It is no surprise to learn that historical records of the past helped shape the world of fashion. When it comes to advancing in prominent fields of society, it is only natural to look to the past to make sense of the present and to shape the future, Fashion history is no different.
By understanding the context of significant historical moments like the Renaissance, we are then able to witness the evolution of fashion and the plethora of circumstances that led us to where we are now.
When you think of the word renaissance you will think of figures like Shakespeare and Botticelli and masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. But what might not immediately come to mind is fashion, despite fashion experiencing a profound and historical evolution from the late century to the 17th century “Love a good puff-sleeve blouse? Give thanks to the Renaissance period…
Mr. Charles and his brand show through the RENAISSANCE COLLECTION the unique importance of understanding fashion. He believes that fashion wasn’t just about style, while the garments worn by the upper class were beautiful, the hierarchy of clothing was a reflection of social status and power at the time, the period spanning the 14th to the 17th century witnessed dramatic changes in fashion that mirrored the broader shift in art culture and politics of the time, and within this context, clothing played a pivotal role in signaling one’s position in the society.
THE RENAISSANCE COLLECTION shows that fashion as we know it today started during the period of a renewed interest in something and true to its word, there was a renewed interest in art, literature, and scientific activities based on reasoning and this led to great changes in every sphere of life.
The collection is a reflection of the unique designs of gowns worn by women, gowns with tight-fitting bodices and full skirts that give the appearance of a classic and confident woman. The long puffy sleeves in the collection may be detached. The women wore a shift, a loose linen smock, and stockings that reached their knees as the first layer of clothing. The Renaissance collection showcases why round sleeves were in fashion, elaborate sleeves adorn the entire collection. According to Charles Ofuani, “If you are making cloth to enact the clothing of the Renaissance era as ours is doing with the RENAISSANCE COLLECTION 2023, you have to be careful about the rules of the period, make sure that the fabrics for renaissance clothing are those which were available in the period.
The RENAISSANCE COLLECTION continues to try new and fun things. Now that dresses are brighter and more beautiful than ever before. This new wave sweeping the world today is born not only out of creativity in Africa, but also out of a powerful force, a singular voice that is rising and opening a new chapter in fashion. Charles reveals in his RENAISSANCE COLLECTION that these milestone moments in fashion have shown that there is a keen external eye on the development of African fashion. The continent is one of the most diverse places on the planet, with differences in languages, climates, communities, and post-colonial impacts that influence many societies. This has led to the evolving fashion and culture scene we are now witnessing right now.
White women’s fashion naturally developed and changed throughout the many years of the era. The RENAISSANCE COLLECTION can be largely remembered for its adorned dresses made up of more structured bodices and long skirts. As an ever-evolving force, fashion continues to grow firm and beyond itself, mirroring the current moment and always effectively looking for the next. Whether in the continent or through the reflective and creative lens of the designer Mr. Charles OfuaniKikachukwu, it is always helpful to see where we come from to find out where we are going.