STYLE WITH ESSENCE- FLOREVEIE’S 2023 COLLECTION

In today’s fashion world, the average woman wants to be seen. Yes. But beyond that, she also yearns for comfort and functionality, as much as she yearns for a special kind of connection with every outfit she wears. Contextually speaking, clothes are no longer just about appearance; they are about feeling grounded, confident, and effortlessly put together. Such pieces are bound to make a woman feel good and classy, and that is the kind of emotional response every professional designer should aim to create. Florence Omowunmi Olojede, founder of Floreverie in 2020, has steadily positioned her brand within this thoughtful space.

Her work reflects an understanding that modern women want beauty without stress and elegance without excess. In Floreverie’s 2023 collection, this vision is crystal. The designer explores structure and movement through petal draping, dramatic sleeves, and vibrant colours, creating pieces made for gala events yet deliberately fluid.

Again, this collection carries a clear dialogue between heritage and modernity. Lace and jacquard heritage prints are woven into contemporary silhouettes, allowing West African textile stories to live comfortably within modern cuts. What stands out is how sustainability is not treated as an afterthought but embedded into the design process, presenting conscious fashion in a language that still reads as glamour.

That said, I have accessed Floreverie’s 2023 collection through four non-negotiable criteria: silhouette balance, textile storytelling, construction quality, and the designer’s ability to merge comfort, sustainability, and elegance into a cohesive and emotionally resonant fashion statement.

Silhouette Balance

This first outfit sets the tone by introducing a two-piece ensemble titled “Essence”. This fascinating and matching set is made up of a strapless, sleeveless peplum top and pleated, floor-length maxi trousers, cascading into a metallic purple stream. Personally, I can say that the designer’s idea behind this look is strong, but the balance is not fully resolved. For instance, the peplum flare is bold and visually heavy, while the wide-leg trousers also command attention. When both elements compete for volume, the silhouette becomes crowded rather than refined. A slimmer cut on the trousers would have allowed the peplum to breathe and would have created a more syncopated flow from top to bottom.

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Textile Storytelling

The patterned weaves, placed on the bustline, waistline, and along parts of the top add some Nigerian depth and visual interest. Oh, Nigerian blouses thrive on details, and these right here, hint at heritage craftsmanship and elevate the top beyond simplicity. However, the story shouldn’t stop here. For a heritage look like this one, a more shimmering pattern like silver appliques or stoned embroidery would have done the magic, especially considering how flat the bottom appears. But right now, everything feels and appears ordinary. And if there’s one thing I know about Nigerian designs, they either try to meet the cut-off mark or beat it. Florence needs to give her stories more embellishment, if she truly wants to position her brand in this thoughtful space, as she claims.

Construction Quality

From a technical standpoint, the craftsmanship is evident. The pleating on the trousers is clean, and the trims on the top are neatly executed. The fabric choice suggests comfort and movement, which aligns with the brand’s promise. Now, that said, good construction alone does not guarantee cohesion. The designer missed this while crafting the trousers. Her choice of a sunray fabric switches the mood from “solid” to “weak”. The focus seems to be on the top, leading to a fine finish, but the lack of structural harmony between the top and trousers suggests a missed opportunity to refine the overall look.

Comfort, Sustainability, and Elegance

No doubt, comfort is clearly prioritised. I must commend the designer for being this thoughtful. The breathable fabric and relaxed fit of the trousers make the outfit wearable for elegant, conventional occasions. Sustainability is subtly present in the designer’s approach to intentional design rather than excess. But while the outfit only ticks comfort and sustainability boxes, elegance, on the other hand, rests more strongly in the top than in the full outfit. It appears as if an apprentice was given the task of designing the bottom part while the top was done by an expert, because both results do not seem to find a meeting point. Nonetheless, a better alignment between both pieces, this look could have delivered a clearer expression of Floreverie’s message: beauty without stress, and elegance with intention.

Overall, this outfit shows confidence and craftsmanship, yet it reveals a recurring challenge in the collection, cohesion. Every angle has to agree on a particular kind of look, be it bold, mild, or “just soft”. The potential is clear, but refinement is needed to ensure that every element speaks the same visual language.

The next piece is a standout that refines structure.

Silhouette Balance

At first glance, you can already tell that the second look leans more on structure and drama. It pairs a voluminous jacquard jacket with a seemingly strapless, fitted inner layer and slim-cut trousers. Unlike the first outfit, the contrast in this design is intentional: a bold outer shell over a restrained base. The puffed, balloon-like sleeves immediately dominate the silhouette, giving the jacket that sculptural presence promised by the brand, and absent in the first look. But while this creates visual impact, flexibility is pushed to the edge. The volume of the sleeves, combined with the fitted bodice, leaves little or no room for softness, making the look feel slightly rigid, like a typical Balenciaga runway design. A subtle reduction in sleeve length or fullness would have improved balance and wearability without dulling the drama.

Textile Storytelling

Jacquard, by nature, is a woven fabric, not printed. This already signals local artistry with a blend of patience and intention. In many African and global fashion contexts, jacquard is associated with ceremonial dressing, heirloom pieces, and garments meant to last beyond trends. Its use tells a story of value and longevity rather than disposability. When combined with floral patterns, the narrative softens. Florals traditionally symbolise growth, renewal, femininity, and quiet strength. In this context, the flower motif suggests blooming beauty. In simple terms, the storytelling here speaks of:

Heritage through fabric weaving (jacquard)

Femininity through symbolism (floral motifs)

Construction Quality

The jacket is carefully constructed. That’s a fact. The cut-out keyhole neckline is clean, the buttons are neatly aligned, and the fitted bodice shows attention to precision. The effort to achieve uniformity across layers is commendable. However, since today’s fashion says construction is not only about neatness but also about function, there’s an evident pause here. For example, the sleeve length restricts the ability to wear wrist accessories, which could limit styling options for audiences that prioritise extra clothing. Additionally, the oversized flap at the back of the trousers disrupts an otherwise clean finish and may affect comfort for the wearer. These may seem like small details, but trust me, they matter at this level.

Comfort, Sustainability, and Elegance

The versatility of this look speaks to sustainability. The jacket and inner layer can be worn separately, encouraging restyling and repeated wear. Comfort, however, seems to be standing on eggshells. While the inner layer and trousers appear wearable, the front cut-out on the jacket may discourage some women, particularly those who prefer modest coverage. Elegance is present, but it leans towards high-fashion drama rather than ease. With minor adjustments, this piece could better reflect Floreverie’s promise of beauty without stress.

My final verdict on this outfit would be this: it is daring and visually commanding, but it reveals a tension between the designer’s ambition and user experience. Just a little refinement in comfort is what this piece needs to fully deliver its message.

Moving on to the last piece of the day.

Silhouette Balance

This third look is arguably the most visually confident in the collection. It presents a two-piece ensemble in a sharp magenta tone, pairing a structured peplum top with slim-fit trousers. The silhouette whispers modern elegance with ankle-length trousers that provide a clean base for the top, allowing it to take centre stage. The peplum flare, designed with a high-low hem that extends into a train-like back, adds movement and a sense of occasion.

The plunging V-neckline contrasts with the ongoing maximalist features. I don’t think there’s any need for such a revelation in front especially because there’s enough fabric to go round.

Speaking of the front view, the length and the volume of the peplum in that area disrupt the flow and make the look feel heavier than necessary. A cleaner trim in front (without the overlapping), would have preserved the drama while improving balance.

Textile Storytelling

Unlike earlier pieces that reference heritage through jacquard or textured detailing, this look relies heavily on just colour and shape alone. Perhaps it is a deliberate effort from the designer to tell the cultural narrative behind such a vibrant hue. In African culture, a shade like magenta is associated with femininity, vitality, and creativity, making it ideal for women’s clothing, special occasions, or garments meant to express individuality. It can also symbolise love, harmony, and extravagance in certain communities. In other words, the silk-like fabric re-echoes the brand’s sense of luxury.

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Construction Quality

The construction of this outfit is largely commendable. The trousers are cleanly tailored, high-waisted, and well-fitted, serving their purpose. The top also shows technical skill, particularly in the layered peplum and fitted sleeves. The plunging V-neckline is sharply cut, though it exposes a significant portion of the bust. And if you ask me, I would say audiences who pay attention to full clothing might find this design quite disturbing instead of empowering. While this is clearly a stylistic choice, it limits versatility. Adjustable coverage or a softened neckline would make the piece more functional without compromising its bold identity.

Comfort, Sustainability, and Elegance

Comfort is present in the trousers and in the sleekness of the fabric, making the outfit wearable despite its dramatic appearance. Sustainability appears through the simplicity of the pieces, which can be restyled and worn beyond a single occasion. Elegance is where this look shines most. The design feels confident, modern, and fashion-forward. Contrarily, the level of exposure and the weight of the peplum reduce its accessibility to a wider audience. That said, with minor refinements, this piece could speak to a broader range of women while retaining its impact.

Without mincing words, Floreverie’s 2023 collection shows that fashion can be bold, elegant, and meaningful all at once. Florence and her team have worked tirelessly to create pieces that make a woman feel confident in herself. While these outfits seem to be steeped in heritage, cultural narrative, elegance, and structure, some details still need to be refined. This way, the brand stays true to its promise: beauty without stress, and elegance with purpose. In summary, this particular collection proves that the modern woman can have it all, presence, comfort, and emotional connection if the designer gets all the details right.

Abisola Omolade