By Rita Okoye
Matching sets? Forget it; your appearance can never go wrong with those. We often hear people say ‘Dress the way you want to be addressed’. This exact statement came to mind the moment we met eye-to-eye with INOOK’s matching sets.
Over the years, these coordinating ensembles have transformed women’s looks from simple workwear to the “boss lady” with the ‘too much money vibe’. We’ve also seen how these power suits subtly helped women break barriers and own their spaces.
And now, Ghanaian designer Innocent Adjei, the artistic director behind INOOK, is giving the two-piece suit a whole new personality.
With roots in Accra, INOOK draws its blood from culture, and history, redefining power dressing for the modern African woman.
Using quality fabrics, heart-warming colours and edgy designs, Adjei is taking the suit world beyond the boardroom ─ and into a space where style meets identity.
Innocent Adjei’s love for fashion started at home. As an 11-year-old in Accra, he turned his mother’s kente wrappers into dresses. While his peers were playing football, Adjei was sewing by hand, learning the craft from his mother, who was a seamstress.
What sets INOOK apart is how it blends culture and modernity. The beauty of Adjei’s branded two-piece suit lies in its versatility. It can be powerful, playful, or anything in between. In fact, INOOK takes that to another level, when it showcases its 2021 designs that fit every mood and occasion.
Let’s kick things off with the sleek and timeless black-and-sky blue posh sets.
The outfit is a masterclass in combining structure, elegance, and a spark of fancifulness.
At first glance, it’s clear this design is here to own the moment.
This design strikes a perfect balance between casual wear and contemporary chic. The tailored black jacket features an asymmetrical hemline and exaggerated cuffs and is a gentle nod to Victorian drama.
The thoughtful pleats on the pockets and cuffs are delightful touches, giving the ensemble a playful sophistication.
Meanwhile, the light, flowing trousers appear to contrast beautifully with the structured top, adding a soft twist to the overall look.
For Adjei, texture is a lot; if not everything. The crinkled, lightweight fabric of the trousers exudes comfort, making them a standout against the smooth, and perfect jacket. This clever juxtaposition of textures highlights the designer’s ability to mix simplicity with high fashion.
And the colour theme?
You already know by now that black and blue are eternal classics, and Adjei understood the mission clearly. To begin with, the black jacket symbolises authority and elegance, a common feeling associated with dark hues. On the opposite side, sky blue accents some level of tranquillity, optimism and lightness.
The pairing is intentional, ensuring the outfit remains timeless and stays relevant to current trends.
Simplicity in its most exaggerated form, this piece excels in its detailing. While the buttons stand out — large and bold, they exude functionality and aesthetic. The steeped V-neckline, a daring yet modest plunge, is flattering and frames the face beautifully. A quiet way to flaunt those gracious collar bones.
Even the corrugated accents on the pockets add depth and dimension, breaking up the monochrome jacket in a clever, stylish way.
Another outstanding feature — this dual-colour suit fits perfectly into today’s fashion landscape, where multifunctionality is queen. Picture a seamless transition from a power meeting to an upscale event.
Allow us to borrow one of our favourite Zoomers generation terms: this outfit is dope!
The relaxed fit of the trousers — something in between an elaborated palazzo also prioritizes comfort, and it is an appraisal of post-pandemic fashion trends that embrace ease without missing out on style. For individuals who want to be as free in their outfits as they are in their skin, this piece is highly recommended.
Frankly, the pleated cuffs are cool; we like them. However, to achieve a more comfortable look, especially as everyday wear, they could have been way smaller or detached.Aside from this, the designer’s overall creativity checks these boxes: elegance, brilliant colours, sophistication, trends, and of course, functionality. It’s an expressive piece for anyone looking to turn heads while remaining true to their refined taste. Indeed, INOOK has successfully created something that feels both classic and soothingly modern.
Now, you can give your round of applause for this ensemble — proof that fashion can be both artful and wearable!
Before we review the next piece, we want you to take a moment to reminisce on how much liveliness an earthy colour like brown with a touch of light blue can bring to your wardrobe. Take all the time in the world, if you like.
Let’s get started already!
This brown set is a celebration to the woman who understands that she doesn’t need loud prints or flashy embellishments to make a statement, especially when the designer has given all the underground work enough detailing.
One can easily conclude that Adjei is a lover of nature; because why not? From dark shades that remind us of the night, to earthy and natural colours like brown and blue, we love the calm tone his designs use to communicate to us.
However, the first point of attention here is the unevenness of the top. We get the point: there’s perfection even in a disuniformity — as this.
The minimal pleats and diagonal button placement are also an effort-based attempt to break out of the monotony of a conventional jacket or blouse.
Plus, the draped layer at the hem adds a gentle, feminine touch, almost like a reminiscence to African traditional wrappers, but in a sleek, contemporary way. Paired with wide-legged trousers, the ensemble flows effortlessly, embodying both poise and convenience.
The fabric appears smooth and well-fitting, which is excellent for achieving a clean and polished look. It rests gently over the body, providing just enough movement without creating disturbing creases here and there. The choice of a lightweight material also ensures comfort — because style should never mean suffering!
The camel brown base colour is warm and natural, an eulogy to Africa’s golden savannahs. Brown is a colour of stability and strength, which makes it a perfect tone for this commanding outfit. Even so, the light blue cuffs provide a light contrast, softening the entire tone with a touch of cheerfulness.
The details are where this outfit shines. First, the oversized buttons are a standout feature, cleverly placed to draw attention to the outfit’s asymmetry.
Then the clean seams and well-defined cuts showcase excellent craftsmanship, ensuring the look remains sharp and refined.
The slanted U-neckline is modest yet flattering for all the right reasons.
Just like the former, this outfit re-echoes versatility, comfortability, grandiosity, accessibility, and every other “tee”. Perhaps, organic colours are not all there is to INOOK; its designs also stand out. And guess what? We are so in love with this aspect of his creativity.
Formal for corporate meetings and stylish enough for a gallery opening or dinner, the neutral tones keep this piece timeless, while the asymmetrical design adds just the right amount of trendiness to stay relevant.
Now, any need for a few more details? Yes — but just a little.
The asymmetry cuts are a strong design choice but they could benefit from more boldness — like a subtle pattern on the trousers to break the monotony. Additionally, the cuffs (something with INOOK’s designs), though lovely, could feel restrictive for those with a preference for minimal embellishments.
And that’s it!
In all, these power suits are a quiet powerhouse with a blend of tradition and modernity, practicality and flair. It’s for the woman who appreciates the little things because they really do matter. Bravo to the designer for this refined creation!
Little wonder INOOk’s clients say, ‘Wearing INOOK feels like being wrapped in confidence. It doesn’t only dress you; it transforms you. Every stitch, every silhouette, every detail is a call to own your space and walk boldly in your truth’.
Since people are already saying this about the brand, then we would just add this: Go ahead. Step into the world of elegance and radiate the unapologetic energy of Africa. Because with INOOK, you can be chic!