Defining Modern Elegance : Esther Adeosun’s IBIYE Dress from the Bright & Beautiful Collection

By Seun Emmanuel

Designer Esther Adeosun, the creative force behind Fifi Stitches, continues to shape conversations in Nigerian fashion with her innovative interpretations of bespoke design. Her IBIYE Dress, unveiled as part of the Bright & Beautiful Collection, has become one of the standout ready-to-wear pieces of the season, praised for its versatility, bold colour-blocking, and graceful finish.

The design crafted in a delicate cream fabric with striking pink accents on the sleeves and a pleated knee-length detail was first showcased in April 2021. Its reception across social platforms was immediate, sparking conversations about how contemporary Nigerian fashion can balance modesty, femininity, and statement-making style.

Fashion commentators applauded the IBIYE Dress for its adaptability. Perfectly suited for Sunday wear, weddings, formal gatherings, or even as a host’s outfit, the piece answers a recurring challenge in African fashion: how to create garments that move easily across different social settings without losing cultural depth. One critic described it as a rare blend of subtlety and boldness quiet in palette yet dramatic in cut.

Adeosun’s design decisions also drew critical analysis. By positioning the bright pink pleating at the hemline, she redirected attention downward, elongating the silhouette and offering a playful contrast to the structured cream bodice. This detail, however, has also sparked debate: while some praised the design as fresh and youthful, others questioned whether the high-contrast colour blocking might limit its appeal among women seeking more understated pieces. Yet, even these critiques reflect the growing recognition of Adeosun’s willingness to take risks and challenge convention within ready-to-wear African fashion.

The IBIYE Dress underscores Adeosun’s broader mission for Fifi Stitches: to present Ankara-inspired and custom-made garments as staples of modern, everyday wardrobes, not just special occasions. With the Bright & Beautiful Collection, she cements her reputation as a designer unafraid to experiment with form and fabric, offering women clothing that is both celebratory and functional.