KAFFY’S 2022 COLLECTION: THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION

“Sustainable fashion is not a trend, but the future.”

This powerful statement was made by Antonia Böhlke, founder of MOCHNI. And she couldn’t have been more correct. Sustainable fashion has always been about creating long-lasting clothes that retain value over time.

Many clothing brands are guilty of prioritising trends over customers’ needs. As time passes, some of these trends disappear. The result is a community where trends are being pushed out increasingly, and more clothes are being wasted. This is because some clothes are worn a few times, and they are then thrown away. On the other hand, sustainable fashion satisfies the customer’s real need, which is long-term satisfaction rather than a quick trend.

A brand stands tall in championing ethical fashion. They also combine structure, movement, and colour in producing creative pieces. That brand is Kaffy, a sustainable womenswear brand, launched in 2020 by the visionary founder, Kafayat Damilola Saliu. To achieve her vision of changing the narration to creating statement pieces with principles, Kafayat further empowered herself with skills across design development, pattern cutting, and garment construction. With this skillset, she designs clothes that are versatile and timeless for all seasons.

The 2022 collection is rooted in structure, movement, colour, detailed tailoring, and bold design. With each piece, Kaffy shows the world what it means to place customers’ needs over mere trends.

Now, let’s explore.

The first piece in Kaffy’s 2022 collection is a brown-toned gown. This is a masterclass outfit that balances elegance and bold design elements. The choice of colour, an interplay of light brown for the main body and sleeves, and a richer brown for the bodice overlay, is interesting. While the hues are of different shades, their combination blends in perfect earthly harmony that feels sophisticated. However, it is the upper bodice that is the standout feature of the piece.

The upper bodice with its textured brown overlay adds depth and intrigue to the overall design. And then the turtleneck-style collar frames the wearer’s neck with a kind of sharp authority that commands attention. They feel almost regal.

Now, the sleeves created with multiple steps of ruffles are in contrast with the gown’s relaxed design. They are voluminous and dramatic, and fly with each movement. Looking down, the body of the gown has a free fit but still maintains structure, and it extends to a midi length. Then, at the hemline, ruffles were added to balance the ones at the sleeves.

However, there is still a need for a little improvement. First, the combination of the upper overlay, the turtleneck collar, and the hemline is a beautiful element, but it comes off as doing too much. Instead of complementing each other, these features risk competing. The designer could consider softening either the ruffled hem or the sleeves to create a visual balance.

The back offers a fresh look into the piece. The neat back finish and detailed tailoring come into light from this view. It shows the high level of craftsmanship of Kaffy’s brand. And yet again, the gown looks comfy, but it might not flatter all body shapes. Offering a slightly tailored design could enhance its versatility for different body types. But this should not affect the theme of the outfit: Structure, but free movement.

Also, the turtleneck-style collar might be suitable for some events or even favourable for warmer days. A structured neckline or a split collar would give the same elegance and increase the gown’s versatility.

Overall, the piece still has many great features. The gown would be perfect for a formal gathering where a little drama is needed. You could also complement the look with gold earrings and nude heels.

This piece is a balance between contemporary and traditional design. The attention to detailed tailoring and cut makes this timeless. And it sure does deserve a space in any woman’s wardrobe. The off-shoulder neckline exposes the shoulder modestly while giving the overall appearance a refined look.

Also, the fabric with a dark background has a dotted pattern of light-coloured dots. The choice of fabric adds a kind of playfulness without overwhelming the piece. Kaffy deserves their flowers.

From this view, the piece makes onlookers curious to know if it is a skirt and top ensemble. Just like the first piece, the sleeves are large and shaped into cuffs. Then it lies beautifully against the fitted bodice, adding to the overall charm of the design.

The lower part of the pieve stays fitted, hugging the body down the hips. Finally, the gown flares out in a striking ruffle that looks like a mermaid tail. This addition aids movement while appearing theatrical. But the sudden shift into the exaggerated ruffles at the bottom can feel less harmonious, making the entire design feel disjointed.

From this view, the eyes are drawn everywhere, starting from the puffed sleeves, cape, and layered ruffles. It is also obvious that the top and skirt pairing created by the addition of the cape is an illusion. The cape seen from the front extends to the back, splitting mid-way to give room to the zipper. They are functional rather than merely decorative.

For women who want to own the room in any event, be it a gala, runway, or red carpet, this is that piece.

This is another statement piece from Kaffy’s 2022 collection, an epitome of modernity and feminine elegance. The fabric is one of the most attractive features of the dress. This is the brand’s ethos signature: the use of rich material. The fabric has a blue-based background, and all over it are floral prints in white and pink.

The choice of material for the piece adds a soft, romantic charm to the overall design.

The V-neckline flatters, elongates the wearer, and still adds sophistication to the look. Then the short and wide sleeves first offer ease and lightness to the design. It perfectly aligns with the fitted bodice and the wearer’s figure. However, it doesn’t blend into the gown’s romantic theme. Maybe adding a subtle ruffle or a lace edging could elevate it.

But, in contrast to the upper part fitted structure, the gown transforms into a layer of ruffles. Each layer adds volume and offers movement. The addition of the slit at one side is such a daring and bold twist. It reveals the way just enough to keep the look youthful and modern. However, the slit, even with its daring edge, interrupts the continuity of the ruffles. For more conservative women, the slit may feel too daring. But lowering the slit or maybe offering a higher slit and a modest one would make it versatile for all women.

The length of the gown, which trails behind slightly, ensures drama and presence. And this makes it suitable for evening occasions where every step must be laced with glamour. But the trailing might not be practical for certain events. It could easily catch on the ground or feel too cumbersome.

Overall, the gown embodies romance with confidence. It is designed to turn heads without even making a statement.

Kaffy’s 2022 collection leaves no doubt that sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it is shaping a future where every piece is a balance between structure, movement, romance, and boldness.

Abisola Omolade