FASHION REVIEW: THE EVOLUTION OF PERSONAL STYLE

When Gianni Versace said, ‘Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live,’ it was a statement made to support the movement of personal style. Especially in this digital age, wherein personal style is now an expression of self rather than societal conformity.

Although many people believe that personal style no longer exists because too many people dress the same way, due to social media influence. But that is not the case. There are many styles out there these days, so it is nearly impossible to have individuals exploring only one style of fashion.

In the mid-2000s, brands like Geovante have helped democratise fashion. This is a period marked by the need for individuals to explore fashion choices beyond diverse social circles. Also, the rise of social media promoted this move because trends were set, and the public’s perception of style was shaped in a different way.

Geovante 2021 Collection

This 2021, the Geovante fashion house has moved the bricks of creativity into different silhouettes. There’s no doubt that this latest collection is about to reshape the fashion industry, especially in a way that fast fashion has never been seen.

This collection isn’t the regular tailoring, it is an unfiltered level of creativity that deserves clear grounds on the runway. From the first piece, it will be safe to say that the colours, design, fabric choice, style, and silhouette are giving everything it’s supposed to give.

Texture lovers are surely going to love every bit of it. With each outfit, it seemed like Geovante reached deep into a treasure box of textiles to acquire the best. Somehow, the brand has proven to be a promising one in terms of being a maximalist. The designer believes that the detailing means a lot, so each piece is a flair of either fashion freedom or creative chaos.

Colour

This shade of hue is not here to whisper. As beautiful as it looks, it’s vibrant and surely chosen to make the outfit shine. This is the kind of colour that exudes confidence at a church gathering or lunch date. Not to say the least, it is undeniably striking.

Design

At this point, everything looks layered from top to bottom. While the upper bodice is only slightly loose, the lower part drapes down to make the dress look outstanding. Also, the designer’s decision to add a waistband and make the waist cinched creates a bulky illusion that may appeal to all body shapes and sizes.

Fabric Choice

More importantly, the fabric choice looks lightweight as it is cotton. It is not surprising that the type of material managed to hold this design in place. The designer must have considered warmer climates and the need for the layering to look more glamorous.

Style

This is a minimalist style. It’s giving the old Hollywood movie vibes. Although there are no vintage vibes, it is the type of clothing a woman who loves modest colours and outfit form will love. With this outfit, one can slay as a CEO all day, then at a cocktail dinner by night.

Silhouette

There is no doubt that A-line shapes always flatter, especially when it is made in a classic design. The silhouette entirely makes the dress look incredible, especially with the type of bold colour it has; this outfit is classic.

However, while the designer’s creativity is deeply appreciated, the silhouette would have looked better with a side slit or an asymmetrical hem instead. Also, the midsection where the waistband is, may not look entirely flattering on larger body sizes. This is a result of the fullness of the lower bodice and the need for the neckline to be more structured in a way that makes a person’s upper body look intriguing.

Without this need for a few adjustments, this dress is a total slay!

Colour

This vibrant hue is eye-catching. There is something about it that is giving the main character energy. This colour adds depth and softens the intensity of the design. From the way it looks, it is bound to dazzle and make the outfit easily findable even in the dark.

Design

Moreover, the one-shoulder top design gives the two-piece the potential to be the centre of attraction in any gathering. While the hem of the top is cropped and gathered with elastic, being paired with full pants gives the wearer the decision to either ‘go big or go home.’

Fabric Choice

The fabric is lightweight, but not the kind that makes the outfit lack a bit of stiffness. On a design this sleek, the fabric either needs to be well structured for styling or super soft for easy movements when worn.

Style

As for the style, the intention is clear. A bold African streetwear that promotes personal style. It is the type of outfit which the designer must have wished to feature on a magazine cover. While the top is giving mid-2000s crop top style, the pants are giving 1600s genie outfit, a lovely fusion of past and present.

The outfit makes a statement, but sometimes, a statement needs to be solid before it can be accepted. Starting with the top, it’s giving, but it’s not there yet, the tailoring still looks unfinished. It looks as if the designer just pulled the neckline to one side and forgot to put the other arm.

A sharper cut and more structured neckline will ensure that even the hem of the top stands out gracefully. In addition, there is a little lack of proportional balance between the two pieces. The top looks like it’s able to carve out a defined silhouette, but the contrast in the flowy design of the pants gives the upper body a beautiful edge over the lower part.

Nonetheless, this outfit is still a showstopper!

Colour

This designer has something for blue colours. Not only does this one look bright, but it also makes the outfit hard to ignore. Also, as much as this colour keeps popping up in every part of the dress, it does not subdue the beautiful Ankara prints on the lower front part.
Design

Moreover, the neckline makes it look like a party dress, while the cuffed sleeves make it perfect for corporate events. This aspect of the design is intriguing because not only does it not limit the dress to either evening wear or a formal dress, but it also ensures that anyone wearing it feels like a fashion guru.

Fabric Choice

The choice of fabric is beautiful, and it holds the shape of the dress without making it look bulky. The Ankara print is also evidence of the designer’s need to promote the African cultural heritage through modern clothing. This is a good thing because it makes the front side of the dress look more beautiful rather than boring. And naked looking with just the same colour on every side.

Style

This piece is a fusion wear, the combination of African cultural design and contemporary style. There is no risk of overdoing things with this style. There’s a potential for premium elegance here, a lot of it at that. The snatched waist and slightly loose lower part make the dress agree with the designer’s creative vibes.

However, there is no level of creativity without a need for adjustment. Somewhere, right from bringing the design out of the sketchbook into reality, something may have gone wrong. It’s not hard to tell, especially when the eyes notice the wrong placement of the collar. The neckline, which is a bit low and plunging into the cleavage area, exudes femininity and a little sensuality from the wearer, yet it lacks structure as the collar is only befitting a high neck instead of this type of neckline.

Notwithstanding, with intentional detailing, this dress will become an Afro-modern statement piece.

Overall, this 2021 collection from Geovante is top-notch. As more years roll by, consumers are beginning to look forward to newer pieces and more designs from the designer’s creative collection.

Abisola Omolade