By Rita Okoye
You know that feeling every professional wants to get? That cool and chic look that keeps the head turning? That’s what Zhea Fashion World offers its audience.

In the language of fashion, every garment unveils an unsaid conversation. Stitches draws inspiration from the city’s energy, the weight of history, and most importantly, the urgency of the times. Suliat Olajumoke Folawewo, who founded Zhea Fashion World in 2018, has mastered such details in her brand, and it shows in her designs.

Zhea fashion world balances structure and movement, which transforms every entrance and exit into a moment worth remembering. The brand creates pieces that photograph beautifully and remain timeless in a wardrobe. Pieces that are designed not only to be worn but to be lived in.

And for this reason, Suliat has truly done justice to the 2024 collection.
Today, I bring you a detailed examination of her designs. Something that I think is necessary as one of the fastest-rising fashion experts in the industry. The faster she gains the spotlight, the more attention she seems to be getting from critics, and I am no different. Zhea Fashion World’s 2024 outfit is present in this room, so why not talk about it?

This first outfit is the one I call ‘a career woman’ ensemble. One look at this design, and one would probably guess the personality of the wearer.

Firm and focused.
This outfit is a two-piece design made simple and stylish in a cool colour. The top is styled in a button-down shirt with a pointed collar. It has long sleeves gathered at the shoulders and an elastic cuff at the wrist, with flares bolted out to cover the hand. The back of the top features a refined open-back detail, joined by a loosely tied string at both ends.

This highly professional, crafted design, crafted by the designer and her team, has the office woman calling the shots in mind. This style speaks volumes even to a stranger.
Take a look at the high-waisted trousers, also known to many as ‘palazzo’. They feature a unique design with what appears to be a front pleat or seam. The slight detail on the outer side of each leg adds movement and a modern element to the classic wide-leg style. This type of coordinated set is a popular style, often worn on both casual and formal occasions. It is a frequent design element in modern African fashion.

Although this design is beautiful, minor adjustments can improve certain aspects. Here, the back of the outfit looks like the designer wanted to apply a different approach to the back’s styling before finally giving up. With no doubt, it can be improved; perhaps bringing the strings up to the waist could help the wearer achieve greater firmness in the waist region. Making it even more suitable for the exemplary office woman.

The designer can also adjust the sleeve length to either remove the flare, leaving the elastic cuff, or, better yet, shorten the flare. Wearers might feel a bit disappointed if they are restricted to wearing only bracelets or wristwatches.

Going to the next design I am going to show you, it is even more interesting than the first.

During winter, this is your call. Beauty at the formal beach party. This outfit is a two-piece ensemble featuring a turtle-neck, neatly tucked in, and wide-legged trousers. This design has very exceptional features. The top features a striking multicoloured floral print. And the trousers are indeed a standout, combination of a wide-leg style with a dramatic peplum overlay. This overlay is asymmetrical and made of a deep burgundy fabric with yellow thick stripes.

This outfit’s use of bold prints and colours is characteristic of modern African fashion, a popular textile in West Africa. The combination of a detailed top and statement trousers creates a striking and coordinated look suitable for various occasions.

Let me tell you the amazing part about this top, which comprises flowery stripes with a turtle-neck collar enclosed by an invisible zipper in the front. This top is suitable for any occasion. Even though the turtle-neck is limited to neck accessories, it doesn’t make it any less pretty. But wearers who are particular about their accessories might feel a bit sidelined. The designer could perhaps lower the collar slightly for greater flexibility and functionality.

The trousers are made of African print, with a voluminous, dynamic bottom. They look khaki-like, with a touch of what resembles a Yoruba design at the front and a drape at the back. The designer and her team made them unique among palazzo trousers.

A snap button at the waist holds this pair of trousers, which, for plus-size wearers, might be less comforting. To remedy this, the designer can replace the bottoms with an elastic waistband or an adjustable closure for the plus-size wearer.

So, wearers won’t worry that their bottoms won’t close after lunchtime.
Interestingly, this piece is well-designed, but the spectacular pants could use a softer fabric to blend with the outfit. The designer could consider seamlessly blending the burgundy-and-yellow striped overlay with the floral print of the top.

This could help create a stronger attraction between both pieces and elevate the ensemble’s overall impact.
Moving on, Zhea Fashion World has kept me intrigued by her pieces, and even this last piece elevates my expectations.

This mind-blowing piece is a unique gown that can be worn to special occasions, red-carpet shows, galas, and award ceremonies. This bold outfit comprises a fitted peplum gown with dramatic step-on details given on the shoulders. Here, the designer is ready to put anxious lookers on their toes, encouraging longer gazes and more questions.

In this piece, the designer and her team project creativity on a runway; such a distinctive style is widely worn by A-list celebrities and red-carpet winners.

This outfit is a striking dark-green formal gown. The gown is cut from silk charmeuse, also called crepe back-satin, and is full-lined for comfort. The bodice features light boning, an invisible back zipper, and drops to floor length. The gown features a deep V-neckline and a peplum at the front waist.

But the most captivating aspect of this piece is the pair of large, step-on details on the shoulders that cascade down the back, creating a cape-like effect. One would even think the designer had it pegged onto the dress. The wearer is not limited to neck or hand accessories in this design and can adorn her neck with whatever she likes.

Though this elevated sculptural detail is visually stunning, it could feel heavy during extended wear, especially at events where movements and comfort are key. The designer should consider using a lighter version, which would offer more flexibility.

Similarly, the fitted bodice and floor-length lower part may restrict ease of walking or sitting. Perhaps adopting a slit or shortening the length could enhance comfort without compromising elegance.

The designer and her team’s ambition and artistry shine through this design. This piece is clearly crafted for impact and commands attention.

Without holding back, her technical rigour and imaginative risk-taking in the 2024 collection refine heritage techniques into contemporary silhouettes while intentionally committing to sustainability.

The collection occasionally leans towards dramatic gestures, and those moments reveal an experimental spirit that distinguishes their practice from other brands. The brand’s willingness to create spontaneous pieces also deepens her impact on the fashion community.
Suliat Olajumoke Folawewo stays true to her approach, especially when compared to Deola Sagoe, whose designs always convey a fearless attitude and bold interpretation of Yoruba motifs.

Unlike House of Deola, Zhea’s fashion world incorporates restraint into comfort, demonstrating that sustainability can be stunning through sculptural drapes and playful closures.
In conclusion, Zhea Fashion World’s latest sculptural pieces confirm her as one of the unique voices inspiring African couture within the global African fashion space. I am stunned by the dedication shown in every piece of this collection, and Zhea Fashion World is bound to keep it flying because of its exceptional quality.