By Rita Okoye
Fashion is self-expression. It tells individual stories with every stitch and cut. This is why what we wear should never subdue but complement who we are. But finding the right piece can be a struggle.

On the flip side, clothing brands and designers see fashion as more than the outfits they create; it is a silent narrator that weaves the value of their potential owners into their community. The world of fashion has shifted to an era that celebrates innovative designs and a mix of individual identity, using the best of the best fabrics to tell a story.

And as the fashion landscape evolves, designers are creating styles that blend personal values with modern trends, this is where Gineva comes in.
Gineva is a sustainable garment label founded by the fashion genius, Ginika Eva Odikagbo. Continuously, Ginika has proven herself with her creations. The 2021 collection is one of them.

Opening the 2021 Gineva collection is a peplum top and trousers. The two-piece outfit is a great combination of class and simplicity.
The top starts with a deep V-neckline. The design makes the neck look delicate and longer. This feature makes the cloth suitable for both formal and informal settings.
The top’s sleeves are long and fitted.

They combine both structure and movement.
The body of the top is also an interplay of structure and fluidity. It is fitted in all the right places. Starting from the neckline, which extends to the body. And then immediately it flares out at the bottom. The transition is clean and worthy of mentioning.

Before we move to the trousers, let’s talk about the fabric used. The fabric is an African brocade print. The fabric has a navy blue base colour, and on it are light-colour floral elevated prints.

Now, the trousers. Crafted from the same material as the top. They are slim-fitted to the body, framing the wearer’s shape in the right place. And it maintains this fitness even as it extends down to the legs. The structure of the pants balances the top’s flared design at the waist.

Made for women who want to lead with ‘power and poise’. The ensemble combines African print aesthetics with a modern, tailored design.
Yet in all its beauty, there are still places that need to be touched to elevate the look. The choice of fabric, though exquisite, feels too stiff for certain settings and individuals.

This, unfortunately, could lead to less demand.
In sum, the ‘regalia suit’ piece is the perfect choice for women who want to tell a story of grace, confidence and modern femininity. It aligns with the collection’s theme, elevating personal style. With the right choice of accessories, this piece would definitely do just that.

Structure, movement and modern cuts, all in one piece. That’s the best description for this second fit.
The piece comes in a wrap-style dress. Created from a black and white striped fabric, the dress has a V-neckline design. But we are far from over.

The piece has a matching belt that holds the waist together. The belt serves as more than a decorative element; it allows the wearer to choose how the dress fits their body shape. The piece’s ability to cater to all kinds of women shows that the designer had a clear direction for what this piece is about.

The sleeve design is a perfect match to the overall concept of this design. They are long and flowing. Then it becomes flared at the end. The large sleeves add drama that elevates the look from ordinary to extraordinary. The lower part, also in a flared design, offers movement, but doesn’t compromise on style. With one side longer than the other, the dress displays skilful, creative cuts.

Still, a few adjustments need to be made.
For women with a more petite frame, the design could likely overwhelm them. The goal should not be to ‘swallow’ but to ‘complement’ their body. Again, the piece might not cater to individuals who don’t love excessive drama, but are looking for something simple.

Also, the long sleeves, which cover the hands, might restrict movement; the designer could consider shortening the sleeves or providing an alternative design. But this should not alter the overall concept of the piece.
Overall, the Gineva brand has done so well with the wrap-style piece. If you are looking for drama that steals the room, this is it! While at it, consider styling with other bold accessories to finish your look.

Even to the last piece, the Gineva brand is not dropping its A-game. With any other brand, a striped black and white piece might look simple, but with the Gineva brand, the reverse is the case. The piece carries many attractive features.

Let’s take it one after the other. First on the list is the pattern and colour of the fabric. With a black and white hue, the fabric carries a mix of vertical and horizontal stripes. The neckline has a deep cut, which is preferable for someone who loves showing some skin.
At the hemline, ruffles were added. The addition adds depth, which makes the neckline very unique. And then the neckline extends over the shoulders.

But the neckline might be frowned upon in some religious settings. To increase its versatility, offering an alternative or a more closed-up neckline would be needed.
Next are the sleeves. The dress is sleeveless, but the ruffles from the neckline create a cap-style effect. This is quite creative. From the waist downward, the gown maintains a fitted form with an A-line style. The dress goes down, reaching the floor. It is also full and flowing. Extra ruffles are added to the front of the piece. They are layered in a unique form.

The skirt, which is the lower part of the dress, has a tiered design at the bottom.
From this angle, the ruffles at the neckline go up and down to the waist. It is also clear that ruffles were added to the side. The bottom part of the gown features a different patterned stripe from the rest of the dress.

The piece is a breath of fresh air. It challenges traditional style and commands attention with its clean tailoring and detailed cut.

However, it might not be suitable for some formal settings, but it would be a perfect fit for fashion runway shows and exclusive entertainment events. Though there is beauty in simplicity, offering the piece in different bold hues would cater to individuals seeking a bolder appearance.

Regardless, this gown is simple yet stylish. The collection has been created to remind us that we all have a unique personal identity, and fashion is one way of unleashing it. Each pieces, from the peplum top and trousers, the wrap style dress, to the striped black and white gown, elevate the ordinary woman into someone unforgettable.

The 2021 Gineva collection is a call to join a community that inspires women to own their style. Ginika Eva Odikagbo has indeed inspired us with this collection, and we can all agree that every piece deserves a place in any woman’s wardrobe.