A review on how designers are composing a new era of fashion

They are clothes that express resilience, creativity, boldness and hope.

INNOK brand, owned by Innocent Adjei, is out to explore rich, historical, radical, futuristic and modern stories that challenge traditional expectations of how Ghanaians and African women should look and dress.

By pushing boundaries and redefining norms, INOOK continues to significantly impact the fashion world, appealing to those who appreciate innovation and tradition.

The brand’s designs connect people to their roots, allowing them to showcase their culture proudly.So, let’s move on to the designs from the INNOK 2023 collection, where each piece displays thoughtful details in the designs celebrating heritage and modernity.

This outfit is a beautiful example of how African fashion can be modernised while staying rooted in tradition. The outfits successfully grab attention with the choice of fabric and style, which the designer reinterpreted through the contemporary lens.

The first detail that captures attention is the combination of different fabrics, consisting of a dark brownish lace material with a plain brown material for the skirt. These colours match each other beautifully, keeping it modern and relevant.

The lace overlay is nothing short of poetic. The choice of see-through lace fabric depicts softness, with a glimpse of skin beneath.

The pattern on the lace showcases Africanness, which adds depth and homage to the Ghanaian culture. This proves it is a great choice that unifies the outfit’s final result. The sleeves are not fitted, allowing for free movement.

They are bold, creating volume and drama without overpowering the overall design. One good thing about the fabric is its lightweight nature, which allows for airy flow, balancing the attire’s structure and softness. This style communicates a vibe that keeps the look casual, making it suitable for any occasion.

Hence, the outfit can be styled for both casual and formal outings.

The neckline is a sharp, tailored collar with a professional and daring edge. Rather than using the lace fabric, a brown material, was used to create a spark and uniqueness, making it match with the skirt.

The skirt is where things get playful. It’s tailored in a way that complements the overall outfit, fitting the body and creating a streamlined silhouette before cascading into ruffled layers at the hem.

The ruffles ensure the outfit doesn’t look too serious to balance professional and casual. The fabric works in perfect harmony. The satin holds the model’s body shape firmly, while the lace introduces softness and texture, which creates a balanced experience.

The pattern on the skirt creates a visual harmony suitable for the warm weather. Accessorising could add an extra layer to the outfit. Since the cloth is simple and casual, jewellery like a gold wristwatch with a teardrop earring would make the whole look pop. Then, giving it an element of sophistication to elevate your look, wear a heel shoe.

Overall, the fit is impeccable. It cinches at the waist to create an hourglass effect while remaining comfortable. The overall design suits all body types, making it inclusive, as it is stunning. Note that this dress gives you the experience you deserve beyond just wearing it and looking good. Whether you want heads to turn at high-profile events or an intimate evening out, feel free to style the clothes unapologetically.

Recommendation

While this dress is a stand-out piece, there is always room for improvement to elevate the design further. A slim structured belt sewn with the fabric could further enhance the waistline.

The designer must consider wearers who prefer a subtler look, especially with puffed sleeves. It could be slightly toned down, appealing to a broader audience. A less voluminous puff or ¾ sleeve option could make the dress more versatile for different occasions.

While the satin and lace options are stunning, offering softer or stretchable fabrics could make the dress more wearable for longer periods, especially for events that require you to move a lot.

This improvement wouldn’t affect the imaginative creation of the designer and its essence. It would only make it more versatile, wearable and appealing to a broader audience.

The blouse’s crisp, rust-red collar sits against an airy light blue organza fabric. It is sharp and well-structured at the top. The buttons at the centre give it an edge. While the organza is a beautiful choice, it can feel stiff, especially in warm weather.

The puff sleeves bring a regal energy to the outfit. But for real, this much puff volume isn’t for the faint heart. It works great on a tall person and not for someone petite. It might feel like the sleeves are wearing them.

The rust-red skirt is where things get interesting. The skirt’s lower part ruffles are bold but a little stiff. Undoubtedly, the skirt hugs the model’s body beautifully, but the rigidity might make sitting or working a challenge.

The combination of colours works perfectly well. It is fresh and bold, but it might seem there is a bit of a division. For some, the contrast will feel modern and exciting; for others, it might feel like the colours compete for attention instead of working together. While this outfit is stunning, some gaps are missing. Once these gaps are filled, the dress will be elevated to an unforgettable look.

Recommendation

Lighten up the design. Swap organza for a more breathable fabric, making it more comfortable for the wearer. Consider the volume of the skirt’s ruffles. The designer could design it into thinner layers, reducing its bulkiness while still keeping it alive. A subtle slit or stretch should be added, making it easier to work. Afterwards, fashion shouldn’t deprive you of your ability to move freely.

Overall, this kind of outfit is what you wear when you want to be remembered. With a few tweaks to improve here and there, it could transform from just a daring runway moment to an unforgettable wardrobe asset.

This dress needs accessories to complement its boldness; a pair of earrings or a clutch would elevate the look.

While these apparel are magical and imaginative, it feels like it is holding back from being truly outstanding. With a few additions, it would transform into a more balanced style. But right now, the clothes still look stunning anyway.

Overall, the designs in the collection are certainly worth the hype. In conclusion, it is noteworthy that the new era of fashion embraces individuality and innovation. It is shaping emotions and crafting experiences. It reminds us that what we wear is personal yet relevant worldwide.

So, bear in mind that the style you choose can inspire and trigger emotions, as designers are creating clothes that enable you to express yourself, Innocent Adjei is no far off in that list.