By Yemisi Suleiman

Most fashion brand releases their collections to demonstrate their design prowess. Some release their own to join an ongoing fashion trend or divert from it. Doing these not only adds to the brand’s relevance but also helps to evaluate the contribution to the fashion scene. And one such brand is Qadir & Co.

Qadir & Co. was founded in 2019 by Abdul-Qadir A. Abdul-Razaq and has continually made an impact in the fashion scene. The brand is known for its key design features, sculptural silhouette with symbolic structure, hand-woven fabrics, and conceptual layering. Pieces from this brand are also known for the unique elegance they exude.

For every piece made, Qadir & Co.’s design process begins with questions aimed to bridge the gap between what exists and what can exist. Unlike conventional brands, intentional effort is made to immerse in cultural stimuli, which drives a design concept that appeals to a broad audience base.

Qadir & Co. focuses on making women feel their best without being in clothes that feel restrictive, too revealing, or awkward.

Each outfit from this brand ensures women feel comfortable in their wear, just as they are in their skin.

Likewise, Qadir & Co.’s philosophy and process elucidate slow fashion. Every material used appeals to sustainability. They are locally sourced and handmade, thereby reducing wastage. Qadir & Co.’s just released its 2022 collection, and it remains true to its core ethos. Each piece in the collection did not chase permanence but followed through a process that drives individuality in fashion.

In today’s article, we will review the three designs in the collection, evaluating them based on Qadir & Co.’s promise to deliver liminal: clothes that exist between art and utility, tradition and subversion, stillness and transformation.

Let’s get straight to each outfit.
First Outfit

The first outfit in the collection is a gown that deviates from the conventional but still comes out boldly. The sleeves are made from cartridge pleats that add a different feel to the overall outfit. The V-neckline beautifully complements the sleeve without being revealing.

But does this gown hit a significant number of craftsmanship ratings?
This outfit isn’t the type where you just pick your tools to design; it takes a significant amount of thinking to design and produce creatively. Qadir & Co showcases top-notch craftsmanship with this design. The bodice, featuring a fitted waistband, transitions into the sleeve with strings perfectly holding the pleats. This is an uncommon design currently gracing the fashion scene. And this offers a sleeve with so much comfort and no restriction.

The fitted waistband is structured in a less restrictive form, while smoothly joining with the gathers above and beneath it. While this is a beautiful concept, both joints need to be improved to have a seamless flow. The gathers appear roughly arranged, which decreases the overall appearance of the outfit.

The floor-length flare gown contributes to the overall efficacy of the outfit. It complements the fitted bodice, giving a well-structured look. Qadir gets an A in the choice of skirt type.

However, the length would limit the outfit’s appeal. The extra length can limit ease of movement and make it uncomfortable for active wearers to use. Not everyone is ready to hold their cloth with one hand while attending to another task. Reducing the length allows for ease of movement and increases the overall appeal.

Overall, this outfit is a 6.8 out of 10. It makes a bold statement, but with some more improvement, it can hit a better mark. Nevertheless, it can be styled with minimal fashion accessories for a formal or casual event. A simple yet elegant necklace would enhance the overall elegance.

Second Outfit

The second outfit follows the same structure as the first gown, but with a few modifications. The sleeve is designed just as the first; however, there is no fitted bodice. It features a loosely fitted structure with a turtleneck.
Does the slight tweak impact the outfit’s overall appeal?
Qadir & Co. improved on the first design structure to produce this by tweaking the neckline and bodice. The turtle neckline adds elegance and versatility to the outfit. It also draws attention to the upper body. And the sleeve is also designed into a cartridge, but with longer strings that run down to the ankle.
This brings a new design inspiration into the industry. However, beyond runway and fashion events, it reduces the outfit’s practicality. The strings can make the wearers feel uncomfortable by getting in the way of their activities.

Reducing the string length can elevate the overall acceptance of this outfit. The brand can create variation, one with a mid-arm length string and the other with an arm-length string. These options will encourage users to choose the one that best suits their daily lifestyle.

Furthermore, the point where the bodice connects with the skirt appears to be rushed. The gatherings were not well arranged, just like the first. This defeats the design intention because the outfit appears as two separate design pieces forced together. Qadir, therefore, needs to improve on creating a seamless follow between the bodice and the skirt.

The skirt, unlike the first, is designed in an A shape with the upper regions slightly outlining the wearer’s shape. This adds a different feel to the outfit, a loosely fitted bodice, a fitted waist, and an A-shape skirt. The design structure affirms the brand’s design prowess. Nevertheless, the skirt length should also be improved to make it more comfortable for daily usage.

Styling this outfit requires minimal accessories. A beautiful clutch and heels elevate the overall appearance. On a 10-point scale, this outfit scores a 7.

Third Outfit

The last outfit in the collection takes a different route, unlike the previous one. While also being a gown, it features a combination of two different fabrics. The fabrics blend smoothly with each other, adding to the overall elegance. The right sleeve pattern and the layered skirt design make this piece outstanding.
Will this outfit have a full-scale appeal while beaming elegance and structure?
Well, Qadir and Co. took this outfit a step further, similar to the other pieces in this collection. The right sleeve, which adds a playful feel to the outfit, is the first point of attraction. It calls attention to the outfit amidst others. This makes it a great wardrobe piece for women who love to garner attention while having a simple outfit.
Also, the outfit features a sweetheart neckline, which is, however, masked by the elaborate ruffled right sleeve. The left sleeve, a simple strap, beautifully complements the outfit. The bodice is designed into a fitted structure, closely lining the wearer’s skin without being restrictive.

This then flows into the double-layered skirt. The first layer, made from a plane material, covers a greater portion of the skirt. And the cut is replaced with an inner layer made from the bodice fabric. This adds a different feel to the outfit, improving the overall look.
Nevertheless, a few adjustments could help improve this piece. The size of the right sleeve ruffle can be reduced, making it more practical. Also, the excess curve from the first layer of the skirt should be trimmed off to offer a better look at the waist.
This outfit can be styled for different occasions based on the need. It can be styled simply for formal events or a little bit heavy for informal functions. Adding a necklace and a bag makes it ready for formal events. But with added headgear, it gives it an elaborate look for African events.
Going through each outfit in the 2021 collection, Qadir & Co. showcased top-notch design prowess. Each piece highlights the deep introspection that goes into the design process. The collection is inspired by designs that draw from both contemporary art and ancestral memory. The outfits enhance the wearer’s elegance, allowing them to make bold statements and feel comfortable in their skin.