Ifeoma Ononye 
The world is dominated by trends and various styles, but the one aspect of fashion that has the power to dominate others is self-expression. It is how individuals tell personal stories and assert their identities.
However, the powerful combination of fashion and individual identities is how creativity and uniqueness are celebrated.
Over the years, fashion has been beyond clothing. Each outfit a person wears represents the story of who they are and what they stand for.
As much as it is a powerful tool for self-expression, it is also a conveyor of values to the world. Uniqueness in fashion is refusing to conform to the norm. It is about curating a wardrobe of personal styles that reflect your preferences rather than mindlessly following trends.
Some African designers like Ayobami Ogunbiyi celebrate this notion by creating outfits that do not challenge the exclusivity of unique fashion. The distinctive power of fashion is not all about clothes, and Ayobami’s brand thrives on this philosophy to continue the powerful force of fashion change.
Inspired by age-old Nigerian crafts, the brand Lola Threads transforms carbon-neutral materials into undeniably African silhouettes. With each collection, the idea is to merge the present and the future elements of fashion. To ensure that every clothing that goes from the sewing machine to the wardrobe is deeply rooted in respect for African fashion.
Lola Threads 2023 Collection
The latest collection from Lola Threads is an invitation to dress with intention and embrace body sizes as they are today. From the kind of outfits, it is clear that this year’s vision is one of elegance.
The designer has been popular for reimagining slow fashion, and this collection takes it a step further. With inclusive silhouettes and bold fabrics, this particular collection unfolds layers of strength and style.
This outfit is minimal yet elegant clothing. It embodies the essence of clean stitches and neat designs, all the while maintaining the perfect mixture of afro-contemporary sophistication.
The colour is a showstopper – a soothing neutral tone that exudes a sense of luxury, perfect for any woman who wants to own a space without talking.
The soft look of the colour is a good balance with the structure of the clothing. This is a type of colour-blocking that was done with sophistication in mind.
Also, the choice of fabric elevates the entire look. It appears that the camisole and pants were designed from a crepe and satin blend, which offers the wearer a fluid movement.
There is no unnecessary movement, and the clothing is tailored to exude poise. The sleeves are minimally designed yet prove the artistic intelligence of the designer, which makes the clothing eye-catching and flattering.
The silhouette is something thought out of a masterclass. It visually elongates the wearer’s body and adds finesse to the overall structure of the outfit.
While the neckline is also a graceful element of this outfit’s design, it perfectly shapes the collarbone and invites the eyes to the outfit. This design is soft and feminine power at its best, and it will look good on a global runway.
Some stones were left unturned while making this dress. A few tweaks here and there could elevate the look. Starting with balancing the volume of the top in harmony with the volume of the pants.
While the designer may have wanted to be generous with the fabric, both pieces of this two-piece were fighting for the attention of a person’s eyes, which leaves one with no versatile expression of one’s fashion.
However, the fabric coordination needs a little bit of adjustment. Up and below, the colour combination looks good, but there’s a lack of harmony in how the textures are blended. It looks like each piece is for a different season.
Using the same type of fabric texture will make this outfit look iconic. Although it looks stunning, it just stands at a risk of overwhelming the entire design.
This is a stunning retro-inspired outfit. It masterfully blends classic tailoring and African designs. Therefore producing a polished look. The design captures an entire vintage sophistication that celebrates modern fashion.
The first outstanding element is the fabric choice. The pastel colour makes it look luxurious with a subtle sheen that instantly catches light. This makes the outfit perfect for formal and social events.
Also, the cinched waist of the outfit enhances the overall look, making the upper and lower bodice balanced. Although the upper part looks a bit too structured, a more harmonious balance between each piece of clothing would have given a more cohesive appearance.
Although not quite functional, the furry design feature of the outfit looks understated. A more distinct colour or perhaps design would have sparked more visual interest in the sophistication of the dress.
Moreover, the fabric appears to be lightweight, which implies that this choice of material does not reflect the designer’s intention of making this outfit a masterpiece.
A better material, such as silk, would have improved the look without compromising comfort. With little adjustments to certain areas, such as the silhouette and fabric choice, this outfit possesses the potential to be a statement of style.
The silhouette makes so much sense, only that it adds a little stiffness to the outfit, especially around the midsection area. Also, the length of the sleeves looks a bit too conservative; it tilts the outfit towards the angle of a corporate dress.
A shorter length with a little bit of detail would have made the dress look more sophisticated for certain casual events. The collar also needs a little bit of adjustment. It doesn’t look classic enough for such a bold colour.
This brown-coloured piece is a beautiful combination of elegance and creativity. The long-sleeve, high neckline and layered lower bodice are perfect details. Each element of the outfit, ranging from the fabric choice to the bodice, is a showcase of the designer’s smart work.
The first notable feature of this outfit is the colour. A sophisticated choice which exudes warmth and confidence. It will look good on different types of skin tones, accentuating body curves and creating an overall timeless appeal.
The monochromatic characteristic of the dress makes it remain a major focus of attention in a gathering.
Additionally, this is a modest design with a high neckline collar and long sleeves. Suitable for a woman who is seeking the right balance between modern fashion and conservative dress. The wearer’s body shape will be properly concealed due to the fit of the dress.
It’s not a bad choice anyway; it strikes a balance between modesty and femininity. The designer carefully tailored this piece with precise measurements and well-aligned seams.
This level of craftsmanship can only be seen from a designer who values top-quality production. Not only does the design reflect the designer’s understanding of proportion and balance, but it also showcases the knowledge of unique fashion.
The design on the sleeves is a fabulous idea, but it doesn’t make the dress visually interesting. The placement is a bit off because why is it at the lower region of the sleeves?
Also, the colour choice is wonderful, but a lighter tone around the collar would shift the piece towards being an outstanding one in the collection.
Using only this particular tone makes the cloth look visually heavy. With these minimal adjustments, this piece can easily evolve into a modern fashion brilliance.
Fashion and individuality are undivided elements on the path to self-discovery and uniqueness. As Lola Threads navigates the world of fashion, this year’s collection is a reminder that style is a reflection of a unique identity.
It’s an art form through which individuality can be celebrated, confidence can be boosted, and pride can be maintained with each fashion choice. This collection is a call for women to wear each fashion choice as a testament to diverse personalities.
