By Rita Okoye

Good fashion is movement, design, and architecture wrapped in one. It seamlessly balances both movement and structure. Over the years, the evolution of the fashion landscape has been mind blowing.

We had the baggy era, then the antique styles, and moved to Y2K styles. In contrast, today’s fashion is a masterclass in structure and fluid designs. Many brands are shifting towards offering structured pieces with a deep understanding of some architectural cuts. One of such is the Floreverie fashion house.

Running the helm of affairs is the talented designer, Florence Omowunmi Olojede, a woman on a mission to redefine the fashion space. From its launch in 2020, each collection has combined structure and movement to produce creative pieces.

Not only this, but sustainability is at the core of every design. Each fabric is locally sourced and carefully chosen to ensure high quality. The brand also supports its community by using local skilled artisans.

The 2021 collection is rooted in structure, movement, colour, detailed tailoring, and bold design. As Floreverie grows, the goal is to use their pieces to remind all that clothes can bloom, and beauty is most powerful when it is being thoughtfully created.

The first piece in this collection is not your usual gown. Made from a shining metallic-looking fabric that appears to be in a burnt ash colour. It gives the piece a crinkled effect. The choice of fabric is interesting and leaves one curious.

However, this colour choice would not be suitable for some understated or informal settings. The designer could offer the piece in different shades, especially for customers who are less dramatic.

The upper bodice, with its loose form, still stays fitted but allows easy movement. It adds depth and intrigue to the overall design. And then the sleeves are wide and flow freely. They are long but stop at a three-quarter length of the arm. They also give a kind of sharp authority that commands attention. Moving downward, the body of the gown also has a free fit but still maintains structure on the wearer.

The design detail at the waist is the most attractive feature of the piece. Here, the fabric is gathered at the middle, which cinches the cloth upward. And then five large white buttons arranged in a row are attached to the front of the dress. As well as being creative, they elevate the dress, but also stand a chance of disrupting the harmony of the piece. Reducing the button size or entirely replacing it with another attractive element would work just fine.

The skirt’s hemline is unique. The front is shorter while the back is longer. Though this is commendable, combining this with other features makes the dress look too busy, and this doesn’t appeal visually. The designer could consider a less dramatic cut or a straight cut to avoid this.

Overall, this piece is the definition of modern femininity. The clean tailoring and finish show a high level of craftsmanship from the Floreverie brand. And we can all agree this piece embodies both structure and movement!

The second piece is a bold statement in design. It features a long, floor-length gown, capturing refined sophistication. The fabric is an African print. The repeated subtle pattern on a dark brown background adds subtle playfulness, ensuring that the piece is not overwhelming. This choice of material is commendable.

The length of the piece ensures drama and presence. And this makes it suitable for an evening event where every step must be seen. Just like the first piece, the sleeves are large, free, but these are shaped into puffs. Ruffles were added around the elbow and wrists. The sleeves are bold, which complements the piece. And then the V-neckline style is moderate.

Now to the lower bodice. They stay fluid and fitted, framing the wearer’s shape softly. The structured design of the lower part balances the top’s sleeves, which are loose and free. And then at the knee, the design has a mermaid-style hemline. This adds volume and offers movement to the wearer.

However, there are a few places in the dress that need slight adjustment. First, the designer could choose between the dramatic piece and the mermaid hemline to soften the look. Their combination makes it difficult for the eye to settle. And in turn, it doesn’t communicate the essence of the piece, which is fluid sophistication.

The contrast of the fabric used makes it reflect the signature vibrancy of the Ankara-based style. The goal of this piece should be to complement all body types, so offering the piece in another African print with a rich background is needed.

In summary, Floreverie has done well with the piece, showing the world what it means to favour structure and fluidity over trend. Styling with the right accessories would elevate the entire look.

Most brown combinations look ordinary. But this is very different. One might even confuse the piece for a gown, but it is a two-piece. But the smooth transition from the top to the skirt speaks highly of the brand.

The outfit features a button-down shirt and a floor-length skirt with a mermaid tail design at the end.

Let’s start with the shirt. It has a light textured effect. And this adds a different feel to the entire outfit. The shirt is made with the luscious organza fabric, which acts as coverage. It gives a unique edge to the top. But it is the sleeves and the skirt that set the piece apart.

The long sleeves, made from the same organza-like fabric, add a modern look to the piece. It blends perfectly with the skirt. And at the tip, they carry a button closure that holds it together. The top’s neckline is a square-like collar and is neatly finished. They are firm and structured on the wearer’s neck, but the choice of fabric can be attributed to their standing fitness.

Moving to the skirt. It balances the top really good. At the upper part, they frame the shape of its wearer, and then at the lower section, below the knee, it flares out. This transition blends structure and movement and is made from a similar material to the shirt. The skirt also carries an extra detail: the large ruffles. The ruffles were added to one side, starting from the waist down to the hip.

Even with the beauty and creativity in this ensemble, no piece is without adjustments. The length of the skirt might not work well for all wearers. For people of shorter height, this might not be very favourable. To increase its versatility, having the dress in a shorter length or tailoring the hemline slightly would be safe. But any adjustment should not tamper with the elegance of the skirt.

Also, the design around the waist could do better with more defined tailoring, which would balance the structured detail of the top. That said, the harmony of the outfit can’t be denied, as the piece is a statement of confidence.
Overall, the collection’s ethos, structure and movement can be seen in each outfit.

Every piece is a balance between structure, movement, romance, and boldness. With all that has been discussed, it is safe to say that Floreverie is indeed doing well for itself, and with these pieces, Florence is putting in the effort to stay relevant in the industry.