By Christy Anyanwu
Iconic fashion house, Following Trends, was the main attraction at the 7th edition of Nigerian Student Fashion Design Week (NSFD) held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos recently.
Reputed for embodying a fusion of creativity and trend awareness, the brand captures the essence of staying current with beautiful, stylish and high quality wears.
At the NSFD event, Ugochukwu Scholastica Lawrence, the CEO/Creative Director of Following Trends brought her fashion ingenuity to life. Her collection, Casual Charm, stole the show, as it combined relaxed vibes with touch of elegance, creating styles that feel effortless yet chic.
Parading a diverse range of clothes and accessories that cater to different styles and occasions, the collection exudes simplicity, class and sophistication. The short and long gowns are elegant, stylish and perfectly curated for formal events. There are also chic cocktail dresses that combine modern silhouettes with vibrant colours. The designs are ideal for parties or social functions.
In addition, there is a selection of casual wear and comfortable yet, trendy loungewear. Each piece is designed with attention to detail and with comfort in mind, making them suitable for everyday wear. The collection is complemented with beautiful accessories, including statement jewelry like bold necklaces and earrings that can elevate any outfit.
For choice of fabric, Ugochukwu used more lightweight and soft satin, lace, crepe, and mixed colours of soft net. Incorporating flower appliques, the designs turned out more beautiful and versatile. Since satin flows beautifully and can adapt to different styles, the flower appliques added unique touches that could match any occasion. The nets are lightweight, making them suitable for both warm and cool environments. Overall, the collection can adapt to various settings and styles, making it suitable for different occasions.
An intricate process led to creating Casual Charm Collection. It began with brainstorming inspiring ideas and themes, followed by selection of fabrics like satin, nets and dullface. With a focus on colour combination such as yellow, blue and black, designs are sketched, incorporating unique elements like flower appliques. Once the vision becomes clearer, prototypes are made to see how the designs come alive. This iterative process helps to achieve the beautiful designs in the collection.
However, one unique thing Ugochukwu brings into her designs is the combination of different textures and materials, like using satin with flower appliques, fringes alongside lightweight fabrics like Dullface. This mix not only adds elegance but also enhances the versatility of the garments, making them suitable for various occasions. Also, the thoughtful colour palette such as blue and black helps to create a distinct and modern aesthetic that sets the collection apart.
Comparatively, the Casual Charm Collection stands out for its unique blend of styles and versatility. While other designers might focus on a specific aesthetic, the designs aim for a more diverse approach, catering to different tastes and occasions.
Fashion is not just about clothing, but about creating a narrative, telling a story and connecting with people. It’s gratifying to note that Ugochukwu’s designs display the true essence of style while embracing pride, comfort and beauty. But for lasting impression on her clientele, it’s in her best interest to continue to remain focused.