Lucy Nnaji 
Unveiled amid the intellectual vibrance of the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) 2024 Annual Conference, Authority is the debut official-wear collection by Nigerian fashion label ORB Couture.
Designed specifically for the event and spotted on some attendees, the collection was conceived to mirror the values of the modern professional woman: poise, presence, and precision. The mind behind the designs is Ololade Rofiat Busari, the founder of ORB Couture.
Authority excels in form, proportion, and control. Ololade’s training in illustration is evident in her ability to design garments that project presence.
The all-black pantsuit features a blazer with a sculpted waist and wide peak lapels that frame the chest. The jacket is contoured with princess seams, with an inner structure that suggests light boning.
The points of measure, such as the waistline drop, shoulder width, and sleeve cap height, are well-judged, though slightly conservative.
The trousers exhibit a 70s-inspired flared leg, anchored by a high rise, which lengthens the frame. In terms of materials, the suit appears to be crafted from medium-weight wool.
A key highlight is the finish: matte with no unnecessary sheen, allowing the shape of the cloth to do the speaking.
The black-and-white houndstooth jumpsuit offers a clever convergence of pattern and structure. The sleeveless wrap bodice allows the print to act as visual texture, while the sharply tapered leg introduces a modern edge.
The front-wrap bodice creates a V-neck that reads relaxed yet purposeful. Unlike the suit, this piece embraces asymmetry in detailing, with angled princess seams subtly repositioned for interest rather than just structure.
The tension gathering around the crotch is an indicator that the measurement points in this area may not have been rigorously tested across diverse body types.
Likewise, though the flare-leg trousers in the suit lend visual drama, they toe the line between statement and obstruction.
For working professionals who commute or move frequently, the exaggerated volume at the hem may prove cumbersome or distracting, particularly if worn with flat or low-profile footwear.
Ololade’s skills in pattern making are evident in her treatment of structure and line. She navigates complex shaping, such as tapered flares, with a studied hand.
Where her illustration background particularly shines is in the proportional harmony of her designs.
She knows how to draw garments that make sense off paper. The type of women this collection will attract are professionals who see fashion as an expression of their intentions.
Corporate leaders, public speakers, academics, and even creatives in leadership roles will find resonance with the garments’ quiet assertiveness.
Concerning value to the portfolio, Authority positions ORB Couture as a label unafraid of structure and committed to shaping its identity around clean lines and professional elegance.
