By Yemisi Suleiman
Nigerian designer Oluwatoyosi Mary Asunmo, founder of CREGOhouse, recently introduced her new collection, Office Oasis.
As a fashion expert and editor with a focus on African designers, I was eager to see how Oluwatoyosi’s approach to office wear would reflect the needs of modern professionals while embracing her distinct style.
Office Oasis offers a range of smart office wear, including jackets, skirts, and dresses, as well as more relaxed office attire. The collection aims to redefine office fashion by bringing elements of class, comfort, and practicality into one cohesive line. While Oluwatoyosi’s talent is evident in her understanding of tailoring and structure, there are several elements that warrant both praise and critique.
Strengths: Well-Executed Tailoring and Fabric Choice
The first notable strength of Office Oasis is the quality of tailoring. Oluwatoyosi has a clear understanding of how to craft garments that flatter the wearer while maintaining a professional aesthetic. The jackets and skirts, in particular, are sharply tailored, creating clean lines that exude sophistication. These pieces serve as staples for any professional woman’s wardrobe, offering versatility and practicality.
The choice of fabric is also commendable. Oluwatoyosi has selected materials that blend structure with movement, ensuring that the garments retain their shape while allowing for comfort throughout the workday. The fabrics are appropriate for the office environment, striking a balance between breathability and durability, which is essential for workwear.
Highlights: The Dresses and Relaxed Office Attire
One of the standout elements of Office Oasis is the inclusion of smart dresses. These dresses are designed to be both professional and stylish, with cuts that are flattering without being overly formal. They present a refreshing option for women who want to maintain an air of professionalism while expressing their personal style. The dresses achieve a delicate balance between form and function, making them ideal for a variety of office settings, from meetings to client lunches.
Another strong point is the relaxed office attire. In today’s evolving work culture, there is an increasing demand for clothing that transitions smoothly from formal meetings to more casual, collaborative environments. Oluwatoyosi’s relaxed pieces—such as softly tailored trousers and easy blouses—fill this gap perfectly. The designs allow for movement and comfort, making them an excellent choice for professionals who seek flexibility in their wardrobe without sacrificing style.
Areas for Growth: Innovation and Versatility
While Office Oasis has strong foundational pieces, there is a certain degree of conservatism in the overall design approach. The collection stays within the realm of traditional office wear, which, while functional, feels somewhat safe. For a designer as skilled as Oluwatoyosi, there is room to push the envelope further, particularly in terms of innovation in design and silhouette.
For instance, experimenting with more daring cuts, fabric combinations, or even layering techniques could add a fresh dimension to the collection. Incorporating unexpected elements—such as asymmetrical hems, color blocking, or more creative tailoring—could elevate the collection from being simply “good office wear” to something more visionary and trend-setting. This would allow Office Oasis to stand out more boldly in a competitive fashion market that increasingly values originality and creativity.
Color Palette: Safe But Underwhelming
The color palette of Office Oasis is composed mainly of neutral tones—black, grey, navy, and beige—colors that are quintessential for office wear. While these are undoubtedly practical and timeless, the collection lacks a bold color moment that could make it more memorable. Given Oluwatoyosi’s Nigerian roots and the rich vibrancy associated with African fashion, it would be exciting to see her incorporate more daring color choices or subtle nods to her heritage through prints or textures.
Adding pops of color—whether through statement pieces or accents—could inject a sense of vibrancy into the collection, making it more visually striking while still adhering to the professional tone required for office attire.
Conclusion: A Solid Foundation with Room for Growth
In conclusion, Office Oasis by Oluwatoyosi Mary Asunmo is a well-constructed collection that provides essential pieces for the modern professional woman. The tailoring is impeccable, and the fabric choices are practical and well-considered, making the collection a reliable go-to for office wear. The smart dresses and relaxed office pieces are particularly noteworthy, showing Oluwatoyosi’s skill in creating versatile, comfortable, and stylish workwear.
However, to truly make an impact in the fashion world, Office Oasis would benefit from more experimentation and innovation. While the collection serves its purpose, it plays it safe. As Oluwatoyosi continues to grow as a designer, there is no doubt that she has the potential to push the boundaries of office fashion and redefine what it means to dress for work.