FASHION REVIEW; AN EXHIBITION OF RADICAL FASHION

Tosin Clegg

Fashion has always reflected society. From the Victorian era down to the 21st century, it has served as an expression of culture, self, and communal identity. Yet there is still an aspect of fashion that transcends every century and breaks norms. That is, radical fashion. This latest approach to fashion challenges the conventional ideas of beauty and creates a movement where societal boundaries are best imagined.

Radical fashion does not only cover unconventional clothing, but it is also an ideology that questions the social constructs built on gender and aesthetics. It can be said that one of the most profound characteristics of radical fashion is the role it plays in exploring and creating identity. In most communities, it is a tool for self-empowerment. The works of some African designers like Innocent Adjei celebrate this nonconformity, creating a luxury that does not challenge the exclusivity of radical fashion.

Radical fashion is not all about clothes and Innocent Adjei with his INOOK collection brand thrives on this philosophy to continue the powerful force of fashion change. At the beginning of his career, he knew he wanted to make a change and transform the fashion industry. Hence, he needed a canvas for his endless creativity by using his mother’s Kente wrappers to make hand-sewn dresses. This drive for the extraordinary is synonymous with the radical fashion movement. And as much as this style of fashion evolves, every piece exhibited by INOOK collection ensures that a vital part of our cultural landscape is preserved.

INOOK 2020 COLLECTION

The latest collection from INOOK is a masterful exhibition of vibrant textures and colours. From the first image, it is clear that this year’s vision is one of elegance. The designer has been popular for making extraordinary structures, and this collection take it steps further. With sharp silhouettes and lovely fabrics, this particular collection unfolds layers of strength and style. Not only to the wearer, but also everyone that sets eyes on the pieces. 

This dress is an example of a minimalist approach to radical fashion. The designer focuses more on simplicity and elegance. Practically characterised by midi length, button-down bodice, and a flowy bottom. This two-piece showcases versatility and functionality, important merits that elevate its entire appeal.

The blue colour is a perfect choice by the designer to exude calmness and elegance. Making the dress seamlessly switch between formal and casual settings. Additionally, the colour compliments different types of skin tones, appealing to a diverse audience one of the designer’s major goals.

The silhouette of the dress and the collared neckline gives it a stylish look. This design is perfect for individuals who seek clothes that provide comfort as well as exude professionalism. The addition of an adjustable drawstring to this look provides flexibility for the wearer. This piece accommodates various body shapes and style preferences. 

The cinched waist of the skirt enhances the entire look of the dress, balancing the upper bodice and the lower skirt parts. The upper part looks a bit too structured for the relaxed silhouette of the lower part. A more harmonious balance between each piece of clothing would have given a more cohesive appearance.

Although quite functional, the button-down feature of the dresses feels understated. A more distinct colour or perhaps design would have sparked more visual interest in the sophistication of the dress. Also, the fabric appears to be lightweight, which may detract from the designer’s true intentions of making it a masterpiece. A more luxurious material such as silk would have elevated the look without compromising comfort.

With minimal adjustments to the silhouette, fabric choice and styling, this dress has the potential to be a standout design that embodies a modern radical narrative. This piece is not just a dress, but a statement of style and confidence. 

This piece is a teal-coloured, long-sleeved dress, designed with a high neckline and layered skirt. It is a beautiful combination of elegance and creative details. Each element of the outfit, ranging from the fabric choice to the bodice is a showcase of the designer’s smart work.

The first notable feature of this outfit is the colour. Teal is regarded as a blend of blue and green. A sophisticated choice which exudes charm and confidence. It will look good on different types of skin tones, accentuating body curves and creating an overall timeless appeal. The monochromatic characteristic of the dress makes it remain a major focus of attention in a gathering.

Additionally, this is a modest design with a high neckline and long sleeves. Suitable for a woman who is seeking the right balance between modern fashion and conservative dress. However, the wearer’s body shape may be slightly revealing due to the fit of the dress. Not a bad choice anyway, it strikes a balance between modesty and femininity. 

The designer carefully tailored this piece with precise measurements and well-aligned seams. This level of craftsmanship can only be seen from a designer who values top-quality production. Not only does the design reflect the designer’s understanding of proportion and balance, but it also showcases the knowledge of radical fashion. 

Despite its many noteworthy features, there are minor areas where this outfit requires improvement. Firstly, the buttons on the waistband are beautiful, but they can be made to align properly with the overall design. Either by choosing a smaller size of buttons or by matching the colour to that of the fabric, the designer will be able to maintain the dress’s streamlined aesthetic.

A significant advantage of this dress is its versatility. It is an outfit that can seamlessly transition from being a daytime event look to the perfect wear for an evening occasion. To match a perfect appearance for a daytime look, statement earrings, a clutch bag, and flat sandals can be worn to give the wearer a more glamorous look. For individuals looking to maximise their wardrobe functionality, this is a practical choice.

This dress is a testament to the power of the designer’s thoughtfulness. Looking at the modern aesthetic, the combination of high-quality fabric and detailed structure, this is a standout piece. With only minimal adjustments to some parts, this outfit exudes confidence, versatility and elegance. A noteworthy addition to any fashionable woman’s wardrobe.

INOOK has successfully released a collection of outstanding pieces. The expectations were high and the designer did not disappoint. Customers will undoubtedly appreciate the boldness of each piece. Although some people may find the structure too dramatic, still the designer pushed fashion boundaries with this collection. As much of each clothing reflects the true essence of the designer’s ideas, the hope is that next year’s collections will supersede these dazzling pieces in a much better way.