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By Rita Okoye
Simplicity, functionality, style, elegance. These are the key aspects of fashion which make it minimalist. Usually characterised by intricate layering and seamless tailoring, minimalist fashion is a concept that changes the economic cycle of fashion creation into a sustainability process.
While minimalist fashion pieces are said to be ‘quiet luxury,’ it also denotes that less raw materials are used in their production to minimise waste and align with the narrative of consumerism. Although the minimalist fashion evolution began in the 1970s, the rave only intensified in the early 2000s.
This influence of sustainable and luxury fashion has spread like wildfire to all major parts of the world, including Africa. Many clothing brands are beginning to adopt this trend of minimalist fashion to create eco-friendly, beautiful garments.
One of these clothing brands – Stitch Empress has continuously shown steadfast commitment to sustainable fashion since its establishment in 2019. The brand has made its mission to adorn every millennial woman with stylish and functional pieces.
Esther Eke Dadikiye, the founder of Stitch Empress is an individual who believes in tailoring outfits to suit different body proportions. Her keen eye for creativity and passion to make a difference in the fashion market for black women is perceptible in her fashion brand.
Stitch Empress has built a solid presence in over 30 countries and has successfully fostered the culture of minimalist fashion amongst women who are from different walks of life. The commitment to quality and passion to meet the unique needs of different women has been evident in the collections exhibited year after year.
Having a bulk of minimalist fashion wear in the wardrobe is not a waste because it offers a staple of timelessness and class. However, finding the right pieces that suit a person’s personal style and enhance body shape is essential. After all, clothes are meant to be worn all year round.
The Stitch empress 2020 collection features vibrant and colourful ready-to-wear pieces which are rooted in affordability and style. This collection reveals the desire of women to look sophisticated and make a statement with their personal style.
This piece is an exhibition of a sleek design which resonates with simplicity and sophisticated details. The midi-length outfit is versatile and elegant, which makes it a suitable dress for semi-formal and formal occasions.
A creative part of this dress is the bodice, the sleeveless outline is a complement to the upper body area. While the arms and shoulders are uncovered, the dress still maintains a classy and professional look. Also, the defined waistline exudes femininity.
The texture of the fabric looks smooth and a bit shiny. This expresses the high-quality material that was used by the designer in creating this dress. An equally outstanding feature is the drape sewn around the lower part of the dress, which enhances the fluidity of the dress for easy movements.
The designer’s choice of a vibrant purple colour is excellent. In the colour books, purple represents royalty and this particular shade makes the wearer radiate confidence and sophistication.
The gathered top of the drape around the bottom enhances the visual appeal of this clothing. Giving it an element of minimalism, the decorative details were cleverly done to make this piece outstanding.
This dress is tailored to ‘hug’ the wearer’s bodily features. The emphasis around the waistline gives it a snug look without being too tight or loose. Also, the flowy lower part of the dress contrasts with the upper part, but this does not make the look overwhelming. Rather it is constructively balanced.
The midi-length of this dress is flattering. It leaves room for the legs to “be seen” and still portray modesty. Additionally, this feature makes it an outfit that can be worn to birthday parties, organisational events and business programs.
In truth, this dress is that it is striking. However, some areas can be slightly adjusted. The creatively gathered details on both sides could be made slightly bolder. This enables the designer to practice asymmetry and add an extra touch of modern fashion to the look.
While the luxurious smooth fabric allows a wearer to be their best selves in this dress, it can be styled in supplementary ways like adding a short jacket or shawl to give some extra volume and beauty.
The overall presentation of this dress conveys a sense of elegance and individuals who enjoy minimalist fashion will find the subtle details, bold colour and creative ensemble appealing. Kudos to the designer, this is an innovative idea born with artistic execution.
This is a two-piece that complements both formal and casual aesthetics. This chic outfit embodies a lot of features and exhibits versatile tailoring. A straight, well-defined silhouette which enhances the wearer’s body shape without compromising the ease of movements. The thoughtful addition of a waist tie allows for the waist to be cinched and the hourglass looks more pronounced. Also, the short hemline of the top makes it a good look for formal occasions.
The designer’s decision to create a Mandarin-style collar is an attempt to integrate cultures into a masterpiece. While the sleeveless design of the top pronounces the structure of the shoulders, it also adds a stylish vibe to the outfit.
The rundown of buttons on the front of the top is an aesthetic feature which elongates the top and gives it a polished look. The colour choice of the buttons – metallic sheen subtly elevates the matte look of the fabric. The versatility in this fit also lies in the waist tie. Its ability to flatter the silhouette and create an extra design makes it a dynamic feature.
The deep purple colour stands out and makes the outfit look rich. This shade of hue makes the clothing radiate luxury. This piece cannot be seen as an every-day fashion wear, but it is definitely for important occasions.
It can be depicted that the slightly matte look of this dress makes it look lightweight. This means it is well-structured and defines the various proportions of the body, making sure all areas are held firmly enough to provide a polished appearance.
This fit is properly tailored and holds the wearer’s body in a flattering way. The level of comfort that can be experienced while wearing this outfit is customizable at the waist. Allowing it to be adaptable to different body types.
While the dress is well-designed and presented, there are minor areas where improvements could be considered: An additional element such as a tailored blazer could be added or a short sleeve can be added to the shirt to make the piece timeless and allow for transition into different seasons.
A longer version of the hemline can be implemented to cater for women who prefer a more modest look. Although, this should not alter the core elements of the fit’s designs. Also incorporating a different fabric for the wait tie would create a contrasting look and add extra visual appeal to the overall aesthetic of the outfit.
This 2020 collection is evidence of the combination of innovative ideas and creative tailoring. The silhouettes, colour choices and intricate details prove that Stitch Empress is a hub of elegant and versatile women’s clothing.
