By Rita Okoye

Avant-garde fashion house, Apparel by Empress continues to change the face of Nigerian haute couture with its dazzling and amazing creations.

Catering to the female gender only, especially the normal and plus size women, the clothing brand has gained global recognition for its aesthetics and innovative approach to fashion. Its collections often feature bold silhouettes, intricate detailing and a blend of modern and traditional elements, appealing to fashion-forward ladies who appreciate elegance with a twist.

Aside from embodying panache and sophistication, Apparel by Empress equally empowers and celebrates todays womans strength and individuality with a touch of excellence.

In fact, with Apparel by Empress, every woman is a winner, as they discover their niche and find that special thing that makes them beautiful, confident and comfortable.

Only recently, the creative house took part in the Fashion Finest Africa Epic show held at Glitz Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where pretty models strutted the runway with its latest collection.

Sashaying the runway with confidence, the models narrated a tale of cultural pride and modern elegance in Apparel by Empress jumpsuits, evening dresses and wide-leg pants spiced with statement earrings and bracelets, with heeled shoes and sandals to match.

The vibrant colours, unique patterns and designs captivated the audience, making the fashion house a standout brand at the epic show.

Creative process: There is creativity in the designing process. The combination of velvet, mercury, lace, ankara and mesh net to create some of the outfits is also ingenious. Indeed, Apparel by Empress has succeeded in curating and fusing classic African aesthetic with contemporary styles.

Fabric choice: In most cases, the choice of fabrics substantially aligns with the consumer preference. As a matter of fact, Apparel by Empress is reputed for sourcing high-quality fabrics from merchants who share its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

The brand also promotes sustainability in fashion by utilising eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers. So, having being inspired by the traditional textiles and patterns with contemporary weave, the designs highlight the vibrant but rich culture of Africa.

Innovation: The collection showcases several innovations. For instance, the mesh net on the outfit makes it look classy and stylish as evening wears. And then infusing the V-neck in the design brings out the glamorous skit of the outfit. 

The models rather appear chic and elegant strutting the runway in sleeveless round neck fitted dresses; sleeveless mini dresses with low neckline. The frills, alter-neck maxi, including some of the designs, come embellished with laces and flowers.

Durability/Adaptability: A unique aspect of Apparel by Empress is its dedication to sustainability and durability. Most of the fabrics used for the collection are eco-friendly. They are equally durable, sustainable and adaptable to the environment. 

Comparative Analysis: One of the key elements that set Apparel by Empress apart is its focus on inclusivity.

The brand believes that fashion should be for everyone, regardless of size, shape or background. Comparatively, therefore, the clothes are available in a wide range of sizes, ensuring that every woman can find that one thing that makes her feel stylish and confident.

Conclusion: Beyond the Fashion Finest Africa Epic event, Apparel by Empress’ Founder and Creative Director, Ifedolapo Olanike Oladipo, who saw her participation as a unique opportunity to prove her mettle in fashion designing, has vowed to continue creating luxurious yet accessible clothing that celebrates the modern woman.

“Our vision is to become a global fashion brand, which embodies sophistication, elegance and empowerment that transcends boundaries. We also embrace diversity, individuality by fostering the creation of intentionally crafted timeless pieces that inspire confidence and a world of unlimited possibilities, she noted.