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The crowd had become silent. The light was dim. Then appeared the first flicker of gold that strolled down the aisle.
The designs were tagged Edge & Essence, and trust us when we say that the first look made a statement. It was a glowing bronze 2-piece suit, with wide-legged trousers and an off-shoulder, a cropped top. It wasn’t a style, it was a sculpture, crafted by a fast-rising fashion label, RR Atelier.
Established in 2020, RR Atelier is coordinated by the Nigerian designer, Uche Richard Amadi.
Amadi’s creations are mostly inspired by metallic textiles, raw-edged layering, and the evolving identity of African women in global spaces. We saw that inspiration come to life that evening.
It appeared as if the fabrics shifted like moods. From soft to earthy linen and metallic silk, Amadi mixed opposites, traditional patterns with modern silhouettes. Though the accessories were minimal, they were impactful nonetheless.
As the show went on, it was clear that RR Atelier isn’t just making clothes for a season; it’s shaping the ongoing fashion narrative of African women who dare to earn their spotlight on global stages.
Speaking of an ongoing fashion narrative, we will be exploring PR Atelier’s 2022 Edge and Essence collection through five creative lenses:
Designer’s Inspiration– (what may have sparked the idea)
Designer’s/Brand Message – (what the outfit is saying or representing)
Heritage Infusion – (fabrics, prints, colours, and how they connect to heritage)
Silhouettes and Cuts – (the outline, shape, and construction)
Since the glittering fabric was what caught our attention, we’ll begin each section of this review with the third lens: Heritage Infusion.
Let’s get started!
Look 1: The Off Shoulder Bronze 2-Piece
Heritage Infusion
The fabric looks like silk brocade, a material often associated with West Africa. It’s the kind of fabric worn to prestigious, typical Nigerian and Ghanaian traditional gatherings. So, when RR Atelier’s model stepped out in that golden piece, it felt like African culture was right there on the runway, only this time, the whole world was watching.
Designer’s Inspiration
These days, fashion has transcended just style and trends to comfort and flexibility, and Amadi clearly understood that message. The wide-leg trousers and off-shoulder blouse with its A-shaped sleeves are all about flexibility and charisma. However, inspired by a few trendy details, this look doesn’t quite give us that spark of newness. Fashion today is bolder, more theatrical. To stay ahead, the designs need to breathe fresh life without compromising on their authenticity. Bottom of Form
Designer’s/Brand Message
The intended message here is to communicate confidence and sophistication. The type that says, ‘Hey, everyone. I’m here’. We know that. There’s also the part of the message that ticks some boxes. For instance, the brand is about luxury and fluid silhouettes. We can see that in the quality of the fabrics used and the generous cuts. It also says it pays homage to African textiles. Yes, that’s true. But what happens to bespoke tailoring, as it claims it does? And for some reason, this could alter the designer’s and brand’s message.
From observations, the outfit seems overwhelming instead of empowering. So, there’s a thin line between making a confident statement and overshadowing the wearer. To close the gap, the designer should consider a lighter fabric that feels gentle on the body.
Silhouettes and Cuts
We know the designer is making an effort to cling to the “stylish and comfortable” rule of today’s fashion scene; however, there’s a mastery to this. For example, what is a crinoline doing at the hem of the already voluminous sleeves? Needless to say, the blouse has no linen, which means the wearer must make unnecessary adjustments every 10–15 minutes. That could be a burden, you know. The cuts should have been more precise to create the flattering look we were expecting. Even the elastic used for the shoulder appears as if it could snap at any moment. Again, precision could have given this outfit a better look. Anyway, the trousers look perfect to us. And for those kinds of trousers, a smaller top would have been a notch.
Because we want to collect like terms, we’ll examine the third outfit.
Look 3: Bronze Suit with a Sheer Collar Detail
Heritage Infusion
Let’s start this assessment from the rear.
Cultural integration? Check. The fabric is similar to the first look. So, let’s not go into another historical jargon. We love the creativity in the design. Creating a suit with this kind of material doesn’t come easy, so we commend the designer’s effort. You already know by now that the suits trend wasn’t originally African. In other words, there’s a sharp blend of heritage and modern elements. For this criterion, we think the brand performed fairly well.
Designer’s Inspiration
Let’s believe the designer’s muse is a typical Yves Saint Laurent smoking tuxedo. After all, the single-button blazers reflect that. But the problem is that the design still isn’t quite right. Something feels off. Maybe it’s the additional black sheer collar or the fact that some refuse to sit flat at the front.
Designer’s/Brand Message
“Confidence” and “power” are the only messages spoken by power suits like this. Again, our only concern is with the black net hanging like a ripped cape. This doesn’t add any sort of emphasis to the look. We got the message already.
Silhouettes and Cuts
We have a lot going on here. The inspiration behind this look was to achieve a “sleek” and “near-perfect” look. But the reverse is the case here. From top to bottom, there’s so much unevenness. It almost feels like the design was rushed. The trousers look like an airbag. We wonder if the linen was excessive or if it was another inspired look. We’ve already talked about the attached black collar. But the original one, the typical blazer’s collar made with the same fabric, either needs some serious ironing or is not well placed. Whatever the case, we recognise well-tailored suits by how gentle they rest on the wearer’s skin, and this one right here seems quite busy for that kind of rest.
There’s one more look, and it is the Cream Puff-Sleeve Top with Patterned Trousers.
Heritage Infusion
The sleeves, from first glance, remind us of the iconic blouses of Igbo women. And if there’s anything we know about these types of blouses, it’s that they speak to class and status. Beyond sharing ties with the Igbo Nigerian culture, the peplum top has its roots in ancient Greece, dating back to the 19th century. Even the belt confirms the original look of the ancient Greek tunic tied at the waist. So, as far as cultural infusion is concerned, this outfit, especially the top, is a mix of West African and Greek cultures.
Designer’s Inspiration
Like the first look, this is another outfit that the elegance of soft romance may have inspired. The voluminous sleeves could have also been inspired by a desire to create drama. But the truth is that this inspiration lacks depth or focus, even. Right now, we can’t conclude if the outfit is corporate chic or one random piece you wear to a casual brunch. A sharper narrative, such as the addition of pairing trousers, could have provided a clearer interpretation of the designer’s inspiration. Even in fashion, clarity is key.
Designer’s/Brand Message
We know RR Aterlia’s brand to be one heavy on luxury, but not this time. We can’t say if the colour has something to do with it, or maybe it’s the fabric choice. From the cream-coloured, crepe-like material, the silk-brocade pair of trousers, the designer’s message is blurry. What statement is the brand trying to communicate? If it says it’s a fashion label that offers women confidence, why then do these sleeves lack that boldness? For this outfit, we need a clearer message, even if it’s just one.
Silhouettes and Cuts
The deep V-neck cut appears perfect for a younger audience, even though it could have been more defined. The lines are struggling to be even.
The sleeves are not your “regular”, but letting them fall has drooped the overall look. Perhaps a firmer material, such as a gum stay or net, could have enhanced the sleeves’ appearance. The belt was meant to cinch the wearer’s silhouette; we know that, but somehow, it has made the front look too dramatic.
First, there’s the flared bottom part of the top, and just right above that are two dangling belts tied to the front. Beside these are two ruffled sleeves. It’s a lot, we must confess.
Yes, some drama is needed, but not in this manner. Now, the trousers look okay until we slide down to the uneven hems.
Perhaps this is something the designer wants to pay more attention to.
In all, RR Atelier has vision and voice; it just needs to sharpen the details to move from joining the fashion conversation to leading it. With a clearer brand message and more precise cuts and tailoring, Amadi won’t just turn heads on the runway; he’ll keep winning the hearts of fashion lovers like us.
By Seun Emmanuel
