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By Rita Okoye
Research by Business Waste Management shows that the global fashion industry contributes nearly 92 million tons of textile waste annually, making sustainability not just an option but a necessity. This is why at Gaze of Luxury, sustainability is not a trend —it is the very foundation.
For Folafoluwa Oluwambo Afolabi, the creative genius behind Gaze of Luxury, fashion is more than clothing. ‘It is a timeless narrative of survival, passion, style and empowerment’, he says. His passion for clothing began at 16 when he first learned the art of dressmaking.
In 2018, Folafoluwa launched Gaze of Luxury, a clothing line dedicated to luxury fashion that appraises tradition and modernity. Ultimately, his designs mirror life experiences, the beauty in cultural heritage and appreciation for originality.
A pacesetter and champion for durable clothing, Gaze of Luxury’s bespoke craftsmanship checks all the boxes of purpose-driven fashion. Each piece is not designed to create a personal and meaningful experience for the wearer.
True to this statement, in 2021, Folafoluwa and his team of fashion experts curated an ensemble of 5 stunning outfits, portraying a typical Gaze of Luxury woman as one who is:
not limited by geography;
bold like the streets of Johannesburg, yet refined like the markets of Marrakech;
rooted in heritage like the weaves of West Africa, yet modern in her expression;
and effortlessly elegant, unapologetically confident, and always in command.
Now, based on a global fashion perspective, our criteria for judgment are as follows:
The concept and design
Fabric choice
Fittings
Styling and presentation
Cultural relevance
Artistic expression
Public reception
Any other verdict
Lest we forget, of the five designs, we’ve only chosen two standout apparel that appeal more to our fashion sense.
The second and last outfits make it to our top checklist.
This floral print outfit is a beautiful mix of tradition and modern style. It is a reflection of the growing trends where designers bring fresh and contemporary touches to existing styles.The large floral print in different shades of orange, purple, and green adds an artistic depth, evoking a sense of cultural pride and storytelling. While the design respects traditional roots, it also has a global appeal, making it a perfect fusion of heritage and modernity.
The interplay of colour and print creates a mesmerising effect, ensuring the outfit stands out in any setting.
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The asymmetric sleeves are deliberate, a deviation from the simple bodice. This design evokes simplicity and sophistication, lending an extra look to the modern woman who loves to appear ordinary with a little drama.
Made from a flowing fabric that rests on the model’s body effortlessly, this dress features a visual of African women carrying pots. These images are in bright shades of orange, yellow, and deep blue against a white backdrop─proof that the designer’s colour palette is steeped in high spirits.
Fabric choice is also another key ingredient in cooking up such delightful outlooks.
Rooted in sustainability, Folafoluwa understood the assignment: luxurious fabrics or nothing else. Both outfits, made from silk or crepe materials, appear to have exquisite texture, offering a gentle feel on the wearer’s body and a tender glow when under sunlight.
A symbol of luxury for centuries, silk’s greatest strength lies in its fluid movement. In this case, we love the gentle cascade that each design creates on the model’s silhouette. Frankly, the contouring is what makes it stand out as a number one fabric choice when it comes to generating lasting and trending designs without doing too much.
But beyond its luxurious appeal, silk is also notorious for its lightweight, breathable nature, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings, outdoor occasions, or semi-formal events.
Finally, the fabric’s ability to blend with temperature makes it an ageless staple in elegant fashion.
Let’s talk about fittings.
What is luxury without comfort and structure?
Traditional kaftans tend to be completely loose-fitting, ensuring a universal appeal and making the dress suitable for various body types. The absence of structured tailoring makes it comfortable while still maintaining a graceful silhouette. Furthermore, the long, column-like cut enhances height, making the wearer appear elongated and regal. Meanwhile, the soft drape of the fabric ensures that movement remains graceful rather than stiff.
The styling choices for both dresses are particularly strong, even though not every designer understands this aspect of clothing.
The minimalistic styling of the model allows the dress to take centre stage. However, our focus is not on the model’s looks. Also, we can’t pretend not to notice the designer’s minimal touch to the model’s face and hair.
His style of presentation enhances the dress’s sophistication without distraction. If we were to highlight an improvement, we’d suggest jewellery such as hoop earrings or stacked bangles to accentuate its African-inspired theme.
However, this suggestion speaks to the one-shoulder outfit.
We believe Folafoluwa intends to showcase the craftsmanship of the garment, and this is a brilliant move in runway fashion.
These garments, speaking of cultural relevance, embody cultural realities and global influences, making them relevant in various cultures and fashion scenes.
For instance, the flowing kaftan draws its essence from African and Middle Eastern traditions, particularly in Nigeria. The iconic V-neckline of the flowered dress takes inspiration from the famous Japanese kimono. On the flip side, the one-shouldered, large-print gown pays homage to Greek mythology.
The artistic expression is simple: Folafoluwa wants to achieve wearable masterpieces. His creative use of recognisable colours and abstract designs make both dresses into a wearable work of art.
The chromatic strokes on the floral dress feel organic and free, as though the fabric was hand-painted by an artist.
Likewise, the illustrations on the one-shoulder outfit create a visual narrative. The depiction of African women carrying pots speaks to themes of resilience, tradition, and daily life, celebrating the strength and grace of African women.
Public reception suggests which women are most likely to wear these outfits.
Remember what we said about how Gaze of Luxury creates a no-boundary experience for its women? Indeed, these pieces are undoubtedly statement outfits, perfect for high-profile events, cultural festivals, or even modern red-carpet appearances.
Plus, in a post-pandemic fashion era, versatile garments like these are in high demand in the luxury fashion market.
Are there areas for improvement?
For us, we are 100 and 1 per cent fine with the simplicity of both outfits. We believe this to be the sole aim of the brand’s vision: to create elegant yet simple ensembles for women who want to look stylish and connect with their roots.
Any final Verdict? Yes.
Folafoluwa’s designs celebrate heritage with a forward-thinking approach. They blend artistry, cultural storytelling, and modern elegance, proving that African fashion can be both rooted in tradition and pioneering in innovation. Whether on a runway, at a gala, or in an editorial, Gaze of Luxury pieces are undeniably showstoppers.
For this particular fashion brand, true luxury does not follow trends. It sets the standard.
