By Yemisi Suleiman
The law of various countries permits every individual to possess the right to freedom of expression. Although this is an essential aspect of democracy, it promotes social change, especially since self-expression is subjective.

This democratic freedom also reflects in people’s choice of clothing. Over the years, fashion has been used to foster a sense of belonging and the right to express oneself differently, especially in this era. The existing generations are using fashion as a means to conform to societal expectations. And currently, the communities of women around the world are leading contributors to how fashion can be used as a tool of expression.
Some gender-specific trends have been set over the ears, and various brands have jumped on them to embolden the special nature of these distinct members of society.

One such brand is Chrispe, a Ghanaian luxury fashion company owned by Danquah Christian. Inspired by the fashion traditions of African ancestors, Chrispe offers ready-to-wear collections for women who want to express fashion through sleek designs, sustainable quality and cultural honour.

Chrispe 2021 Collection

Firstly, this dress gives out the confidence of a bold lady. The two shades of blue colour are the stars of the moment. With one shade darker than the other, this dress exudes an electrifying tone, which makes the wearer look like the main character at any moment. This is the type of dress that serves ‘hot vibes’. Also, when it comes to the style, this one-shoulder ruffled beauty with asymmetric neckline is a sure way to express the will to be flirtatious at a dinner date. It also gives the vibes of ‘oh look at, I can express myself like a model at the London Fashion Week.’

Now, looking at the fabric, the darker hue looks like denim material or maybe a stiff-textured cotton fabric. Either way, this is peak Gen Z fashion, and it reveals the depth to which the design was intended to make this piece appeal to the current generation of women. For the silhouette, this straight, oversized cut with ruffled designs is a sure way to make the wearer’s body ‘float with power.’ It is the obvious opposite of bodycon dresses, but it doesn’t reduce the extent to which a person is able to slay while wearing it.

This dress is beautiful for women of all sizes, and it will be a staple favourite for most women. However, there are a few creative measures to be taken for this piece to eventually hit the mark for outstanding pieces. While the oversized silhouette hits the mark for most women who prioritise comfort over style, this dress looks a bit out of shape.
As it looks, the dress stands a chance of swallowing the wearer’s body frame rather than enhancing it. It would have been better if the designer added a little tightness at the waist. This way, the tightness can keep the material in place and preserve the structure of the outfit. Also, the designer’s intention for adding ruffles around the neckline may have been for a little statement design. But instead, it makes the dress look like a costume.
Likewise, beyond the need for it to be simple, this dress looks burdened with too many designs. Only if the ruffles around the neckline can be reduced, then the outfit looks more visually appealing. Although the piece has high potential, these minor adjustments can still make it stand out better.

This piece deserves to be showcased beyond a magazine. It is extraordinary and serves a beautiful blue colour with luxurious vibes. It’s no wonder that this colour allows the outfit to make a statement that it is both unapologetic and bold.
When anyone sees this outfit, what first comes to mind is corporate wear. The sharp-collared shirt and the oversized A-shaped pants are a mixture of 2020 cool fashion vibes and 2021’s need for sophisticated self-expression. It’s completely genius of the designer to have specifically made the pants wide-legged because this exaggerated volume is perfect as a corporate outfit, street wear or a runway piece.

Rather than the silhouette of each part of the two-piece wear being in contrast, there’s a visual harmony being created with this structure. Although the fabric resembles a crisp cotton material, it does give the outfit a premium look. Whether it is intended to be worn as a fashion-forward piece or a 2021 trend, this outfit hits the mark for one of the best pieces created this year.
While this outfit is a total vibe, there are a few creative risks which the designer has taken that require improvements. Firstly, the look of the outfit is visually heavy on the lower part. Considering that the shirt does not define the hips very well, a slimmer pair of pants would have done the magic of revealing the powerful confidence this outfit exudes.
Also, the shirt design looks classic, but not classic enough to make this outfit the right choice for a high-profile event. The patch design on the pocket also makes it look a bit tacky. Overall, this outfit would have looked better if the embroidery design on the pocket had looked more like an intentional part of making this piece rather than an afterthought.

This third piece in the Chrispe 2021 collection reveals the modern-day woman’s core. It exudes a type of sophistication that announces a person’s presence even before they speak. To be factual, the colour combination is giving finesse. Also, pairing a black sleeveless top with blue pants is surely the designer’s way of exhibiting a fashion-forward level of creativity.
For the style, a front zip-up corset-looking top outshines any other form of style that must have been released this year. This version of clothing is certainly best for women who love looking ‘chic’ for work. Especially when it’s paired with a white jacket, it is a standout piece. Also, with simple but statement pieces of jewellery, this outfit can take anyone from 0-100 real quick.
Moreover, the top looks slightly rigid, and it is best that it be paired with voluminous but soft pants. Also, the pleats at the waistline of the pants make it good on its own without causing a visual clash with the top. Although the pleat adds some extra bulk to the pants, it does not reduce the pants’ elegance in any way. As it looks, this is the type of volume that gives a clear shape to the wearer’s body rather than overwhelms it.
However, this outfit is only ninety per cent ready. The remaining ten per cent can be attained when there’s sleeker tailoring. For the designer to reach this point, the following tweaks must be made. Firstly, while the designer was striving to reach a youthful edge on the clothing, the zip could have been better on the side. This way, a woman with a more defined bust will not be at risk of getting exposed in public.
Also, the texture of both materials looks a bit too dramatic. The choice of materials would have looked better if the top had a softer texture. If the top material was looking shiny or exuded just a little bit of sheen, it would reduce the extent of tonal variation in this outfit. This way, the two-piece wear creates an aesthetically pleasing look that can take any woman from looking fashionable to looking iconic.
Overall, this 2021 collection by Chrispe is outstanding. The fabric choices are near excellent, and the designs are perfect for different wearers to express diverse identities. Also, this collection really captures the theme of the year, a good number of women may find any of the pieces as a way to promote expression. The designer’s vision was met this year. Notwithstanding, Chrispe should consider putting this collection on more runways. The more exhibitions, the higher the creativity peaks!