FASHION REVIEW: FROM WORKWEAR TO RUNWAY, DENIM EVOLVES AGAIN

The Nigerian fashion landscape is vibrant and full of colours and styles, which continue to inspire many fashion enthusiasts. In this part of the world, ancient fabrics are beginning to find their way to modern silhouettes. Therefore, adding a bold touch of cultural heritage to formal attire and casual wear.

Moreover, the Nigerian fashion industry is faced with an evolution in which local designers are exhibiting different, unique visions through ready-to-wear collections. This isn’t just about releasing aesthetically pleasing clothes but reflecting the powerful Nigerian tradition. Many Nigerian designers are beginning to take the world by storm, one of whom is Ajibola Opeyemi Olusoga.

Through the luxurious fashion brand, Jibbs, Ajibola has continued to explore the ancient Nigerian crafts and practices. With a brand vision to explore old craft practices, Jibbs has been able to transform African pieces into styles that resonate with the modern consumer.

The Jibbs 2023 collection is clearly inspired by the evolving narrative of denim as more than utilitarian workwear. It is reimagined as a canvas for cultural storytelling and modern luxury. By drawing from ancient Nigerian craft practices and blending them with contemporary silhouettes, the collection positions denim as both a heritage fabric and a forward-looking medium. The deep navy-blue shades, tailored structures, and experimental cuts reflect a deliberate attempt to elevate denim into a symbol of quiet luxury, while still anchoring it in Nigerian tradition. This duality of heritage and modernity forms the unifying narrative of the collection.

This year, the newly released collection has been nothing short of this vision. With careful attention to detail, each piece reveals authenticity and diverse cultural influences.

Jibbs 2023 Collection
The design language of the collection leans heavily on contrasts: fitted bodices paired with voluminous ruffles, sharp tailoring softened by pleats, and formal silhouettes infused with playful asymmetry. These choices reveal a designer intent on challenging the rigidity often associated with denim, proving that the fabric can be fluid, elegant, and versatile. The use of capped sleeves, asymmetrical closures, and gathered pleats demonstrates a vocabulary of subtle power and sophistication, while still maintaining accessibility for diverse body types. Each piece communicates a balance between structure and softness, reinforcing the brand’s vision of denim as a luxurious yet approachable material.

Beyond technical construction, the collection’s design also speaks to inclusivity and adaptability. The silhouettes are crafted to flatter a wide range of body frames, from petite to plus-sized, without sacrificing elegance. The designer’s emphasis on proportion, whether through midi lengths, tailored lapels, or waistline pleats, shows a sensitivity to how garments interact with the wearer’s form. At the same time, the bold indigo palette and reflective finishes elevate the pieces into statement attire, ensuring they resonate with both traditional and contemporary audiences. This thoughtful blend of cultural cues and modern tailoring positions Jibbs as a brand that respects heritage while embracing innovation.

It’s 2023, and there’s a serious Denim culture in the air. It’s fast becoming a movement from being a couture moment on the runway. However, with this dress, the main character isn’t the designer; it is the style. It looks unapologetically bold and reveals every single intention of the designer during the making of this dress.

Looking at the sleeves, it’s sewn in a capped way such that it adds a subtle power to the neckline, while keeping it sophisticated. Also, there is no overdesign as the design gives a formal energy, like it’s meant for the boardroom. Moreover, the colour isn’t like the type of average blue jeans trousers. This screams luxury with its deep blue shade, and it’s top of the list for quiet luxury dresses in the fashion space.

The design takes over the interests of the audience in a gathering. From the ruffled hem to the waistline, it’s giving a softness that only a feminine woman can embody. Also, the hemline is a statement on its own, it totally embodies the designer’s artistic skill. Moving on to the silhouette, who says denim has to be stiff? This look completely embraces the wearer’s form without restrictions on bodily movement.

More importantly, the fabric choice is simply the designer showing others how else to treat denim. From the layers and the formal/semi-formal design, it’s easy to tell that this fabric does not need to beg for attention. When paired with the right accessories, this outfit becomes a charming work of art.

However, while the overall design is beautiful, there is a little imbalance between the top half and the lower part. The bodice is entirely fitted and linear, but the lower part flares in a way that makes the ruffles voluminous. Also, the transition seems abrupt; a more gradual flow between the two halves would have reduced the visual division.

Likewise, the ruffles can benefit from a little refinement, either by a more controlled pleating or a smoother link between the waistline and the ruffles. Another area of consideration is the fabric. Although denim gives the piece a luxurious look, it causes a little stiffness around the sleeves. A lighter blend of material would have improved the fluidity and comfort of the dress. Lastly, the neckline could use a little bit of detail; the designer could add some embellishments to add enough visual depth without overpowering the minimalistic look of the dress.

This two-piece slays. It’s exuding a “rich Gen Z aunty” energy. It’s simple yet luxurious, and the midi skirt is perfect for women who have imagined themselves on a fashion magazine cover. As there is a fine line between culture and trends, this dress resonates more with Gen Z women, as they are currently the most fashion-forward in the fashion space.

Based on the deep navy-blue colour, the fabric looks more like satin because of how the light reflects on it. A person can walk into any room with this attire and immediately command attention. It’s giving, “I want to be the talk of the town and look expensive while at it.”

There’s something about the design, especially the asymmetrical button closure of the top. It is brilliant! And for the love of fashion, the gathered pleats around the midi skirt’s waist are what add a soft casualness to the formal look of the two-piece wear. Moreover, it’s safe to say the silhouette embraces the wearer’s natural shape without being restrictive. The designer was generous to all women by making this outfit inclusive to all body types.

Once again, denim is the hero of another piece in this collection. It keeps the pleats looking sharp, holds the overall structure in place, and beautifully defines the silhouette. The designer deserves a shout-out for making sustainable clothing that never goes out of fashion.

There’s room for this attire to be elevated beyond its current look. Starting with the button closure on the top, it’s creative, but it’s at the centre of the eyes. Any misalignment while worn can cause a visual imbalance. The two-piece could have been sleeker if there were hidden seams and faux buttons instead. As this reduces the risk of the aesthetics being ruined.

Those gathered waist pleats almost work because the intention is clear. But the scale of volume could have been restructured. Currently, the waist area comes off as bulky, and this is unnecessary to the silhouette of the pieces. Moreover, the midi skirt is a lovely combination with the top. But the length shortens the wearer’s body frame. If 2-3 inches can be deducted from the length, it would result in a sophisticated outfit.

This piece is for core fashion lovers. It is not just a jacket dress, but a fully blown fashion statement. The style exudes an executive air that is fit for formal occasions. It combines the sharp tailoring of a trench coat with the sass of a mini dress. This is a perfect corporate core.

Also, the colour turns heads. This deep royal blue is not flashy, yet it adds a deep texture and confidence to the overall look. Plus, this is a rich clothing brand, and this is another rich aunty outfit, but this is without a budget. Whoever put the design together deserves all the accolades. From the sharply tailored lapels to the button arrangement and useful front pockets, this is a smart design. It makes the clothing suitable for women who are corporately dressed for the day but still want to look stylish.

The silhouette flatters without trying too hard. It suits different body types and elevates a body from looking simple to looking classy. Whether a woman is petite or plus-sized, this outfit embodies each body frame. Now to the star of the show, denim. This fabric makes the look more luxurious than any material ever would. The beauty of the raw denim and the designer’s skill create a perfect combination.

Now that the piece has gotten all the praise it deserves, a few adjustments could make it a complete masterpiece. Firstly, the fabric texture looks too thick and may be limiting the wearer’s flexibility. Surely, every woman loves to look elegant, but never at the detriment of her comfort. A slightly softer fabric would make this dream easily attainable.

Also, the stitching looks a bit too much; from afar, it could make the dress look more like a costume than an aesthetically pleasing outfit. Moreover, mini dresses are a vibe, and this length would not entirely flatter a plus-size woman. An A-line flare would make this dress more suitable for all body shapes.

Within the wider fashion industry, Jibbs’ 2023 collection places Nigerian design firmly in the global conversation about denim’s evolution. While international houses like Balmain or Alexander McQueen have experimented with denim couture, Jibbs distinguishes itself by rooting its reinterpretation in Nigerian craft traditions and cultural narratives. This approach not only sets the brand apart from Western peers but also highlights the growing influence of African designers in redefining luxury. By transforming denim into a medium of cultural expression and sustainable artistry, Jibbs contributes to a broader shift in fashion, where heritage, inclusivity, and ethical production are becoming as important as aesthetics.

Each piece in this Jibbs 2023 collection is a statement. Interestingly, the designer used denim for all 3 pieces. While this is an innovative move, it positions the brand on a pace-setting edge. As the designer is transcending from creating runway clothes to wardrobe staples, Jibbs deserves all the flowers this year.

Abisola Omolade