ZHEA 2023 COLLECTION AS THE NEW LUXURY OF MINIMALIST FASHION

A quiet change is unfolding, and it values intention over appearance in relation to fashion. However, this is not a cultural thing but a style movement in a century full of fashionistas. In an era when only the trendy are rewriting fashion rules from Tokyo to Lagos, Paris to Milan, the fashion narrative is shifting towards timeless designs.

Although this new trend is about doing more with less, such as pairing a crisp brown shirt with a well-tailored cream blazer, which, of course, speaks louder than an outfit full of glitter and bright colours, this is the kind of fashion concept that recognises that true elegance makes room for identity and movement.

It is here that Suliat Olajumoke Folawewo, a Nigerian fashion designer, has found a voice. Her designs embody this notion of elegance over identity and movement in a way that her brand, Zhea Fashion World, is a trailblazer in the fashion scene. The brilliance of Zhea Fashion World’s designs lies in the brand’s ability to blend minimalist styles with African motifs. The designs exude a wearable proof that African fashion can thrive without limits.

The collection for 2023 is a masterpiece. Each piece in it perfectly captures the designer’s creative skills. And perhaps, this is one of the top stylish revolutions of all time. Overall, this fashion series reflects a balanced mix of creativity from Africa’s fashion heritage and modern techniques predominantly used by the global industry.

Zhea 2023 Collection

Ever since brands like Zhea Fashion World stepped into the fashion industry, a new wave of outfits inspired by African luxury has emerged. This time, the influence is evident in the designer’s preferences for elegant dresses. This choice has taken fashion from being a casual subculture to a movement. No doubt that this collection will be full of masterpieces.

Did Zhea Fashion World just put everyone in awe mode with this sophisticated dress? Absolutely!

This is the type of dress that doesn’t seek attention, but instead exudes it. From the white colour, which is often a symbol of purity, to the highlights of every detail, this is a beautiful design. Although many people don’t enjoy wearing white, this outfit makes anyone feel powerful on any occasion.

The neckline and sleeves are so beautiful. Not just that, they create harmony with the lower part of the dress, which looks like it will be the perfect minimal choice for a ballroom dance. However, the collar neckline makes this piece look restrictive. A V-neckline would have been a more preferred option for this design. And while it may look like the best upper section of the dress, the designer deserves some accolades for making the upper and lower halves look so graceful.

Also, the layering style of the lower part reflects the designer’s knowledge of quality fabrics. One more outstanding thing is the blue floral pattern; the way it is placed on the dress makes it look like a memorable design. Compared to the remaining white parts of the dress, this design adds more elegance.

The ‘layering design’ is the most engaging feature of this dress. It adds shape to the wearer’s figure and is the perfect style for modest dressers who prefer to wear feminine, loose dresses that hide their contours. The layers also allow for easy movement of the legs while still being fashionable. It makes this piece suitable for a dinner or runway event.

While the design reflects an impressive level of creativity, some areas need improvement. For instance, the neckline, though elegant, feels slightly restrictive for the wearer’s head movement. The dress also has a formal aura that looks a bit too much. At best, it can be worn to organisations’ dinner events. A better suggestion will be for the designer to add a slit to the left side of the dress. Not a thigh-high, seductive one, but a modest one that makes the dress wearable for other nighttime events.

Also, the fabric appears too shiny and may reflect under certain lighting conditions. The designer should have used another colour, such as cream or beige. This would have enhanced the outfit’s elegance and modesty. Only then can this dress go from being just an excellent design to being the favourite outfit for an iconic woman.

Does gold always have to be used as jewellery? Most likely not. This radiant dress begs to differ.

The colour is so radiant that anyone can tell the designer intentionally used it. This is the type of colour that, when a timid person wears it, brings out the highest level of confidence. After all, gold is the colour of luxury. And this piece will complement any skin tone. The lighter hue tilts to a cardboard brown colour that complements the bright gold shade. The two colours blend perfectly and elevate this piece’s design.

Two fabrics are used to create this dress. First is the gold material that appears soft and possesses a reflective quality that only a satin dress can offer. The second fabric is a different texture entirely. And although the contrast between the textures of the upper and lower parts stands out, it does not detract from the well-defined neckline. The neckline adds a kind of sensuality to the dress, one that draws attention to the shoulders and collarbones.

The cinched lower section of the dress is another genius idea by the designer. From the balloon-like curves to the detailing around the knee, the designer has turned this otherwise simple outfit into an avant-garde creation. Nothing is more unexpected than the way the sleeves are tied up into pretty ribbons. It looks more experimental, given that the sleeves are draped rather than fully sewn.

On the other hand, the curves around the knee area could have been reduced. Less volume means elongating the wearer’s figure. However, the big curves disrupted the silhouette’s natural flow. Also, this is not the only correction that should be made to this outfit. Anyone can tell how stunning the fabric is, but one downside is that it can easily get rumpled. Any bit of crease on it can become visible, thereby reducing the sleek appeal of the dress.

The first thing anyone will notice about this outfit is the way the colour pops to make the wearer feel seen.

From the sensual neckline to the sleeveless cut, every part looks stylish. Now to the lower part, that is a skirt; the ruffles are bold and almost make the outfit look like art. Still, it adds some bulk that may hinder movement. Also, the sides are quite dramatic, and if it were tailored sharply, it could have made the dress look more solid.

This dress is not for everyday use. It is for occasions where a person wants to stand out and have all eyes on them. Walking or standing in this outfit is perfectly okay, but the wearer might have some discomfort issues with sitting for too long. However, accessories should be kept simple while wearing this outfit.

In addition, the fabric choice does not exactly go well with the hot weather. If one is sweaty while wearing this, the fabric can cling to the skin, showing patches of sweat. That is not all, some women may also find this outfit revealing, because the collarbones and shoulders are too exposed. It is important to note that these limitations do not diminish the designer’s expertise nor the essence of this collection this year.

Zhea Fashion World is similar to Lanre da Silva Ajayi (LDA Couture), which is well-known for its regal, ultra-feminine couture with vintage elements. LDA Couture’s designs feature dramatic silhouettes and structured gowns, while Zhea Fashion World mirrors its design concepts with bold and dramatic cuts. Zhea’s tailoring explores classical styles blended with a hint of contemporary designs. And these characteristics set Zhea Fashion World at the top level of the industry’s ladder.

Every outfit in the Zhea Fashion World 2023 collection has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each style, design and colour has revealed one thing: the theme for 2023 ‘fashionistas’ is creating luxury out of minimalist fashion. The creative director at Zhea Fashion World has repeatedly shown that staying atop the trends is not the only way to go; building one also counts.

Zhea Fashion World’s latest series has shown that Suliat Olajumoke is not just a fashion designer, but also a design creative who influences movement and changes in the industry. Suliat has shown how upcoming designers can effectively preserve African cultural techniques in the most resourceful way. There is no doubt that fashion enthusiasts must be looking forward to the next collection, and hopefully, the designer will keep the streak going.

Abisola Omolade