FASHION REVIEW; FUNCTIONALITY WITHOUT SACRIFICING STYLE
Tosin Clegg
Fashion should make life easier and not harder. Yet, most women are stuck choosing between looking good and feeling comfortable. As a woman, you sometimes get a dress that turns heads. However, when you sit or walk up the stairs, you realise it wasn’t designed for real life. Many brands focus on trends and forget to offer comfortable, functional and stylish designs.
Lukabi knows that elegance is secondary to ease, and that’s exactly what makes them tick. Lukabi is a ready-to-wear fashion brand that values effortless femininity above all else. Everything is cut to flatter different body types while being able to move. Whether it’s a look for brunch or an elegant dress for an event, Lukabi designs ensure you don’t sacrifice comfort for style.
The brand’s creator, Lukman Abioye Ayorinde, saw a gap in the market and filled it. He launched Lukabi in 2019 to create fashion that works for women in their daily lives. Lukman knew style wasn’t just about trends—it was about making women feel confident and effortlessly chic.
Lukabi’s 2021 collection captures that special vibe with its crisp, sharp lines, super vibrant colours, and tailoring that’s perfect. They had the modern woman in mind when designing it. These pieces make looking put-together feel like a breeze. Every single stitch is thoughtful. Every cut is precise. Every fabric choice is spot-on. The result? Outfits that fit you beautifully. They also move with you so naturally. It’s all about that effortless style and comfort rolled into one.
The first outfit appearing in the collection is a gown made from crepe fabric. The dress appeals to both professional and casual settings, ensuring you look elegant and comfortable while moving around. Let’s dive into each review criterion to see how much is embedded in this outfit.
Sleeve and Neckline
The neckline is undeniably the focal point of this outfit. The oversized collar extends beyond the shoulders, creating a structured, regal look. The deep V-cut adds a touch of femininity, preventing it from looking too stiff. The sleeves are straight and clean, complementing the sharp tailoring of the entire piece. The balance between a bold neckline and structured sleeves is well-executed.
The Wow Factor
This piece is not here to play safe. It’s making a statement. The collar is oversized and sail-like, with a white contrast trim and a seductive outline. The cut-away shoulder, round collar, and dark brown tone give the dress great structure and authority. It is a gown which would steal the show at a high-profile event or for an editorial shoot. The style is striking, its proportions are spectacular, and the combination of classic tailoring and good finishing has just that characteristic edge.
The Engagement Factor
This outfit is not an everyday look, which means it might not be universally relatable. However, for the right audience—fashion enthusiasts, stylists, and trendsetters—it creates the required buzz. The exaggerated collar is a talking point. For this outfit, the core engagement is witnessed by those who appreciate artistic fashion over conventional wear.
The Styling
This outfit needs a thoughtful touch. Keep accessories minimal—stud earrings and a structured handbag add quiet elegance. For shoes, go bold with edgy boots or keep it sleek with polished heels.
The Craftsmanship
The clean lines, sharp tailoring, and button placements suggest strong craftsmanship. The structured shoulders and sleeve length add to the polished look. However, the collar is where real artistry lies. The way it extends, and layers with the white trim requires precise execution. If not well-constructed, it could easily look awkward, but Lukabi ensured it held its shape beautifully.
Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in the overall elegance. Adding a slight taper at the cuffs would enhance the overall architectural feel of the dress. This allows the collar to shine without feeling too bulky. Also, a bit of tightening around the edges would improve the overall look of the piece. Another key improvement that can be made is the sleeve length and fit. The sleeves are slightly too long, almost covering the hand, making them not the top choice for active wearers. Reducing the length would limit the discomfort they might encounter when carrying out their daily activities. Finally, the button detail appears bland without enhancing the overall aesthetics. Replacing the buttons with jewel stones would add a touch of luxury to the outfit.
The Retail Readiness
This piece is not something you’ll find in a standard retail store. It’s more suited for high-fashion boutiques or custom orders. It caters to specific clientele—stylists, editorial fashion, and statement dressers. For the right audience, this is a great piece.
This brown coat-like dress is a high-fashion statement that leans into innovative design while maintaining a refined elegance. It’s bold and what fashion should be.
The second piece in the collection is a simple red two-piece set designed to exude elegance. It is designed for the woman who commands attention. The outfit blends structure with softness. To further determine how best this cloth is, let’s assess it using the following criteria.
Sleeve and Neckline
The neckline is a standout feature. The asymmetrical collar gives off a fresh, modern vibe that’s super chic. It adds just the right amount of structure without going overboard or taking over the whole look. Going sleeveless keeps things light and balances out that striking collar. This results in a smooth, flattering silhouette that feels effortless and stylish. This choice also makes the outfit more adaptable for layering if needed.
The Wow Factor
This outfit has an effortless yet striking presence. The bold red colour commands attention, but the real wow factor lies in the structured, fluid design of the top. The layers of the asymmetrical collar elevate it above a straight button-up. It’s not as innovative as the brown coat dress, but it’s still quite eye-catching, especially if you like a refined yet dramatic design.
The Engagement Factor
This is the kind of outfit that resonates with a broad audience. It has enough structure to make an impact but remains wearable. It is a strong contender for both formal and semi-formal settings. The outfit attracts engagement from women looking for powerful yet feminine statement pieces. The fitted waistline and sleek silhouette ensure that it’s flattering, which always helps in driving attention and appeal.
The Styling
Minimalist yet chic styling works best for this outfit. Given the boldness of the red, accessories should be kept subtle, such as gold or nude accents. A clutch and elegant heels would complete the look for an event, while a structured handbag could transition it into corporate wear.
The Craftsmanship
The structured shoulder detail highlights clean and precise tailoring. The fabric follows the body’s natural lines. The button placement down the front is well-aligned, and the collar sits with intentionality, not as an afterthought. Likewise, there is a good balance between structure and movement, ensuring the outfit remains comfortable yet polished.
The dress gives a classy and polished vibe. However, the top and the skirt flow together seamlessly, making them blend into one. Introducing an element of contrast, like a flair at the tail end of the blouse, would enhance the outfit without diminishing the craftsmanship. Also, reinforcing the sleeve near the underarm will improve the overall acceptability while elevating the overall finishing. This makes it feel more natural and enhances the overall silhouette. Some adjustments can also be made to the skirt length to make it appear more modern and flattering. While a midi length is classic, having a shorter length, one or two inches, would add a bit of sensuality to the dress. This makes it appeal to a widerange of wearers.
The Retail Readiness
This design is far more retail-friendly than the last. This red two-piece set is perfect for both corporate and casual days, so it’s a super versatile pick for boutiques and retail stores to carry. It comes as a handy two-piece combo, which makes it even cooler. You can mix and match the top and skirt on their own, adding a ton of value to anyone’s closet. Plus, it’s bold and eye-catching while still being totally practical for everyday wear.
This red two-piece makes a bold statement and is functional. It is ideal for women who want to exude confidence without looking overly dramatic.
Based on the designs in this collection, Lukabi isn’t just another fashion brand. It’s a solution to the everyday fashion struggles women face. It proves that style and practicality can coexist. Lukabi remains the go-to choice for women who refuse to choose between looking good and feeling good.
What makes Lukabi stand out is how much care goes into every little detail. Each piece is thoughtfully created with vibrant colours and spot-on tailoring. The designs highlight the wearer’s natural curves in a way that feels flattering but not tight or awkward. Plus, the fabrics picked for the collection are all about keeping things breathable and comfy. For Lukabi, fashion isn’t just about turning heads—it’s about feeling great while you’re at it.
