FASHION REVIEW: A FUSION OF TEXTURE AND AFRICAN TRENDS

Tosin Clegg

The year 2023 was a year that surfed through trends and vibes. Amid these trends, INOOK, a brand owned by Innocent Adjei, emerged as a true genius in harmonising global trends with the vibrant, rich tapestry of the African fashion sense. The brand’s latest collection of shirts and skirts, crafted with organza and crepe materials, is not just a celebration of sustainable fabricsbut also a masterclass in creativity, making corporate wear even more interesting through stylish designs.

Organza and crepe have long been at the core of the fashion world, but INOOK has elevated these materials into something uniquely African. This year’s collection embodies a daring fusion of contemporary global trends and traditional African aesthetics. From airy, sheerorganza shirts that exude elegance to creatively pleatedcrepe skirts that scream versatility; this collection is redefining how we see and wear these fabrics. Let’s examine the attires one after another.

The first attire is this beautiful white and brown shirt and skirt. The brand creatively reinvents a usual textile by curating the shirt predominantly with the organza fabric, one that is known for its sheer and delicate quality; coating it with plain brown crepe fabric. The crepe textile forms the collar of the shirt, the wrist bands as well as the button line running vertically from the front chest area to the edge of the shirt. Not only does this design make a statement; it showcases the cultural rootedness of the brand. The use of organza fabric with slightly puffed sleeve designs of the shirt evokesstrength, confidence and elegance; all of which are the essence of the modern African woman.

Meanwhile, the high waist and knee-length skirt made with crepe fabric features five layers of pleated material that not only evoke style but also complement the simplicity of the shirt. It also offers stability to the entire outfit evoking lovely textures that move effortlessly from daywear to evening glam.

The back view of the attire is as radiant as the front view with the pleated layers extending there in the form of a spiral. The skirt also features a short zip at the back for easy wearing and removal. Indeed, comfort is necessary in fashion and Innocent Adje recognises this perfectlyshowing that his brand has the best interest of its customers at heart. There is no doubt that dressing for official occasions will get interesting with fun designs and captivating choices of fabrics as displayed in this 2023 collection by the INOOK fashion brand. Rocked with a pair of heeled shoes, one is sure to spin heads in this outfit.

Also, Africa has become a major influence in global fashion, and INOOK understands this perfectly. Little wonder why their collection taps into some of the biggest trends of 2023 while remaining unapologetically African, ensuring that its designs gracefully mergeauthenticity with the fashion trends. 

This next attire is absolutely stunning, also consisting of a two-piece outfit that features the organza and crepe fabrics. The idea of an oversized organza shirt is the centrepiece of this 2023 collection. With its cut showcasing a swollen shape and the intricate embroidery on the fabric, this outfit embodies the trend of exaggerated proportions that has taken over runways worldwide. Buttons being overused in shirts, the idea of infusing a zip at the front of the shirt is a sheer display of genius artistic ability by INOOK. Its puffed sleeves further give the outfit an elegant look that every woman seeks to wear. Innocent Adjei is indeed doing well with this brand!

Paired with the tailored crepe skirt featuring pleated pieces in a step fashion, the combination and overall appearance of this piece create an outfit that is both bold and wearable — perfect for everything from power meetings to weekend brunches. One look at this attire and it speaks power, class and vibes.

Under the management of Innocent Adjei, INOOK magically curates these fabrics in this collection. Crepe, a fabric that is known for its versatility and durability, is transformed into pieces that range from sleek pencil skirts to flowing midi styles with neatly pleated details. The inclusion of vibrant flowery patterns, subtle elastic work, and unique slit placement beneath the lower pleat of the skirt adds a distinctly African flair, ensuring that this outfit is more than just a garment, rather, a statement.

This elegant outfit is gorgeous and elegant. With finishings as neat as this, Innocent is indeed a skilled fashion mogul who has won the hearts of many with hisunique approach to design. What makes INOOK brand a favourite is its commitment to craftsmanship. 

This organza shirt comes in a vibrant gold flowery print, adorned with bold African-inspired patterns. Thesedesigns are a labour of love that takes hours to perfect. The attention to detail ensures that no two shirts are exactly alike, giving each wearer a piece of art that feels deeply personal. The delicate balance of lightweight organza with bold, artistic embellishments showcases the brand’s ability to innovate without losing touch with tradition.

Equally impressive is the work on the crepe skirts. The tailored fit of these pieces reflects a deep understanding of the African silhouette, celebrating curves and lines with precision. The fabric itself is treated to enhance its natural flow, ensuring comfort and elegance. From subtle pleats that catch the wind to sharp cuts that emphasize movement, the skirts are a perfect blend of form and function.

In this era where leaning towards sustainability is being embraced, INOOK is leading by example. The organza used in their shirts is sourced responsibly, and the production process minimizes waste without compromising quality. The choice of the beautiful crepematerial does more than make the shirts pop with beauty but is also made functional in a durable form —ensuring that the attires are long-lasting.

Innocent Adjei has been said to work with local artisans and source materials within local communities, therebycontributing to the global sustainability movement whilealso empowering the local African communities. Each design showcased in this 2023 collection of designs radiates modernity, creativity and shared prosperitywhich deeply resonates with modern fashion lovers whovalue transparency and ethical production.

Additionally, one of the many reasons this collection has captured hearts is its versatility. The organza shirts can be styled in countless ways — tucked into a crepe pencil skirt for a sleek office look or worn loosely over a pair of jeans for a casual outing. Layered with statement jewellery or kept simple, these shirts adapt to any occasion with ease without compromising on the excellent head-spinning look.

The crepe skirts are equally dynamic and can be worn on any other top as the wearer pleases. It can be worn withany top of your choice with heels for an evening event orsimply thrown on with a simple t-shirt and a pair of sneakers for a chic vibe and daytime look.

Beyond the fabrics and the trends, the INOOK fashion brand has shown its unwavering celebration of the African identity, one that has truly made its collection shine amongst others. It further emphasizes the brand’smission to explore rich, historical, radical, futuristic, and modern stories that challenge traditional expectations of how Ghanaian and African women should look and dress. 

Innocent Adjei sure know his onions. This is no surprise because he has been around needles and threads for a very long time. Starting his fashion journey at the curious age of 11. He learned from the feet of his mother and over the years, he has honed his skill and now, has become a force to be reckoned with.