Ifeoma Ononye 
In the fashion world, there’s a shift in the blueprints. Styles that once began as being accustomed to body shapes or sizes are now worn by all. This has completely shattered the “ideal body” notion.
This shift not only resulted in some remarkable changes in the industry but also provided the much-needed promotion of the body positivity movement.
This explains why over the past decades, the marketing strategies of various fashion brands have changed. Many of these fashion houses no longer target a particular type of woman; the goal is to provide every woman with the platform to embrace individuality and style.
This growth of inclusivity in the fashion industry has also led to a dynamic reform in the consumer mindset. Many women no longer want to be bound by the traditional definitions of beauty.
Self-expression is at the top of the chart, and several designers are spreading this message of self-acceptance and choice to wear one’s style without being limited by size.
One of the designers making this wave is Samuel Oppong. As a talented designer who is dedicated to celebrating women’s manifold nature, Samuel’s journey in the fashion industry can be traced back to growing up in a creative household.
Having a mother and grandmother who are seamstresses made this passionate designer cultivate a diverse skill set, including sewing, fabric cutting and visual merchandising.
In 2019, what began as a childhood experience developed into a professional endeavour of introducing personal style, women’s empowerment and authentic expression by establishing Opong Studio.
This entrepreneurial path has revealed that inclusive fashion is beyond clothing. Opong Studio is on edge this year with bold collections of romantic silhouettes, flowing lines, and edgy elements.
The 2024 collection is nothing short of praise, from the designs that embody femininity, practicality, and playfulness to the ones that make it ideal for women to navigate the different roles in life.
Opong Studio 2024 Collection
The designer created an outstanding ensemble of colours and bold structure. After a good look, one can tell that this vibrant top and flamboyant pants are an excellent combination.
The eye is immediately drawn to this fashion brilliance of a rich yellow colour suggests a semblance to sunlight. This implies that the outfit will exude an exuberance that transforms the wearer into an imaginative artistic palette.
However, the high neckline detailing and creative folds on the front take the top from being a casual-formal outfit to a regal clothing.
This piece is a work of art as the deliberate design is captivating, and it cascades down an array of highlights, enhancing the luxurious shine of the fabric.
Also, the side of the outfit reveals all the structural processes from sketches to reality. Kudos to the designer as this structure adds contour to the waistline of the clothing without compromising the fluid movement of the silhouette.
The fabric choice, a glossy, silky material, gives another level of sophistication to the look. It’s one thing for an outfit to catch the eye, another for it to radiate beautifully, with each design pronounced with every seam.
The quality of the fabric emphasises the sculptural pattern of the top, proving that fashion can be soft yet commanding.
Pairing this classic top with his stunning pair of blue pants is another point for the designer. The straight cut gives a modern silhouette which, compared with the dramatic top, maintains the overall elegance of the outfit.
The pants are elegant but still enough to make the wearer feel cool and at ease on any occasion.
From the standpoint of fashion enthusiasts, the structure and combination of this outfit are highly commendable. The sharp structure of the trousers reveals the intricate design in a way that gives out the designer’s thoughtfulness while sketching.
This is a clear narrative of expressive fashion — there is good balance between boldness and colour play, fabric volume, and precision.
While the outfit is undeniably striking, there are a few parts that require adjustments to elevate the overall look. Starting with the top, although the surface design is visually appealing, it slightly passes the boundary between sculptural tailoring and visual cluster. In this case, there is an overdesign as the eyes are diverted towards multiple directions.
The colour is catchy already, distracting the eyes from this to another bold element diminishes the designer’s idea. Perhaps reworking the pleated design and reducing the number of folds offers a clearer aesthetic. Also, streamlining enhances the garment’s wearability to fit into various body sizes.
Another major consideration for refinement is the overall silhouette. It’s a bit exaggerated – the top combination of short sleeves, high neck, and peplum-looking cut right around the waist area comes across as too heavy.
It adds too much weight to the wearer’s midsection. Modifying the hemline into a slimmer finish and a more subtle asymmetry of the top increases wearability.
Also, the cropped length of the pants needs adjustment. While it may have been cool and stylish if paired with another top, the heavy design of this top impacts the entire look. Increasing the length of the pants can result in an enhanced structure and fluidity of the silhouette.
Lastly, the fabric choice. Silk is shiny and allows an outfit to have a luxurious look, but in this case, it may reduce the polished feel intended by the designer. Due to the top’s design, a kind of material that is tougher in texture should have been used.
Yet, all of these do not minimise the execution of the designer’s skill. It reveals what happens when a designer treats the material as the sketch canvas was also treated. This piece commands attention and elevates the wearer’s poise.
This outfit exudes a level of femininity and sophistication that makes it look like the designer reimagined a ‘90s classic and evolved it into a modern button-down mini dress.
The colour is simply exquisite – it reveals a well-grounded elegance. This hue fits into all seasons, and it lets the outfit draw attention but not in a loud way. Emphasising more on the innovative design and structural seams.
Also, the silhouette is well thought out. The design detail is so brilliant that it gives the outfit a unique fit without overwhelming the wearer’s body size.
The collar adds to making the outfit resemble a work of art – it anchors the neckline in a way that complements the flare of the shoulder.
The body of the dress is vertically emphasised with statement buttons. Aside from making the dress more visually appealing, these buttons draw attention to the structure of the dress.
The pockets placed around the hip area add a visual balance to the dress. The placement is thoughtful as it does not disrupt the flow of the dress. The fabric provides the outfit with a sharp, crisp look.
It is an impressive choice, and it doesn’t compromise the structure of the dress. While the hemline is daring and stops right above the thigh, it exudes a youthfulness that even a wearer without dynamic energy can reveal.
This outfit is well-sewn, but certain aspects need refining. Particularly, the silhouette dominates the visual appeal of the dress in a way that certain areas are not well balanced.
For instance, the shoulder area could have been a gradual curve to reveal a shoulder design that does not overwhelm the rest of the form.
Although the collar is stylish, it looks like it’s competing for attention with the shoulders. Adjusting the collar size to be a bit reduced can result in harmony between all cut-out areas of the design.
Also, from a stylish perspective, the length of the dress needs a thorough re-evaluation. The cut is youthful, but it is in contrast with the feminine side of some women who love being modest. Extending it to a few more inches will be perfect.
In essence, this is a creative designer and strongly showcases the designer’s talent in the right proportioning and fabric handling. If all recommended adjustments are made, the dress can be more than just a versatile piece.
This outfit is a dazzling structure of excellent tailoring and a dynamic combination of modern styles. From the floral pattern shirt, which is a vibrant combination of violet and green, to the green-coloured suspenders, these colours are visually appealing. The mixture of hues reveals the designer’s keen eye for artistic details.
The structure is bold, and the suspenders look like it is in control of the silhouette flow. Looking at the high-waistline, one can tell that the designer added a classic twist to the cut. This is not just an avant-garde cut; it is a distinctly modern design.
The shirt itself stuns! From the classic button-down to the sharp collar and tailored fit, it completely exudes elegance. What appears to be a satin vivid print of the shirt offers a more subtle flow to the outfit.
Every aspect of this look contributes excellently to the overall fit. The high-waisted trousers give it a formal vibe, while the floral pattern shirt brings a subtle femininity to the look. In all, the more daring aspect is the designer’s cut and ability to combine all pieces to make this beautiful outfit.
This outfit is a product of good imagination, but a few adjustments will turn it into a more wearable masterpiece.
The first area is that the feather-trimmed cuffs risk making the outfit look funny rather than complementing it. The vivid floral pattern of the dress is enough to create a strong visual appeal. Well, if the feathered cuffs had been a more subtle colour, it might have been in harmony with the rest of the look.
Emphasising the rest of the look, the suspender could have been better with a little cut adjustment in the cut. Although it is a more fashion-forward look, it reduces the extravagance of the suspender straps, which may look a bit too youthful for older women. A better, refined cut will allow the outfit to look more contemporary.
Lastly, a fabric with fewer motifs would be better for the shirt, making it match seamlessly with the brightly coloured pants and structured texture of the fabric used. With careful curation of all elements, the designer could transform that statement piece into a more fashion-intensive outfit.
In essence, the outfits in this collection are for women who are not afraid to break the fashion stereotypes. The designer has used each piece to tell the story of art and self-expression, all in one beautifully curated collection.
