By Rita Okoye

Let’s talk a bit about fashion, shall we?
In many ways, fashion reveals a version of ourselves to external eyes. The way our clothes are worn, the style, and the appeal communicate something to the world. Fashion can also be self-reflective. Consider fashion as a mirror, if you may. It can be used as a medium for self-reflection, to find and understand oneself and preferences.

Every day, in our respective ways, we tell our stories with clothes, accessories, and style. And yet, fashion is also about more than just us. It represents culture, history and the world around us. And in this regard, SNDR Mode handles such representations brilliantly. Founded by Sandra Ugochi Igwe, SNDR Mode is a sustainable womenswear brand that crafts sculptural pieces, which balance structure and fluidity with ease.

In this review, we’ll be taking a careful look at some of SNDR Mode’s ready-made 2021 outfits.
Stay tuned…

First on the list is this attractive jumpsuit. The colours brighten the overall look of the design, making for an excellent choice and keeping things simple, yet suave. The outfit itself feels like a piece of modern art. Speaking of the fabric and its quality, one can guess that the simplicity here seems intentional. The dress can be worn with ease, and there’s a sense that the designer wanted to tap into something timeless, before letting it explode into colour and form.

The quality looks solid, but then, how durable are the embellishments? Ultimately, that is the deciding factor, and to be honest, it has a good fighting chance.
As our eyes move downwards, we observe the dramatic transformation. This is where the outfit truly shines. The design is unapologetically bold. The top half doesn’t have so much, yet it is chic. Thanks to the bright colour combinations, the bottom half is also attractive. Looking closely, we can see that the colourful circle-shaped designs were not just imprinted for decorative purposes; they allude to culture. There’s a sense of African identity attached to it, which is a plus. Not every designer can tap into their cultural roots when designing their pieces, or at least not this effortlessly.

This outfit depicts this without fuss, while still brilliantly maintaining and giving off contemporary vibes. As for comfort, the outfit looks breathable from the top, but the inclusion of not-so-visible side pockets would have made it more appealing.

For the style, keeping a high-bun hairstyle was a good choice for the wearer. It somewhat takes away any form of distraction, allowing the outfit to remain the focal point. There’s no clutter; no distracting accessories or competing elements. Everything feels curated, as if each detail were chosen to support the garment’s narrative.
As for fashion sense, it doesn’t conform to mainstream fashion. It has created its own lane. Of course, maintaining its lane and uniqueness gives it its own strength, but then again, it also means that it won’t appeal to everyone. For those who love bold fashion and cultural expression, it’s just perfect. For those who prefer something that isn’t easily noticeable, it may come off as too much.

Now, this is a nice outfit. The dress has a black strip and tassels, which add a touch of elegance, and it is also made of a comfortable, possibly cotton or linen fabric suitable for warm weather. One thing we notice about the outfit is how it flows effortlessly. It appears loose-fitting, yes, but not in a way that makes the wearer look weird. There are certain loose-fitting clothes you’d put on, and they just come off as awkward. But not this outfit. When and if you put it on, you can be sure to feel free and comfortable. No need for pulling or unending adjustments; it simply guarantees pure comfort.
Now let’s talk about the texture. The fabric looks light and breathable. It’s most likely cotton or a blend of cotton. You know that one dress you pick from your wardrobe when you want to feel and look good without trying too hard? Yes, this outfit fits that profile perfectly.
We can certainly see that this dress is a conversation starter. It’s not trying to blend in; it’s here to be seen. The vertical black strips from the neckline feel almost regal, like something you’d see in a modern reinterpretation of traditional wear. And the grid of fringe patches? That’s pure art. It’s suitable for a gallery opening event, a cultural festival, or even a Sunday lunch with loved ones.
Oh, yes! Let’s not forget the silver heels. From what we can see, it meticulously blends right with the outfit. The combination of the colours, silver and pink, is pretty much chef’s kiss.
This ruched stretch shiny gown is one of those dresses that won’t just blend with the crowd; it prefers to make a statement and command attention.
The design depicts drama, confidence, poise, and elegance. SNDR mode is known for designing pieces that are bold yet wearable, and yes, this brand has stayed true to that reputation. For this outfit, the shoulder design is also stylish and eye-catching, and the design on the left adds a sense of movement and flow to the dress.
We can see that the dress was made with a stretch-woven fabric that is 95% polyester and 5% elastane. Any lady who wears this will certainly enjoy free movement. However, when you look at it, you might think it would be restricting because of how fitted and body-conscious it looks.
The colour is bold and visibly appealing, but it may not be suitable for all skin tones or occasions. It may or may not be too appealing for light-skinned individuals, for instance. Another downside is that the dress looks tight. If you’re looking for comfortable everyday wear, then it might not be the best choice.
The style is nice, but the stitches should be improved. One end of the dress appears shorter than the other. This metallic material for this outfit is a no for us. If it had been a long dress with one shoulder off, we’d probably give it a 10.
This gown is seriously high-end; the kind of piece that demands attention and care. It’s not the type you toss in a washing machine or wear to run errands. It is more befitting for special occasions. The kind of occasions where you step in to steal the scene and leave a lasting impression. Hence, the outfit/fabric deserves to be treated as such.
For this kind of gown to shine, it matters to keep accessories to a minimum. Wearing a simple wristwatch, perhaps a silver necklace, with the attachment of matching earrings, and of course, good enough heels, works just fine.

To sum up, the 2021 Collection is proof of SNDR Mode’s fashion brilliance. This collection displays design pieces that connect individually and satisfy different kinds of clothing needs in the fashion industry. In honesty, we look forward to seeing what the coming years hold for the designer and her team. We are impressed with this particular collection. Thumbs up!