Bridal ready-to-wear attire has become increasingly popular as it gives brides the option to purchase a designer ensemble for a fraction of the price. That’s why Faith Florence’s newest collection RKNA COLLECTIONS makes fashion enthusiasts excited at the launch. The Dresses feature looks ranging from mini to midi dresses and separates, plus a scope of styles that are perfect for wedding occasions and beyond. RKNA COLLECTIONS is full of pieces and designs we expect to see in many bridal wardrobes. The RKNA COLLECTIONS highlights Faith’s signature tailoring and modern aesthetic designs and includes everything from floor-length gowns to mini blazer dresses. The most exciting part though is the collab is completely affordable.
Faith Florence Emmanuel Obot disclosed that creating her first bridal collection RKNA COLLECTION has felt like such a natural extension for the brand K3D couture because most brides almost expect that their wedding Dress is going to be uncomfortable with boning zips and buttons clinching them into place, she changed their perception with RKNA collections with gowns designed that emphasizes a more structured, supportive look but stays true to our values of comfort first. There is often that question of what feels modern in the designs of wedding gowns. RKNA COLLECTIONS is a clear reflection of the answer, modern is looking like the most beautiful version of yourself.
All RKNA COLLECTIONS shows how Faith her Brand and her Team worked tirelessly on each of the incredible gowns as each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless designer known and loved by all for her creative and innovative sense.
There are shorts that you need to have in your collection to make that casual outing interesting. The Bermuda shorts have a way of flattering ladies and giving them that ever-youthful look.
If you have beautiful legs, the Bermuda short is a must have. These days they are crafted with high quality Ankara, print, kente, adire and sometimes a touch of aso-oke for that special effect.
It is currently the choice of the chic woman and it is now paired with same fabric or combined with tee shirts, camisoles and other trendy tops. The tops can be bold, smart crop tops, sleeveless, monostraps and more. One other advantage is that they are ideal for every shape and size.
Our designers are churning out a variety of trendy options in dull, bright as well as multi-coloured shades that you cannot resist. They come with creative patterns, loose fit pockets, and high waist designs and sometimes with suspenders.
Simple yet glamorous. That is exactly what comes to mind. The styles keep evolving and you just cannot get enough with the creativity displayed by our designers.
Moshebolatan Abiodun is a woman who wears many hats. She is an accountant, milliner, designer, a serial entrepreneur and CEO Owa Foods and Agricultural Products. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about her passion, memorable moments, experience in politics and more.
Tell us about your experience in the Agric sector?
I process agric produce. I produce bean chips. Instead of snacking on carbohydrates, I just feel that some would need that aspect of protein. It’s called bean chips and my organization is Owa foods and agro allied products LTD. I also have a fashion outfit that is called Great Impression (GI). It’s a home of fashion and beauty. To touch the lives of the less privileged, I started Omoseke Adunola Foundation where we help them discover new skills for empowerment. We are looking at women who want to aspire to a higher level, go to school or to have a trade, profession and they do not have the wherewithal. We seek assistance to help them achieve their aims and objective. We also incorporate the youths into our projects and activities.
Tell us about Owa foods. How did it start?
My father is Kabiyesi, Elegbe of Egbe, Owa of Egbe land in Kogi state. He’s been diabetic since 1971. I grew up to know him taking daily insulin injections which I do not like. My father loved me so much. I was his favorite and it pains me every morning seeing him going through that . Even when he is travelling he has to take his injections along. When he passed on and when we were burying him, I thought of what I could do to help people in his shoes. My father managed his diabetics for more than 45 years and that was not even what killed him. He managed it very well. My Mum is a nurse and she was able to give him the right diet. So, I felt that on the streets a lot of people eat junks which could actually aggravate their diet issues and for those who are diabetic, honestly speaking they do not have any choice but to be drinking water. So, I started doing research, playing with different kinds of food that is rich in protein. I was able to come up with almonds, nuts and beans. But, the reason I have not been able to do much with almonds nuts in Nigeria is because of the cost. It’s imported and the cost is even very high. And a lot of people may not be able to patronize the almonds nuts chips. But, I also do chips with almonds nuts.
How did you get into fashion?
I just realized that I could do creative things. I am an accountant. I used to work with UACN and for me whenever I want to give birth, I don’t like rushing back to work. I like to nurse my child to the point that they would enter into school before I get back to work. So, I just felt why am I applying to organizations all the time, can’t I get something to do or start my own business. So, I went out to make hats as a milliner. I actually started the Hearts to hat millinery school.
Then I realized that sometimes when I sleep I get inspirations of designs. So, I would sketch the design and give to people who were tailors around me to do it. Then later my immediate elder sister who is a fashionista, everything about her is beauty and fashion inspired me to do more. I’m on the reserved side but I do a lot of designs for her.
Then one day she called me saying I could actually add this to my other businesses. So, I started sewing. I had machines that I was using to sew hats.
So, sometimes when I met people who had gone to train on fashion designs and they don’t have any equipments to set up, I take out my machines and set them up in business. Later, when I raise money again, I would buy another one for myself. I kept doing that until I realized that I had used almost my hat things to raise people.
Then we moved from the Mainland to the Island. I didn’t have anything again, even my moulds were all gone raising others.
So, I began again and starting again was when I registered Great Impression. Then, I sewed for someone and she said Whoa! I have a very great impression about you princess. Everyone then shouted great impression and the name stuck, the woman actually came from Australia then. So, sometimes when we have programmes people started calling me GI and that is how the name emerged.
Would you say that hat making and the fashion business has been lucrative?
Yes, the hat making business was very lucrative, to the extent that my clients turned me to a wholesaler at some point. I did bulk for them, when people were doing weddings they brought the order. This is because I used quality materials to do it and my cost was very low. So they will come, pick them up and go and resell in highbrow areas and made their own profit.
Let’s move on to another aspect of your life and experience in politics. How did you get into politics?
I think this came because of my passion to want the youths and women grow and to have a base for the business that they do. That was what brought me into the political scene. I went into politics not because I wanted to participate in politics but because the church I was attending motivated us to participate in politics, not just sit down and complain but become card carrying members.
I attend the Redeemed Christian Church of God. So, while I was with my children in Canada, the thing kept coming up why are you just sitting down, folding your arms, a lot of things are going wrong, go and participate. So, I came back to Nigeria, registered with ADC because it was the alternative party then, next to APC and PDP.
I just wanted to vote but somehow my Local Government Chairman met my State chairman and they heard about me, how I had been helping people and I don’t know how they connected me and asked me to run for the election for Federal House of Representatives Eti- Osa Local government. Before I could think about it or say yes or no, things began to happen. I am actually the shy and reserved type. When a lot of people saw my billboard around they kept arguing, saying it can’t be me. She’s not the type that would come out, but people who volunteered to help did so much. I just got help from everywhere, all the youths in the area mobilised for me, they did banners and so many other things for me.
How would you describe your experience in Politics?
It was an adventure. It was a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly. To God be the glory, even the bas worked for us. At some point, the Area boys protected my posters; they prevented some rival parties from pulling out my posters around Obalende.
I also realized that I had support from people who would have even been the one’s tormenting me. People were bringing themselves up, young guys and I don’t know how they came to like me. Some people said it was because they heard that I have been good to some of them.
Sometimes, I could just remember them during festive periods, buy food, cook food, make tee-shirts and distribute to them. So, I had support from diff groups, I also had prayer groups praying for me also.
Let’s talk about your experience as the Lagos State Representative of the Association of Nigeria Women Business Network (ANWBN). What has been the experience?
For me, it has been an improvement on my own information. The coalition cuts across the whole nation and I notice that a lot of women of power, knowledge and integrity are there. Since I joined I saw a Network of Associations that address issues on the spur of the moment. I also see the leadership as people who would not sweep things under the carpet but rather address it. I love to associate myself with people of integrity, hardworking women and people who want to address what the whole Nation is facing e.g. Occupy NASS, which the coalition played a vital role and was at the forefront of the protest early this year. It was so structured, direct and they went straight to where it mattered and immediately started receiving attention.
The theme for 2022 IWD is breaking the bias. What are some of the biases that you have broken?
For women, we have a lot of biases that we have to break. In Governance for instance women before now were seen to be at the background. But now, we have realized that the inclusion of women in governance is on the front burner. Also, a lot of people are now seeing the reason why the girl child should be educated and even the academia and the business environment. We are therefore calling the attention of everyone that has a stake to pay attention to issues that would make more women succeed in business.
The runway is filled with creative and amazing outfits from designers who have brought the African fashion scene to great height.
The excitement has doubled thanks to the dexterity of those using local fabrics like aso-oke, Ankara and print to produce designs making waves all over the world. Dresses, long flowing robes, unisex suits, sleeveless tops, flared trousers in vibrant hues, forest green and other dramatic details tell you that African fashion has finally evolved.
Some of these iconic and irresistible designs came alive recently in London. They were showcased at a prelude to this year’s edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) and Nigeria, pioneer designers of the yearly AFWLondon.
The collection inspired by Grace Jones iconic fashion trend took place at Riverside Terrace at Southbank Centre, London, for Meltdown Festival and fashion extravaganza.
The show started with three mini-collections from the Universities of Northampton and West London. Themes of protest were evident in both collections. Black Lives Matter and awareness of misogynoir; the unique discrimination faced by black women, also featured in powerful graphic print.
The main show brought drama, African haute couture and elaborate accessories on display.
Premier designer and AFWL Head Stylist, Soboye, gave his evolving Lagos 54 collection, this time including a fabulous neoprene wedding dress and an experiment with Adire from the Adire Oodua Textile Hub. Sista by Eyoro represented Nigeria by showcasing Adire Oodua Textile Hubs different fabrics. Adire Organza, Adire Alabere, Adire Batik, Adire Aso Oke.
Mary Martin London, who always brings drama to the catwalk, thrilled the audience with four new designs from her latest collection. It included a dress made entirely of wire, exaggerated neckpiece and headpieces.
Prestige designers: Adebayo Jones, Elfreda Dali, Sista by Eyoro, and Kalikas Armour, showcased glamour and classic tailoring, with an African haute couture masterclass by Jones.
Founded by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, with the sole aim of promoting African creative and fabrics on the global stage, Africa Fashion Week London is the longest running festival of such fashion in the UK. This year’s Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria which is in partnership with Lagos Fashion Fair is billed to hold on the 7th to 9th of September at the Eko Hotel while Africa Fashion London edition is on the 7 and 8 October 2022, at the Freemasons’ London
Both events will be showing the best African and African-inspired designs with a seminar of ethically sourced authentic indigenous African textiles, with a focus on Adire as a case study.
Very outfit and accessory has a role to play when it comes to making fashion statements.
One such item is the which has become a must have for many. For many wearing a jacket is important and it help transform a simple outfit into something glamorous and extraordinary.
It is classy, unique and one of the best ways to stand out. There are jackets and there are jackets. From jackets that are designer-made, custom-made, handmade pieces, long and short as well as the colourful Ankara and print versions.
While some are made with simple fabrics, you have others that are made with shimmering fabrics, sequined effect, studs as well as leather. Having a variety of jackets in the closet gives you the opportunity to project yourself in different ways.
Smart and short jackets are making waves currently. You can be as creative as you want using them with bright contrasting colours, dull on bright as well as multi colored or shades of the same colour.
There are also hot jackets made with damask in bright and bold colours that would make heads turn this season. For trendy ladies, this is one item that you just cannot resist it connotes class and style in different ways. It is versatile and it can be used for different events once you combine properly.
Jevbe Obiomah Utho is a designer and CEO Finicky Stitches. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on how it all started inspiration, initial challenges and more.
How and why did you settle for the name Finicky?
I am a very picky and finicky person. It was actually a friend of mine who suggested it stressing that I was always particular about things, wanted everything to be in order.
So, where did that come from?
It is from my dad; he was a literary person, very educated and well versed. He was very particular about straight lines, neatness and I guess I I picked that from him. As a writer, he wrote a lot of books about the struggle between the Irobos and itsekiris. He is from Warri and he wrote Poetry and a few story books.
This must have influenced you while growing up?
Definitely. I loved literature and I still love literature and poetry. I also write but I prefer to write about my feelings and things happening around me.
How did you get into fashion?
One of my parents is good in the arts and right from my primary school, I was always good at sketching and people would ask me to draw for them. Then, my mum used to sew, she wasn’t a tailor but she liked to make clothes. She insisted that all of us learn how to sew and she was very particular about how the finishing of the outfit turned out. I guess I took that from her. She is also a very stylish woman.
In those days, there was the London trained tag, was she in this category?
Yes, she was actually trained in London.
So, how did you get into the business of fashion?
When I was doing my A levels, I remember the Guidance and Counselling Officer asked what I wanted to do but I just kept staring at him. I just said I didn’t know and then he said that with my combination of art subjects, I could study Sociology. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to study Sociology but I said let me just go and get a degree. Then at a point, someone said her mum had a garment factory and something resonated in my spirit. I told her that was what I liked and I started, even when I was in University of Ibadan (UI), I used to go to the tailors shop whenever I was free. I studied Sociology and after graduation, I worked for 7 months, doing a marketing job. I finally quit going into fashion.
What was it like at the beginning?
At the beginning it was a struggle. My dad refused to help me; he said he didn’t send me to school to become a tailor. I was determined; I went on with it and gradually started sorting out my younger ones here and there. At a point, my dad was like, let me come and see what you are doing. He actually sent so many delegates to dissuade me initially from the fashion line, but I was very interested in it. I saved up all the money from Youth Service and the 7 months that I worked and bought so many machines. Then he saw that I was serious and the delegates he sent to me also told him that I was doing well.
What were the challenges?
It was rough like all beginnings. But, I was determined, very hardworking and young. I worked day and night to make a difference.
I was determined to make an impact in the sector.
Where did you acquire the necessary skills?
I worked with a fashion house during my Youth Service but the fashion house is no longer in existence. I also had a friend, who I used to run to, a more experienced tailor at that time.
How many years have you been doing this?
It’s been over 32 years. Looking back now, I feel good. I wouldn’t choose another career path. Of course, there have been rough times, but then I would not change this for anything else.
The sector is very competitive and very challenging. How have you coped?
It is competitive but if you know what you are doing, doing what you are doing well, then you will always carve a niche for yourself. The sky is enough to take all the birds, so, I am doing my own thing. I like haute couture, bespoke dresses that are well made. But to be able to balance things, I want to break into the ready to wear market.
Tell us about the things that inspire your designs?
I like beauty, everything beautiful with perfect finishing. I also like working with women. I feel women have been marginalised and I like to bring out the femininity in them, make them stand out, look good and have confidence.
How would you assess Nigerian designers today?
I would say they are doing well. Our designs are very unique, very creative and we are showcasing Africa for the people of Africa. We have come to bring the African side to designing.
Let’s talk about the designers that you admire?
In Nigeria, I admire Frank Osodi and on the International scene, I admire Carolina Herrera. Her clothes are always looking nice and feminine. I also admire Giorgio Armani for his good finishing.
What advice do you have for Nigerian designers?
I would say that we should keep trying and be more global. We should work on our finishing and try to help ourselves apart from what the government can do. We should try to get out products outside Nigeria because they are actually in high demand.
What would you describe as the turning point in your career?
I would say that the turning point for me has been the support from my customers. Its huge, its awesome. I have had a large following of customers; many have been consistent and constant for the past 32 years. For me, that consistency and loyalty inspires me to do.
Let’s talk about the business side of fashion?
It has been up and down, high and lows and sometimes you just want to run away. Let’s face it, things can be bad but the passion pushes you on and that is the real driving force. Financially, we weren’t getting loans in the past but things are much better now. At the beginning, we were also battling with energy, electricity, we still are but we have reached a point,where we can say let’s just invest.
Where do you see your brand in the next few years?
I see my brand making waves in Africa, Europe and America in the next few years. I would also like to stress that it is important to specialise like it is done in other parts of the world. When you go abroad, you see big fashion stores like Woolworths. There is nothing like that here. We should have a big fashion store, where designers in major cities collaborate and put something together.
As we spend more time on screens, scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, and even Pinterest, we see how diverse and expressive women’s style has become. Women aren’t just following trends anymore, they’re redefining them. In this whirlwind, Moniuq, a dynamic fashion brand from Lagos, has been right at the centre of the evolution, bringing a brilliant mix of bold colours and an African-rooted flair to women’s wardrobes everywhere. This brand holds a statement about modern women, their shifting identities, and the art of self-expression.
Moniuq, founded in 2017 by the talented Monica Enechojo Obaje, stands out for making pieces that feel like they were crafted for the different sides of today’s woman. This brand isn’t here to tell women who to be, it provides them with the tools to show who they already are. Whether it’s the fierce independence of a career woman, the graceful elegance of a churchgoer, or the powerful beauty of an African woman stepping into her identity, Moniuq knows that there’s no one way to be a modern woman. And that’s exactly what makes the brand so exciting.
Over the years, women’s fashion has done a lot of rethinking. Gone are the days when fashion dictated who a woman should be. Now, it’s all about giving her the freedom to be exactly who she is, and even to change. Because, well, that’s what women do. They grow, they evolve, and they redefine.
In 2022, we saw this evolution in full force. More women started blending traditional and modern styles, creating looks that celebrated their culture and still felt relevant. Moniuq was right in step with this movement, weaving traditional African elements like Aso Oke fabrics into contemporary silhouettes and providing women with authentic and empowered pieces.
And as for colours, Moniuq isn’t shy about them. Monica uses vibrant hues that perfectly capture the spirit of a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to be seen. Think of the warm, earthy oranges, the lush greens, and the dazzling blues that reflect a rich heritage. This isn’t fashion that fades into the background, it is fashion that announces itself.
What’s fascinating about Moniuq is the blend of inspirations Monica brings to her work. On one hand, she’s influenced by her sister, a personal hero who reminds her of strength and resilience. On the other, there’s Audrey Hepburn, an icon of timeless elegance. But unlike the more restrained styles of Hepburn’s day, Moniuq adds a twist, mixing Hepburn-inspired femininity with African boldness. And the result? Outfits that bring together a touch of classic grace with a strong African heartbeat.
This modern aesthetic is something we saw women reaching for. They no longer wanted to simply look “put together”; they wanted to feel powerful and stylish
Another reason Moniuq resonates with modern women is the brand’s understanding that today’s lifestyle is dynamic. A woman might go from a morning brunch to a wedding in the afternoon and end the day at an evening cocktail party. Each piece from Moniuq is designed to be versatile enough for these different moments, a reflection of how women’s lives and identities are more multi-dimensional than ever.
And that’s a big shift in fashion today. For years, brands focused on making clothes for specific events or categories, but Monica saw how real women live their lives, so she made sure her collections could work across various settings. In doing so, she’s allowing women to build wardrobes that are as flexible and multifaceted as they are.
What really makes Moniuq stand out is the way it connects with women on a deeper level. Monica doesn’t just see her brand as a business but as a community where women are celebrated and supported. This is a big part of why the brand has such a loyal following, as it is a space for women to express themselves, whether they’re stepping into a new phase of life or just trying to find styles that feel right for who they are.
The brand’s impact was also clear from its appearances at major events like African Fashion Week Nigeria and African Fashion Week Brazil. It wasn’t just about showcasing beautiful clothes but about bringing the identity of African women to an international stage.
And then there’s the celebrity factor. Mercy Johnson and Juliet Ibrahim, some of Africa’s most beloved figures have been spotted in Moniuq’s designs. This stamp of approval is a powerful testament to the brand’s ability to create styles that speak to the bold, sexy, and elegant identities that these celebrities embody.
In a world where women’s fashion choices often feel like a statement about who they are or who they’re “supposed” to be, Moniuq offers a refreshing alternative. The brand’s dedication to versatility and cultural richness is like a breath of fresh air, reminding us that fashion doesn’t have to be limited to one style or personality. Women today are more dynamic, layered, and unapologetically themselves than ever before, and brands like Moniuq understand that.
Let’s take a more critical look at Moniuq’s 2022 designs. While the brand has earned significant recognition for its modern African aesthetic, there’s more to unpack when it comes to the craftsmanship and overall execution. As we review some of her collections, it’s important to consider how well the designs balance the line between creativity and wearability, and whether they effectively capture the diverse identities of modern women, as intended. We’ll break down the details of what works and how these pieces hold up in a market that’s constantly evolving.
This gown definitely catches the eye, and not just because of its unique structure. At first glance, it almost looks like two separate pieces—a loose, sheer blouse layered over a skirt, until you notice the corset-like panel wrapping around the waist, pulling everything together into a unified look.
The neckline, a soft V-shape, is both modest and flattering, giving just a hint of skin and letting the collarbones show. It’s the kind of neckline that doesn’t try too hard but still has a certain charm.
Then there are the sleeves, which are generously cut and loose, making the upper half feel really light and airy. They almost have this dreamy, relaxed vibe, which contrasts interestingly with the fitted waist.
The gown length falls right above the knee, giving it a fun, easy-going feel. But because the fabric is sheer and layered, it brings a bit of boldness to the whole outfit. The material itself has a faint, grid-like pattern that’s subtle but adds a nice detail without going overboard. It’s in these little patterns and layers that the gown finds its personality, playing with textures instead of loud colours.
Speaking of colours, this gown stays in a pretty neutral zone of soft beige and tan tones which is almost surprising, since Moniuq is known for bold colours. This muted colour palette gives the outfit a calm, serene vibe. It’s not flashy, but it still has a presence.
The brown corset waist is the boldest part of the gown. It pulls everything in tightly, giving it some sort of hourglass shape.
But this fitted waist also creates a bit of a clash with the gown’s otherwise relaxed vibe. The transition from the flowy top to the structured waist isn’t exactly smooth; it’s almost like they are two separate ideas brought together. Maybe if the corset was a bit softer or blended more into the top, it would feel more cohesive.
Overall, this gown balances contrasting elements in one design. It is part soft, part structured, part modest, part daring. It doesn’t fit neatly into one category, and that’s what makes it intriguing. For anyone who likes a mix of styles, this gown is an interesting choice.
This outfit combines a halter top with wide-legged pants, both in a soft, peachy tone that exudes a summery feel. The top immediately draws attention with its gathered fabric, wrapping around the neck. The halter neckline highlights the shoulders while keeping things mostly covered, with a small peek-a-boo detail in the front adding a hint of skin.
The waistline is defined with a wide band that serves as the perfect divider between the top and the pants. This fitted waist detail pulls the look together, preventing it from appearing too baggy and helps create a balanced shape.
The pants are designed with a long, wide-leg cut and pleated texture that adds depth and movement. From a distance, they almost resemble a maxi skirt, but up close, the pants add a modern twist to the outfit. Their length grazes the floor, adding a bit of elegance, though this could be tricky for practicality if worn outside.
This design offers a blend of comfort and elegance, ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed yet polished look.
At the end of the day, fashion isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about who you are, who you’re becoming, and the story you want to tell the world. Monica is taking a stand in the fashion industry, creating designs that resonate with the modern woman. With her brand Moniuq, she aims to prove a point that women can be whoever they choose to be irrespective of their career, culture or background.
At least 580 enterprises ceased operations in the Afghan capital city of Kabul due to power outages, Head of Afghanistan Industries and Mines Chamber (AIMC) Sherbaz Kaminzada told Sputnik on Wednesday.
“As a result of the shutdown of enterprises, 4,500 workers lost their jobs,’’ Kaminzada said.
In November 2021, the Afghan national energy company stated that the amount of energy required by Afghanistan is 850 megawatts, with 620 being provided from neighbouring countries.
Earlier in January, Uzbekistan reduced the import of electricity to Afghanistan, causing a disruption of electricity supply in a number of Afghan provinces.
Uzbekistan suspended electricity exports to Afghanistan amid a large-scale power disruption in the region on Jan. 25 and restored the supply on Tuesday. (Sputnik/NAN)
Fashion is often hailed as a form of self-expression, right? A way to showcase individuality and confidence.
How true is this?
For many women, the excitement of finding the perfect outfit is overshadowed by the constant frustration of ill-fitting clothes. Despite the diversity of body types, fashion often feels like it caters to a narrow standard, leaving countless women feeling excluded or uncomfortable in what’s available on the racks. From inconsistent sizing to designs that ignore curvier, petite, or plus-size figures, the struggle to find clothing that truly fits is a shared experience among women everywhere.
Here are some of the common complaints revealed to show how much work the fashion industry still has to do to ensure every woman can feel her best in what she wears.
Inconsistent Sizing
Many women express frustration with inconsistent sizing across different brands. A size 8 in one store may be completely different from a size 8 in another, making it difficult to find a consistent fit.
Clothes Not Designed for Curvier Bodies
Women with curvier figures often feel that fashion doesn’t accommodate their body shape. Dresses or pants may fit in the hips but be too loose at the waist, leading to alterations or avoiding certain styles altogether.
Lack of Petite and Tall Options
Women on both ends of the height spectrum—petite or tall—often struggle to find clothing that fits them properly. Trousers may be too long or short, while sleeves might not match the length of their arms, limiting their style choices.
Unflattering Cuts for Different Body Types
Many women feel that certain trendy styles, like crop tops or low-rise pants, aren’t flattering for their body type. They wish designers would create more inclusive cuts that cater to various shapes and sizes.
Limited Plus-Size Fashion
Plus-size women often complain about the limited options available to them in stores. While more brands are becoming inclusive, the range of stylish clothing options for larger sizes remains smaller compared to standard sizes.
These are some of the issues that many women face with getting the ‘perfect dress.
While all these problems persist, is there nothing that can be done? Of course not, Designers are no longer turning a blind eye to these problems; instead, they are rising to the challenge, determined to make fashion more inclusive and accessible to all women. The fashion industry is undergoing a transformation, as creative minds within it are beginning to tackle the very issues that have frustrated women for years.
The disconnect between standard clothing sizes and the reality of diverse body shapes has often left women feeling excluded as if fashion was reserved for only a select few. But now, designers are increasingly recognizing that the modern woman is not one-size-fits-all. They are working to bridge this gap, offering clothing that celebrates individuality and caters to the unique needs of every woman, regardless of her size or shape. This shift in mindset is helping to redefine what it means to feel confident in what you wear.
This is where a true eye for detail comes in and it seems no one does it better than Oreoluwa Adeoluwa Mubarakat.
Oreoluwa is visionary behind Orekelewa Clothing, a fashion designer who has not only recognised the common frustrations women face with ill-fitting fashion but has made it her mission to design solutions.
Since founding the brand in 2019, she has redefined what it means to blend luxury with modesty, creating garments that prioritize elegance, comfort, and confidence. Understanding that every woman deserves clothing that reflects her unique style while fitting her body flawlessly, this designer has made it her life’s work to craft pieces that cater to women of all shapes and sizes.
She embraces the diversity of women’s bodies and ensures that her collections elevate them with a focus on sophistication and grace. With luxurious fabrics, impeccable craftsmanship, and a dedication to detail, every piece is thoughtfully created to empower women to feel their very best—whether they’re looking for something comfortable for everyday wear or something refined for a special occasion.
Through her work, she has shown that fashion can be a celebration of femininity, modesty, and personal expression.
Her 2022 collection launch was a resounding success. With a portfolio like hers, it is no surprise that many are curious to know what she created.
Here’s a sneak peek into the designs, breaking it down to know where she got it right and probably needs more work.
This design showcases a bold and creative blend of patterns and colours, which immediately draws attention and exudes a sense of individuality. The top’s robe-like style, with its voluminous sleeves and intricate patchwork print, adds an element of sophistication and uniqueness, making it perfect for someone who enjoys standing out in a crowd. The belt at the waist brings structure to the outfit, giving the wearer a more defined silhouette and adding a flattering element to the overall look.
The lavender pants complement the vivid top, providing a subtle, calming contrast that balances out the boldness of the upper piece. This thoughtful pairing of statement prints with solid, relaxed trousers makes the outfit versatile—ideal for both a casual yet fashionable day out or a more elevated event.
Additionally, the designer’s choice of luxurious fabrics and the flowy silhouette speaks to comfort and ease, making it not only stylish but also practical for women who value comfort without sacrificing elegance. The piece is good, but here are a few suggestions;
Proportions and Fit
While the top’s robe-like style is eye-catching, the voluminous sleeves and the loose, flowing pants might overwhelm some body types, making the overall look appear bulky rather than sleek. This could particularly affect shorter or curvier women, where the design might not create the most flattering silhouette.
Neckline and Undergarment Visibility
The deep, plunging neckline paired with a visible undergarment could be a potential issue for those who prefer modesty or a more conservative look. While this can appeal to some, it may not align with the preferences of all women, particularly in modest fashion markets.
Colour Palette
While the combination of colours is interesting, it may not appeal to everyone. The deep, rich tones of the patchwork top against the softer, muted pants could come across as mismatched. A more unified colour scheme might create a more polished and cohesive look.
This design has a lot of visual appeal, particularly with its bold use of deep, earthy green tones. The combination of different shades of green, particularly the printed jacket and solid pants, gives the ensemble a cohesive yet dynamic look. Green, being a calming and versatile colour, works well in this outfit without overwhelming the wearer. The high-waisted wide-leg pants are also a flattering choice, elongating the legs and offering comfort. The contrast between the delicate lace top and the structured pants and jacket adds an interesting textural mix, enhancing the chic and sophisticated vibe of the outfit.
However, there are areas where the design could benefit from some improvements. One notable issue is the fit of the jacket. Its loose, almost shapeless cut appears too oversized, especially around the shoulders and waist, which may overwhelm the wearer’s figure. A more tailored fit would help create a refined silhouette, balancing comfort with a more polished appearance. The lace top, though adding texture, feels slightly out of place in this otherwise structured ensemble. A solid-coloured, more modest top might create a more cohesive and balanced look, better aligning with the modest fashion approach.
The length of the jacket also poses a slight issue. Falling at mid-hip, it sits at an awkward length that doesn’t enhance the outfit’s proportions. A shorter, cropped jacket would add a more modern edge, while a longer jacket could create a dramatic, flowing effect. Both options would improve the overall balance of the outfit, rather than the in-between length that may not flatter all body types.
Finally, while the different green tones work well together, the darker print of the jacket could be offset by a lighter or brighter green in the pants or top. As it stands, the pants and jacket blend a little too closely, diminishing the impact of the bold pattern. Introducing a slightly different shade could elevate it to a more refined and intentional look.
These adjustments would enhance the balance between structure and elegance, ensuring the design retains its bold appeal while becoming more flattering and versatile.
Well, it’s a wrap for the year and it was a good one. The next year promises to be better, in an interview with her she said; “This year’s collection is like a dream come true. But it is also a realisation that so many people are watching what we do. So, next year will definitely be better as I am very well guided on that thought. “
