Creative director of House of Iveshead, Beatrice Omere, is continuing her mission of making women feel seen through her designs.

Her latest offering, titled SHIFT Dress, conveys this mission of empowering women clearly. What it failed to communicate, however, is the correlation between the title and the actual collection. Given that the collection is titled SHIFT Dress, one would have expected to see actual shift dresses, which were not the case.

Instead, what we do get to see are 13 knee-length flared and straight dresses made from Ankara, a fabric that is undoubtedly a signature of the brand.

The collection begins with a turquoise, tailored off-shoulder dress that frames the shoulders beautifully, and then moves to a long-sleeved mini dress with a gathered hem. It also features a tailored cap-sleeve dress. These designs would have been standout pieces if they weren’t repeated throughout, making the entire collection feel flat.

The presentation and especially the lack of styling are also hard to ignore. While the staging was polished, it didn’t fully convey the story behind the collection. One couldn’t help but wish for a stronger sense of narrative. Some insight into what inspired this collection, or a hint of the emotions and experiences Beatrice wanted to capture.

A few simple styling touches could have also made the collection’s message clearer. A belt, a layered necklace, or a subtle headpiece might have shown how these dresses could work in real life. It’s possible the minimal look was intentional, fitting the collection’s theme of simplicity, but a little extra detail would have made the story behind the clothes easier to grasp.

A notable highlight, though, and one deserving real praise, is Beatrice’s commitment to inclusivity. With a size range of XS to 3XL, Beatrice’s attention to the diverse body types that grace her clothes is commendable. refreshing to see in an industry that often talks about inclusivity but doesn’t always deliver. That said, every dress will still need to fit and flatter the wearer for the collection to deliver the brand’s promise on accessibility and quality.

The SHIFT Dress collection by House of Iveshead positions the brand as one that is confident in the identity and expressiveness of Ankara fabric. The silhouettes limit the collection’s dynamism, but the brand’s focus on inclusivity shows a brand with potential, if only it continues to refine its craft and build on its strength.