By Temitope Ojo

Femme Prints, a carefully curated mix of zebra prints, polka dots, and Ankara fabrics, explores the intersection of classic tailoring, bold prints, and innovative detailing.

The zebra print slim-fitted short skirts, paired with matching mid-length jackets, emerge as the collection’s power duo. The jackets feature two functional buttons at the mid-region, offering the wearer the freedom to style them closed or open, accommodating various styles of tops underneath. The precision in the points of measure is evident: the skirt hugs the body perfectly at the waistline and hips while maintaining a clean, contoured shape, and the jackets are well-proportioned, balancing length and fit effectively.

Noxx style’s trademark construction mastery is on full display here, particularly in how the zebra print aligns along the seams. The seam allowances are neatly finished, and the chosen stitch – a single needle lockstitch – enhances the visual appeal of the garments.

However, the absence of imaginative styling or unexpected embellishments diminishes what could have been a powerful statement. For the jackets, a more daring exploration of hem lengths and asymmetry or pocket placements would have injected modernity into these pieces.

The polka-dot long-sleeved blouse paired with a high-waisted, leopard print midi flared skirt is bold in its matching of dissonant styles. The sleeve hems of the blouses, neatly buttoned and precisely tailored, highlight the draping skills that are evident in Noxx style’s collections. The high-waisted skirt, secured with a side zipper, boasts a structured flare that also speaks to prowess in draping.

Because a high-waisted skirt naturally invites a practical element, the absence of this consideration makes the garment feel slightly incomplete. The balance of prints – polka dots and leopard – risks overwhelming the eye but is ultimately saved by a restrained colour palette and strategic construction.

The collection crescendos with a daring take on traditional Ankara. The spaghetti-strap corset mini pencil gowns feature a unique overlay: bias-taped circular cutouts of the same Ankara fabric joined together. This overlay creates visual intrigue while reinforcing the designers’ commitment to innovation. The corset construction itself is masterfully executed, with structured boning ensuring the desired fit. The gown celebrates the female form with its tailored fit, while the cutouts lend it an avant-garde edge.

This collection solidifies Noxx Style’s brand identity as a house that values technical precision, innovative design, and bold expression.

In the market, these garments are poised to perform well, particularly in fashion spaces that appreciate the reimagining of prints. Vivian Uchechukwu’s visionary illustrations and draping meet Onyeka Sandra Oleka’s meticulous garment construction, creating a partnership that thrives on mutual skill and creative harmony.