By Yemisi Suleiman
What does handmade really mean? For some individuals, it is sewing with and from love, a skill learnt from the feet of their mothers. For others, especially today, it is the art of bringing creative imagination to life. At Jibbs, there’s a whole different perspective on what handmade means. While handmade may sound old-fashioned, it isn’t, as it is still as relevant to our society as ever before. It is still essential today, making it the very heartbeat of the fashion industry.

In an age driven by speed, mass production and global trends that change overnight, the idea of slowing down to make something by hand may seem out of place, but it still matters. Crafting handmade designs shouldn’t be sidelined.

That would mean you are resisting true talent. Instead, questions about it should be asked for a clearer understanding and appreciation of the skill. Questions like, How long does it take to make a handmade dress?’ “How were they made?’ The truth is, our world today values volume over value, and that is why handmade designs offer something rare — intention.

At Jibbs, the designers work with local artisans, especially women knowledgeable about the craft, to create beautiful pieces. These women do their best to preserve the culture and tell stories with their alluring designs, translating them into wearable art.
Take the 2022 collection, for example; this kind of stitching was derived from the style of our grandmothers. But what makes Ajibola’s styling stand out? It is how she takes the idea of the past, renovating it to be modern and more stylish. What sets the collection apart is not how it is made but why. It is sustainable by nature. Little or no tailoring machine is needed to create a masterpiece.

Less electricity and no waste make it even more sustainable and healthy for the environment. The Ajibola brand reduces footprints while building communities by choosing recyclable, natural materials. This isn’t just good for the planet but for people. And the people behind the outfits are women dedicated to bringing life to every garment. In other words, by wearing a Jibbs attire, you’re supporting livelihoods and keeping ancestral knowledge alive.

But let’s be clear: When we say handmade, it doesn’t mean slow in-time delivery. Instead, the designer would accurately craft stitches that fit the modern woman’s body, pace, and presence.
Each of Jibbs’ collections is designed with a forward-thinking eye. They are not interested in copying Western trends. But their interest is in setting up new ones. With heritage as the brand’s foundation, they build for the future.
The world has changed.

Technology has changed. Fashion has changed. But handmade still matters—perhaps now more than ever. Despite trends and new ideas springing up, Jibbs steps forward with meaning and changes the fashion narrative.
This is the story of handmade designs for a modern world. And the fashion brand is just getting started. Now, let’s get started talking about their 2022 collection.

This two-piece sky blue satin outfit strikes a sleek balance between minimalism and elegance. The choice of satin fabric is one of the strongest features here. It catches light beautifully and gives the outfit a rich sheen that instantly elevates its visual outlook. The Satin fabric has a texture that is tricky to handle. So, from the point of cutting the fabric, there’s a tendency for the material to be fragile. This means that the designer was extra careful while cutting.

The top cinched waistline defines the wearer’s shape. The ruffles at the waistline add an extra appeal to the overall outlook. The outfit’s sleeves are wide, and the round neckline keeps things clean and modern.

The hem of the trousers draws attention, giving it a contemporary feel. One beautiful thing about this style is that it works well on different body types. The length is great for showing off a pair of statement shoes, like the strappy black heels the model is wearing.

Despite the outfit’s strengths, it has a few areas that could be refined. The satin fabric, while beautiful, cannot be overlooked. It spots wrinkles easily and may cling in the regions that should ideally remain smooth, especially under lighting or during movement. Without inner structuring or lining, satin tends to lose shape, which may become an issue with repeated wear.

The cinched detail on the top looks misplaced in this execution. It wasn’t placed well, it sits high on the waist and close to the under-bust. This might work well for someone with a more extended midsection, but for average body types, the upper half of the body will appear boxy.
The cropped trouser length, while stylish, hits a tricky spot. For wearers who might not be up to the model’s height, it might cut the legs off awkwardly, especially when they wear a flat shoe.
Lastly, there’s a slight disconnect in the fabric. The top appears structured due to the cinching, but the trousers are loose. This contrast feels slightly unbalanced here and may need to be tweaked for cohesion.
Recommendation: To make the outfit more effective, the designer could lower the waist drawstring slightly to align with the natural waistline. This enhances the body’s proportions more naturally. Add a soft inner lining or backing to the top. It will help control the satin’s behaviour, reducing cling and enhancing structure. Offering two versions of the attire, a cropped and full-length, could give more styling flexibility and widen its appeal to more body types and settings. The designers could also consider softening the cinch or slightly tailoring the trousers at the hips to create a better flow between the top and bottom.
Overall, it has an appealing look. With a few technical refinements, this could be a standout piece in any contemporary collection.

Like the first dress, a sky blue satin was used to sew this suit dress. The overall outlook commands attention and is structured in a way that looks powerful yet polished. The satin fabric elevates the outfit, giving it a captivating and catchy finish. The designer merges a classic menswear design with a feminine silhouette. The wide notched collar and sharp shoulders lean into traditional tailoring, but the curved hem and fitted waist soften the overall look. It gives a strong visual line down the body, which adds height and presence. The black buttons add contrast and help anchor the blue, breaking the monotony and drawing the eye down vertically.

The outfit’s mini-length skirts keep the look youthful and bold. The design balances formality and casualness, giving it that runway feel. Paired with ankle-strapped heels, it crowns the overall outlook, making it feel sleek and well-structured in a way that captivates every fashion lover.

While the silhouette is bold, the execution needs a few refinements. First, the satin, although elegant, is again a double-edged sword. It’s prone to creasing and can easily show wrinkles, especially around the hip and button areas. Without internal support or lining, satin can collapse or bunch, slightly removing the outfit’s sharpness.

The curved hemline of the blazer is a risky design choice. It softens the bottom edge and draws attention to the hips, which might not be flattering for all body types. A straight or slightly high-low hem might streamline the silhouette better while maintaining an edge.

Another issue is the fitness of the chest and button line. Satin stretches minimally, and the snugness causes slight tension between the buttons. That could lead to gaping or fabric strain during movement. A discreet inner snap or hidden zip could solve this without altering the outer design.

Finally, while striking, the colour may not work across all skin tones. It looks great on this model, but paler or warmer skin tones might need a toned-down version of the blue to avoid looking washed out or clashing.
Recommendation
This is a statement outfit with solid potential. To improve its wearability and polish, the designer could add structure or lining. This helps maintain shape, especially in the hips and chest. The designer can also adjust the button spacing to prevent fabric tension and gaping at the bust. Also, a straighter edge would help balance the bold top half. A deeper blue or jewel tone could give options for broader appeal.
It’s a powerful, editorial-ready look that works best for confident dressers. With a few technical tweaks, it could easily move from high fashion to retail while keeping its strong visual punch.

This soft, clean sky blue dress shines without overpowering the wearer. The fabric drapes smoothly, making the outfit look graceful and poised.

The midi length hits a flattering spot below the knee, giving the dress a formal edge without feeling stiff. The short sleeves keep the upper half light and balanced. The shape is straight but skims the body enough to show some structure. It doesn’t hug the curves tightly, but it still flatters and keeps everything neat and minimal.

The feather trim at the neckline is the dress’s biggest statement. It draws the eye to the face and breaks up the block of blue with texture and contrast. The placement is smart, making the designer’s style choice more fashionable. The dark embroidered floral motif on the left shoulder and bust adds more detail. It brings contrast, helps anchor the look, and keeps it from feeling too plain.

This is an excellent dress for a formal event because it has a “clean luxury” look that feels special without being overdesigned.

The feather detail is striking, but it could be polarising. Not everyone will like a high-feather neckline—it might tickle or irritate the skin, and it could clash with makeup or lipstick. It also limits styling options. Big earrings, for example, could fight with the neckline for attention.

The floral embellishment, while useful for visual balance, is placed awkwardly. It might look like a stain or patch from a distance unless you’re close enough to see the detail. A more refined placement or a slightly larger scale could make it more intentional and elegant.

Lastly, the silhouette is very safe. It’s beautiful, yes, but some might find it too straightforward. A cinched waist, a subtle slit, or a panelled skirt could have added more shape and movement without losing the clean look.

Recommendation: This dress works best as a minimal luxury piece, but it needs a few tweaks: The designer could add motion and help avoid fabric pull at the hips. She could also consider removable options or a softer feather type for comfort. Use better linen to reduce fabric tension and creases.
Overall, it’s refined, editorial-friendly, and plays with texture and restraint. It is best suited for confident, subtle dressers who want to feel special without being too loud.

Ajibola succeeded in giving us a visually striking attire that suits almost any kind of occasion. The designer has shown us that even with technology, handmade clothes can be sleek and beautiful. While some adjustments need to be made, it wouldn’t override the fact that Ajibola and her team’s creativity is top-notch.