Fashion review; The everyday outfit

Is it possible to craft a cloth that would appeal to every woman?

Certainly not!

Women have preferences when it comes to outfits. What may appeal to a particular lady could be a last choice for another. Some women are drawn to colourful clothes, while others choose comfort over appearance. This is why fashion creators make ready-to-wear clothes to cater to a wide audience. Most designers often struggle to create outfits that are suitable for women of different sizes.

However, there is one Ghanaian designer who has successfully managed to shine in this niche. Christian Danquah is famously known for making women’s wear that promotes style and comfort. His fashion brand, Chrispe, has been the talk of the town for a while now because of its recent collections. Chrispe is known specifically for its vision to make everyday women’s wear that features classical and modern designs. They also adopt sustainable practices in their production processes, using leftover materials to produce other items, and patronising other local artisans in order to promote small businesses. This move promotes an eco-friendly environment while still creating stylish and comfortable outfits. In this blog post, we will analyse outfits from Chrispe’s 2023 collection, which features three outfits that explore a mix of classical and modern designs.

Let’s begin with the first piece. The outfit speaks for itself; the design is out of the ordinary, but its strength lies in the oat-coloured charmeuse material, which has a luxurious appearance. This neutral colour is attractive and is perfect for a sophisticated look. Styling options for this outfit are endless. This piece can be paired with almost any colour. The shiny look praises the high-quality fibre, which is light on the skin. The fabric is also suitable for all weather conditions and is durable.

This design is common among younger women and would be a selling-point outfit. Crop shirts are marketed easily because they provide both comfort and style. They make bold statements and boost the wearer’s confidence. The shirt has a collar neck that gives the outfit a corporate look, and the matching buttons remain almost invisible, only noticeable due to their subtle gold shimmer. Two large flap pockets sit pretty at the bust region with a button holding each flap respectively. The long sleeves are a brilliant use of fabric, framing the wearer’s hands, providing warmth, and protecting the skin from dirt. The sleeves also give an overall structural balance. To elevate this look, a modern style would have been a better option. Making a shirt with shorter sleeves would create a more cohesive structure.

The skirt plays a big role in this piece. The short length of the top complements the high-waisted skirt, which is secured by an elastic band. The material flows in large pleats from the waistband to the end of the skirt. It is tailored to form folds at the anterior view, hiding the hems. At the rear view, the hem is slightly visible at the end, folding into smaller pleats. This is a classical design that promotes modesty and comfort and would appeal to the older generation. Covered pockets are also present on both sides of the skirt, but with no buttons to secure them. The skirt stops a little below the knees, modestly flaunting the model’s legs. There is a long line at the back of the skirt because of the fabric being pulled together. A more aesthetically pleasing approach would have been a short, invisible zip.

This design draws inspiration from classical styles and would be marketed well in high-end boutiques. It looks more like corporate wear than everyday wear, but would surely draw the right kind of attention when worn for special occasions. This piece can be styled with heels or flat shoes. Simple accessories would detail the wearer’s face and draw the attention of admirers to the clothes.

The second outfit in this collection is an artistic piece, inspired by modern designs. The overarching theme seems to celebrate femininity and self-expression with the premium nude pink fabric. The material is a thick-quality fibre that adds an elegant feel to the final appearance. It is the perfect fabric for minimalistic dressers who love to wear outfits that have a calm and refined appearance. The dress has a keyhole neckline, which is the engaging factor of this dress. This cut gives enough room for styling. Depending on the wearer’s preference, any colour of tube or camisole can be worn under the gown to create a contrast.

The collar neck gives this outfit a formal feeling. However, it looks restricting and would be uncomfortable for women with wider necks. Creating a lower neckline would make this gown suitable for women of different sizes. A bow sits pretty on the right shoulder of the dress, stealing onlookers’ attention for a moment. It defines the shoulder, adding a touch of femininity with the design. The long sleeves of the gown provide warmth for the wearer and create a more proportioned look. They make the gown suitable for semi-formal occasions.

The pink material at the sleeves stops at the wrists, and a white fabric is joined, completing the sleeves with a bow. The use of white creates a subtle contrast to the design and is another engaging feature of the piece. The colour combination reflects the expertise of the textile designer at Chrispe. An invisible zip at the back of the dress keeps the gown together and is tailored to perfection. The gown frames the wearer’s body firmly and stops above mid-thigh. This micro mini dress is a contemporary design that creates an alluring look for the wearer, but it might not appeal to a wide audience.

On the left side of the gown, a cut is made at the hip area on both the anterior and posterior sides. This could be considered the highlight of this dress. It is a creative design that catches the eyes of potential buyers. An extension of the same fabric flows freely from the cut, stopping a little below the knees. This style expresses the designer’s artistic side. It serves as a covering option for modest dressers. While the intent was clear, the execution of the cut wavered in parts, making the coherence of the outfit uneven. That said, this gown creates multiple styling options. It can be paired with leggings, heels and bold accessories.

The final outfit is an elegant piece that makes a closing statement for this collection. Chrispe demonstrated an appreciation for both texture and versatility. The use of vibrant coloured buttons creates a positive contrast with the gold fabric. Green, red and blue naturally blend into the colour palette. A red button below the V-neckline holds the jacket in place. The collar, neck and long sleeves make the shirt look formal. The sleeves have a slightly loose fit that allows for free movement. However, fitted or shorter sleeves would serve as better styles to give a modern touch to this piece.

Side panels are sewn expertly on both sides, providing additional visual interest to the jacket. This style would have been more engaging if the side panels were a contrasting colour or different fabric. The crop shirt is a perfect match for the gold high-waist skirt. The waistband is sewn to perfection, and it hugs the wearer tightly. The skirt consists of an inner skirt that stops mid-thigh and a second layer that is slightly longer than the inner skirt.

The outer layer forms an A-shape drape that is cut vertically in the middle at both the front and back sides. This layering adds structure to the skirt, enlarging the wearer’s hips. The double-layer adds extra weight to the garment, which may not appeal to minimalistic dressers who prefer lightweight outfits. This design is most suitable for women with slim legs.

Chrispe is undoubtedly a fashion brand with a promise to cater to women of different colours and shapes. The collection’s strengths include bold experimentation with luxury fabrics and a clear attempt to blend modern and traditional styles. This reflects Christian and the team’s innovative concept to push beyond the norms and explore creative boundaries. However, the areas that need improvement include finishing and detailing. Also, in certain designs, the overall look fell short of expectations for everyday wear. The addition of a splash of colour would bring this piece alive. Perhaps the use of embroidery designs or pattern prints can add a sense of artistic touch to this collection. This will ensure every garment meets a higher standard of technical excellence.

Overall, Chrispe delivered a collection that showcased exceptional creativity and potential. While the execution had a few flaws, it is clear that the brand is on a journey towards significant growth within the fashion industry. We look forward to reviewing more collections from the brand that would dare to challenge current fashion trends. With more creative designs and consistent discipline, Chrispe might successfully become an internationally recognised brand.

By Seun Emmanuel