By Rita Okoye

Let’s be honest, if there is one thing that the fashion industry has always had, it’s a soft spot for its women – the top category that fashion revolves around. From heels that test the limits of gravity to dresses that come without pockets, fashion has always found a way to communicate the nature of womanhood.
Ever wondered what it means to be feminine? Is it the graceful movement of a flowing dress, the empowerment of a tailored suit or maybe an oversized hoodie that feels like a warm hug after a long day? Feminine energy is a beautiful, complex and powerful force associated with healing and creativity. It is a mix of softness and total chaos – like trying to find the perfect outfit at 7:am while your breakfast hasn’t even been made. You know that feeling like you’re ready to conquer the world one minute and the next, you’re searching for a matching sock? You’re not alone.

As women, we often wear multiple hats, trying to juggle being a leader, caregiver, friend, and even a partner. And what is a common thread among these roles? Fashion. The way we dress can be a powerful form of self-expression, providing an avenue to showcase our personalities and moods.

And yet, despite the evolution of fashion and living in an era where the industry has expanded its reach, many of us still struggle to find one piece that makes us feel our best.
Due to the 2020 pandemic, many brands are faced with the challenge of satisfying a world that has forever changed. The shift towards more casual and comfortable clothing has become the norm and the demand for clothes that could transition from home to office or vice versa has skyrocketed, with several fashion icons leaning into this trend, showcasing their outfits that provide comfort without sacrificing style. Talk about multitasking.

And this is where African fashion stands out, strutting in like Beyonce at Coachella with its bold and colourful details that are totally impossible to ignore. It beautifully merges cultural roots with contemporary style, celebrating femininity in all its glory. Just imagine scrolling through Instagram and seeing designs from designers like Duro Olowu and Lola Faturoti.

Their collections communicate strength, resilience and uniqueness not just to fashion enthusiasts, but also to the soul of a culture that celebrates these beliefs. A type of style that says “I am unique and I embrace my heritage with pride”.

But why exactly does it matter? In a world where women have been forced to meet unrealistic beauty standards, African fashion delivers fresh styles, with intricate patterns and a variety of charming colours that serve as a reminder that beauty comes in many forms. According to Social Branding Agency, 67% of women feel pressured by the fashion industry to look a certain way. African fashion comes with a new light, showcasing the beauty in diversity, and allowing every woman to feel seen and celebrated and Mariam Ipogha understands just that.

Mariam Ipogha is the creative force behind “Mater Dei” which isn’t just a fashion brand but a celebration of modern womanhood that goes beyond the basics of clothing. Each collection transcends traditional clothing, creating stunning three-dimensional art pieces that engage the senses. It’s like wearing a beautiful dress that was made just for you with every embellishment and perfect detailing that rivals the best in haute couture. It really is like wearing a piece of art.

Mariam’s approach is creatively hands-on, breathing life into traditional techniques that make each style unique and feel more personalised. From beadwork to embroidery, she incorporates methods that have been passed down through generations, transforming each design into the topic of the room.

Think of it as wearing a piece of African history, only a lot more stylish, just like how luxury fashion houses like Gucci and Prada have started to explore and celebrate cultural influences in their designs, allowing high fashion to be more accessible and relatable.
Also, let’s not forget about the rise of sustainable fashion that picked up the pace in 2021. Consumers became more inquisitive and interested in where their clothes came from, forcing brands to step up to the challenge by committing to sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials, and focusing on ethical labour practices. This method aligns perfectly with Mariam’s philosophy at Mater Dei where luxury isn’t just about exclusive but about creating an experience that every woman can enjoy.

Mariam believes that every woman deserves to be treated like a queen, regardless of her size which is why her brand, Mater Dei, offers a diverse range of sizes, proving that style knows no bounds. Regardless of whatever occasion you’re dressing for, could be a meeting, a night out, or even brunch, there’s something for you. Because let’s be real, finding the perfect outfit should be as easy as scrolling through TikTok on a lazy Sunday.

The #BlackGirlMagic and #SupportBlackArt movements showcase the magic that happens when women support each other in fashion. These movements loudened the voices of black designers and artists, reminding us that fashion is more than just good looks, it is about representation and storytelling and Mariam’s Mater Dei also conforms to those narratives, while fostering inclusivity and empowerment with her latest 2021 collection. This drop allows women to embrace beauty, confidence and uniqueness. Like Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury”, and this is exactly what this collection entails – style, luxury and comfortability. Let’s look into a few designs from this collection.

One thing about ruffles is that they can be quite tricky to pull off, but in this case, they enhance the femininity of the look without overwhelming the silhouette. Sewn from the shoulders all the way to the wrist, the ruffles complement the sleeves with its flowing nature, making it perfect for someone looking to make a statement.
Ankara has always been a dominant fabric in African fashion and it is also at play here. The use of the Ankara fabric is a bold choice that merges cultural roots with modern style. The wavy-like contrast on the trousers gives a contrasting balance to the top’s solid purple top creating an eye-catching ensemble. Purple is a colour that symbolises luxury, and confidence which is what this piece exudes, making it ideal for women who are not afraid to stand out.

The high-waisted trousers add to the overall structure of the design, with a sleek fit and slight flare that flatters the wearer’s figure giving an hourglass shape while ensuring balance and comfortability. Even with the ruffle details, the top doesn’t add unnecessary volume to the upper body, this leaves the overall appearance looking polished and elegant.

Looking for the perfect outfit to grace a formal event or work-related occasion, this outfit checks all the boxes. Pairing it with minimalist accessories like small gold hoops or a simple clutch purse would complement the outfit beautifully. For footwear, strappy heels or stilettos would add sophistication, further elevating the overall look.
While this dress is everything and more, the ruffle might seem to be a bit of a problem for someone with a smaller frame, overwhelming the wearer. So, trimming down the ruffles a bit to suit the frame of each wearer perfectly will make a potential improvement.
Overall, this outfit is a complete art piece and is ideal for someone who wants to showcase their cultural pride and confidence in style.

Moving on to the other design in this collection, we have a stunning dress.
Do you a dress that is flawless and commands attention with every step? This piece from Miriam’s collection may just be the answer.
With its understated elegance, the dress is more than an outfit, it is a statement. The giant red bow on the shoulder outrightly captures attention and catches the eye with its striking feature that adds a dramatic flair transforming a simple strapless dress into something grand and a conversation starter. The bow draws the eyes upward, framing the neckline in a way that emphasises the model’s presence.
The earthy tones of burnt orange, red and brown create a colourful print on the fabric. The fabric exudes cultural richness, celebrating the African heritage that is both trendy and timeless.
The dress hits just right below the knee, which maintains elegance, complementing the strapless arms. It cinches the waist, hugging the figure in all the right places, enhancing an hourglass silhouette.
In styling this outfit, minimalism is key. A sleek bob and strappy heels just like the model has on are perfect as they complement the dress without overshadowing its brilliance. The outfit doesn’t need much accessorising, the dress speaks for itself. Just subtle makeup should do the trick without stealing focus.
Although, as flawless as this dress might look, the giant bow might not be flattering for everyone. For a petite person, the bow might feel too overpowering and overwhelming. A slightly smaller version tailored to people of smaller sizes could still deliver the dramatic effect without dominating the entire design and the wearer.
Overall, in a world full of trends, Mater Dei stands out as a beacon of creativity and authenticity, encouraging women to harness their power and wear their stories with pride. So, next time you’re getting ready to conquer the day, think about the power of your outfit. And remember that fashion is not just about what you wear, it’s about how it makes you feel.