A Critique of “The Royal Majesty” Collection by Styled by Dolly

By Seun Emmanuel

Fashion, at its core, is a reflection of culture, heritage, and artistic expression. In her latest collection, The Royal Majesty, Adedolapo Adedoyin Ajani of Styled by Dolly embarks on a journey of regal elegance, celebrating the richness of traditional Nigerian attire while infusing modern elements into her designs. The collection, which showcases male traditional attires such as buba and agbada alongside the female iro and buba, is a striking representation of royal aesthetics rooted in cultural heritage.

One of the standout features of The Royal Majesty collection is its ability to honor the deep cultural significance of traditional Nigerian clothing while making it accessible to a contemporary audience. The craftsmanship is evident in the structured silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and opulent fabric choices. Styled by Dolly successfully captures the grandeur associated with Yoruba royalty, particularly in the male agbada pieces, which exude authority and refinement.

The color palette is another noteworthy aspect. The deep hues of royal blue, gold, and wine red evoke a sense of nobility and sophistication, reinforcing the theme of the collection. Additionally, the female iro and buba sets are a highlight, with their delicate embellishments and well-tailored fits that enhance the elegance of traditional African femininity.

While The Royal Majesty excels in its dedication to tradition, there are areas where the collection could have pushed the envelope further. The male agbada designs, though undeniably luxurious, remain quite conventional. A more daring approach—perhaps incorporating contemporary cuts, asymmetry, or fusion with modern menswear elements—could have given the collection a more avant-garde edge.

For the female ensembles, while the iro and buba are beautifully crafted, a few more experimental drapes or innovative fabric manipulations could have elevated the collection beyond just heritage wear. The risk of playing too safely within tradition is that it may limit broader market appeal, especially among younger demographics looking for a fresh take on cultural fashion.

Overall, The Royal Majesty is a well-executed collection that pays homage to Nigerian royal fashion with impeccable detailing and fabric selection. Styled by Dolly has once again proven her mastery in designing traditional attire with grace and grandeur. However, for future collections, incorporating bolder silhouettes and modern styling techniques could propel her work to a new level of innovation, ensuring that traditional fashion not only remains preserved but also evolves for contemporary and global audiences.

Adedolapo Adedoyin Ajani has undoubtedly established herself as a designer with a strong cultural voice. With a bit more experimental flair, she has the potential to redefine how traditional African fashion is perceived on an international scale.