A REVIEW ON LUKABI’S LATEST COLLECTION

Tosin Clegg

Since Lukman stepped into the fashion scene in 2019, he has consistently pushed the Lukabi brand relentlessly to be a voice in the industry. His latest collection proves that the fashionista does not succumb to challenges. He always brings out the best in his designs—each piece the designer crafts delivers stylish clothing that dares wearers to own their space unapologetically. From the colour choices to the tailoring, his new collection reminds us that Nigerian fashion speaks loud, bold and clear. Let’s begin with the first masterpiece in the 2024 collection.

From the moment your eyes settle on this piece, you’ll begin to reflect on the artistry of Lukman Abioye Ayorinde, the creative director of Lukabi, and how he understands the power of structure in fashion. This look speaks of balance. It merges softness and precision, and it knows what it means to be dramatic. 

The upper part cinches to the overall dress, detailing the wear with white buttons. It resembles a corset-inspired style that incorporates a kind of Victorian fashion without making it seem dated. The beige fabric flows into the perfectly tailored pleated skirt. Each fold is neat and deliberate, which adds depth to the outfit. Above the pleat, Lukman introduces a peplum with a waterfall draping, looking like a modern, high-fashion twist. 

The designer’s creative touch draws the eye toward the waistline, emphasising the model’s shape without overdoing it. 

The fabric the designer used is worth noting. The white overlay that looks like a blouse is quilted and intentionally made bold. It sits like a cape and gives a soft look. The designer’s choice elevates the piece from a normal, simple wear to a statement that speaks volumes. One beautiful thing about the beige fabric is that it is light and airy. It almost feels like a chiffon but has enough weight to hold the pleat. Overall, the fabric is soft and makes you feel at peace whenever you put it on. 

Lukman’s palette is simple. The designer’s deliberate palette choice makes the design’s details pop. How the colours are paired feels expensive and timeless. This palette soothes all kinds of events, whether daytime or nighttime. 

Next is the fitness of the outfit. The silhouette is flattering, especially at the waist, where it is snatched and free at the hips. The pleated mini skirt brings youthful energy, while the white overlay adds maturity and poise to the model’s outlook. Note that the sleeve is sewn to be unique and uncommon among other types of sleeves that exist. It frames the shoulders and gives the wearer a statuesque presence. This style is perfect for beautiful and classy photoshoots, runway moments, or fashion-forward events where subtle drama is welcomed. 

The Styling of this dress crowns the entire look. The model’s metallic heels are a perfect match. It subtly shines without stealing the attention from the dress. Her makeup, bold eyes and soft lips complement the garment’s strong and contrasting overlay. The hair’s all-back look lets the attire be the focus. 

While this outfit might look all glamorous, there is a drawback. One downside of this garment is the sleeves. The sleeves are almost too voluminous for comfort. This makes the entire outfit look too busy. Because of this, the intent behind this creation might be lost in all the drama. Instead of being unique, the outfit, to some who don’t get it, might just be plain drama. Lukabi should keep things classy but minimalistic. 

For styling, to enhance the beauty of this design, it is highly advisable to go with statement accessories that blend with the neutral colour.

Regardless of these few observations, the outlook captures exactly what Lukabi stands for. He advocates refined craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and wearable art. This value of his speaks to any woman who understands the power of dressing. 

Recommendation: Consider creating a longer version for clients who prefer more coverage but still love the design. It opens the market for both young and mature women. Also, the white overlay is bold, but switching to a lighter fabric like Organza could create a soft version of the dress’s structure. Feel free to experiment with gold or pearl buttons for a more luxurious finish. It adds a subtle statement and breaks the monotone.

Some outfits walk into the room, and others own the room. This is one of them. Lukabi’s second look is a fearless outfit that combines colour, texture and form. This kind of wear demands attention and gets the spotlight you deserve. This stylish outfit is a brick-red blouse with a voluminous puff sleeve. It’s strong yet feminine. 

What makes this dress exceptional is Lukabi’s restraint. The blouse is simple and clean, with no buttons and no fuss. Yet, the brand’s artistry speaks volumes. That’s the skill we’re talking about. 

The black wide-leg pants are where the surprise is. It is crafted from a rich, flowing fabric to elongate the model’s legs. It didn’t stop there. He adds red ruffles down each side and stitches them into the seams, and it is left to fall freely. The ruffles might look heavy in the eyes, but realistically, it is light as the model moves freely in them. The fashion genius executed this style brilliantly.

The blouse is made from cotton. This is the best choice for the blouse because it holds the sleeve’s shape. The pants are softer, which is suitable for the wide-leg fall, while the drop-down ruffles break the monotony of the black fabric. 

Red and black are always a bold combo. But Lukman handles it with care. Instead of screaming for attention, the red is deep and rich. The decision of the designer to keep the red on the ruffles of the blouse alone makes the colour feel deliberate and not overpowering. For fitness, it is clean and has a defined strong shoulder. The side ruffles create a sleek movement that gives the outfit life at every step. The blouse is tied at the back, which softens the attire’s structure. 

The model’s hair beautifies and complements the outfit, but it’s done in a way that one focuses on it. Her makeup is neutral with a hint of shimmer, complementing the bold red and black combination without competing. No accessories are needed; the wear makes all the statement. 

On the downside, the side ruffles could have been better if they had just dropped at the waist rather than dangling past the knee. It makes it look heavy and disturbing for the wearer, which might defeat Lukma’s aim for comfort and ease. Another part the designer can consider is trying out other combinations aside from red and black. While this is a perfect blend, exploring other colours can bring out the best in what the designer wants to achieve. In other words, while this is all lovely, more work could be done. Once they are considered and fixed, boom! The result could be magical.

Generally, this look redefines what strength looks like for a woman. It is confident and perfect for the woman who walks into a boardroom, gallery opening or a high-end event, leaving everyone wondering. This look is proof that Lukman isn’t just designing clothes for the fun of it; he’s building a garment for the bold.

Recommendation: Slim the ruffles, shifting them forward to avoid bulk at the sides, especially for petite clients. Try a more structured fabric like crepe for the pants to maintain the wide-leg flow while reducing the potential of its sagging. The back tie is good, but you can consider turning it into a bow or designing a clean zip finish for corporate looks. Offer this navy blue and gold design or emerald green and black for clients who love the style but want other colour combos.

Each piece of Lukabi’s 2024 collection speaks of the designer’s knowledge of structure, colour and attention to detail. From the soft beige pleated mini dress to the bold, fearless ruffles, Lukman shows us that sophistication doesn’t have to be loud; it just has to be intentional. 

This collection is for the graceful woman ready to command the room without uttering a word. And that is the true beauty of the Lukabi brand.