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IS FASHION STILL SELF-EXPRESSION IN THE ERA OF MASS PRODUCTION?


Fashion is more than just fabric; it reflects who you are. A plain dress can show you cherish simplicity, a bright pattern can say you’re brave, and soft colours can feel calm. But now, there’s a downside to this.

Fashion has evolved; it is not always yours alone. Factories make tons of the same dresses, filling closets everywhere with look-alikes. This makes clothes fast and cheap, but less special. What once felt like your own story now seems like everyone’s outfit.


Mass production hands fashion to tons of people at a low price, but it also steals something special: the choice of self-expression. When factories pump out heaps of clothes, they chase what’s trendy and not what matters. Everyone scrambles to wear what’s hot, not what feels true to them. Clothes stop showing who you are and start being about blending in.


When everyone is dressed alike, standing out becomes difficult. The tug-of-war between affordable clothes and expressing yourself through your outfits becomes a big struggle in today’s fashion. However, some brands are making a conscious effort by stepping up to fix this.


Bstyle tackles this challenge head-on by ensuring every outfit is a tool of self-expression. The womenswear brand was founded in 2019 by Oluwabamishe Iretioluwa Ola with the simple belief that every woman is one of a kind, and fashion should lift women without harming the environment.


Bstyle began in 2019 with a big goal. Its founder, Oluwabamishe, had a clear idea. She believed every woman is special and taught herself design and business because she wanted fashion to boost women and protect the planet. Bstyle inspires confidence and cares for the earth.


The brand makes small batches of clothes. They turn old garments into new designs, cutting down waste and making each piece feel unique. Bstyle avoids fast trends, creating lasting styles for the woman wearing them. The brand also blends access with self-expression, revealing that fashion can stay personal despite mass production.


Bstyle’s 2021 collection bursts with self-expression. Each piece shines as a bold fashion choice and a nod to sustainability. Let’s check out the collection to see how every design mixes individuality, eco-friendliness, and style.


The first outfit is a two-piece set. It has a cropped top, puffy sleeves and a big front bow, paired with wide-leg pants. The rich colour and sharp shape grab attention fast. This set shows Bstyle’s belief that fashion should help women stand out and feel confident.
Now to the craftsmanship. The bow on the top is super eye-catching and feminine. The puffy sleeves make the look softer, which is nice. The neckline fits great, too. But that big bow? It takes over the chest area a bit too much and steals the show.


Hence, having a slightly smaller or more structured bow could create balance without losing the statement effect. Also, more support in the bodice would help the piece feel secure for extended wear. The use of pins at the burst region looks unappealing and doesn’t speak well of the brand. However, a clean finish would elevate the craft.


The wide-leg design flows nicely and elongates the frame, giving movement and ease. It also balances the fitted top, creating a seamless flow. The cut is modern and versatile, though the extra length might cause issues for shorter wearers. Creating a shorter option or a slight taper could improve practicality without losing the fluid feel. Also, the designer can add subtle detailing, such as a pleat or panel, around the waist can improve the outfit’s appeal.


This set works for formal and informal wear. The trousers go with a blazer or heels for formal events, with the orange as the focus. For informal use, the full set works on its own. The top pairs with jeans for a casual look. The trousers match a blouse for a day outfit. Its strength is in the colour and the simple cut.


Overall, these two pieces strike a balance between drama and wearability. It carries the brand’s voice of self-expression, while leaving space for personal styling choices. The positives lie in the bold use of colour, the striking bow detail, and the flowing trousers. The areas for improvement rest in refining the bow’s scale, adjusting the trouser length for ease, and adding a touch more structure to the top.


The second outfit is a two-piece set with a checkered vibe. It’s got wide-leg pants and a one-shoulder top with a big fold that totally stands out. The set feels bold and unique with its cool, uneven style. It looks fun and fresh at first glance, but up close, a few things could use a tweak.


When it comes to how it’s made, the fabric choice for the pants is awesome. The checkered pattern adds some depth without going overboard. The high waist makes you look taller, and the pants hang nicely and are clean. But the hem can feel a bit bulky. A sharper, more fitted finish would make the look crisp and stop the pants from dragging, especially since the fabric’s a bit heavy.


The top takes some bold swings, but not all of them land. The asymmetrical neckline is cool and eye-catching. But that big fold on the shoulder? It feels a bit clunky. It doesn’t add the drama it’s going for. It just takes over and steals the spotlight from the outfit’s clean lines. The top ends up feeling heavier than the pants. A smaller, sharper fold would’ve made a statement without messing up the whole vibe.
Let’s talk about how this top fits. Its boxy shape hides your natural curves, which isn’t super flattering.

A snugger waist and a cleaner line at the chest would make it look sleek and fancy while still rocking that bold style. The sleeves are tricky, too. They puff a little but don’t go full-on slim or big and dramatic. This in-between style makes the design feel less confident.


Styling potential here is mixed. The trousers can easily work on their own, paired with a fitted blouse or blazer for a formal event. They carry enough structure and pattern to stand alone. The top, on the other hand, is less versatile. Its strong design makes it hard to pair with other pieces, and its imbalance limits its wear beyond specific events. This reduces the practical value of the set as a whole.


Overall, this outfit shows ambition but lacks harmony. The positives lie in the use of fabric and the idea of mixing classic checks with a daring neckline. The negatives? The big fold on the top is a bit much, and the sleeves feel kind of weird. Plus, the fit doesn’t hug the body’s shape like it could. With tighter tailoring and a better balance between the top and pants, this outfit could totally shine. Right now, it’s more about the cool idea than the result.


The last outfit is a co-ord set with mixed prints and bold structure. It has a cropped off-shoulder top with ruffle trim and long bell sleeves. The trousers are high-waisted with vertical panels. The look aims to blend playful style with sharp tailoring. Its success rests on how the prints and shapes fit together.


Let’s talk about how this outfit’s made. The pants are the real star here. The green and yellow stripes run up and down, making you look taller and adding some cool movement. They break up the busy pattern nicely. The high waist fits just right and shapes your middle perfectly.


The top has got some issues. The off-shoulder style looks great and opens up your neckline in a super flattering way. But that ruffle going down the middle? It clashes with the print instead of working with it. It just makes things look messy and hides the top’s nice shape. The bell sleeves are a bold move, too, but they’re so wide they can feel a bit like a costume. A simpler sleeve would’ve kept the drama without going over the top.


On the positive side, this outfit’s mixed patterns show creativity and confidence. It matches Bstyle’s vibe of making every piece pop. It also proves they’re not afraid to play with colours and patterns. The problem is the ruffles, bell sleeves, and bold panels all fight for attention. The design would shine more with just one or two standout features.


This outfit works for fun, relaxed events. Think cultural festivals, art shows, or stylish parties. You can show off a bold style there. It’s not great for fancy events. The busy patterns and details feel too playful. Mix things up for more options. Pair the pants with a simple shirt. It looks sharp. Wear the top with jeans. It’s perfect for a chill day out.


Overall, this looks ambitious and has personality, but it needs restraint to achieve balance. The positives are its vibrant print mix, well-cut waistband, and bold use of panels. The negatives lie in the ruffle detail, the oversized sleeves, and the heavy trouser hem. With more editing, it could move from experimental to timeless.


Bstyle shows you can be eco-friendly and super creative at the same time. The brand reminds us that clothes are not just fabric. They are tools for self-expression, markers of identity, and symbols of confidence. When designers choose to honour individuality, fashion stays true to its power.

And when women wear pieces that reflect who they are, they find freedom in style, not limits.
So, the question remains, but the answer is hopeful. Yes, fashion can still be self-expression in the era of mass production. It only takes bold ideas, careful choices, and brands like Bstyle that put meaning above numbers.

Words by Yemisi Suleiman

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