FASHION REVIEW: WHERE AFRICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS SUSTAINABILITY

Tosin Clegg

Many fashion brand today values crafting beautiful pieces over ethical, sustainable practices. This ideology is currently being challenged. With the belief that one shouldn’t be prioritised over the other, Jibbs, a Nigeria-based luxury fashion house, is dedicated to celebrating African craftsmanship through sustainable practices. 

Founded in 2018 by Ajibola Opeyemi Olusoga, Jibbscontinues to serve as an inspiration to many in the fashion industry. The 2024 collection is a blend of contemporary styles with traditional Nigerian crafting. The collection is more than just aesthetics, it is a celebration of resilience, cultural heritage and the creative spirit of the modern Nigerian woman. 

Let’s explore the collection together!

The first piece from the 2024 collection is a one-shoulder gown. The choice of colouris a bold move from the Jibbs design team and speaks highly of the team’s direction. It gives a touch of confidence and vibrancy to the look. The piece captures the attention of the audience, and it is for any womanwho wants to exude confidence.

The piece is an orange dress with a one-shoulder arm. From the front view, the top part wraps gracefully around the model. And the neckline is enhanced with overlapping details with the same material that stretches to the single arm. The arms are folded in such a unique way, shaped like a bow, lying delicately on the neck. This adds a kind of captivating flair that makes the piece memorable.

The gown flows to the ground, structured and fitted on the body. It hugs the body in all the right places. Thefront layer is intentionally placed such that it elongates to one side of the piece. This further enhances the movement of the wearer and the visual appeal of the piece. 

However, while the arm is creative, the bow-like structure might feel bulky and distracting where it isplaced. The designer could consider changing the position of the design such that it balances the overall sophistication of the piece. 

The front layer of the gown, while also striking without its detailed tailoring, could benefit from a slight fluid integration with the rest of the gown. This is to avoid the gown looking disjointed in appearance and to make it more versatile for all women of different body sizes and shapes. 

Overall, this gown is a perfect blend of bold colour, detailed stitches and contemporary styles. This further shows Jibbs’s willingness to push beyond boundaries and craft pieces that defy conventional design. 

From the back view, the arm extends the back, giving a look at the detailed creativity and the craftsmanship of Jibbs. The gown runs smoothly down to the knee. 

Another angle that could be improved upon is the choice of fabric. For example, if the fabric is too stiff, the beauty of the gown may be compromised. And if it is too soft, it might not hold. The balance in this quality is very essential. 

With all these considerations, the gown can transform the ordinary woman into something extraordinary. If you are looking for an elegant look at your next gala event, consider pairing this gown with accessories, like a gold clutch or a minimalist heel. This is so that you don’t overwhelm the gown. 

The second piece is a breath-taking pink gown that effortlessly balances modern elegance with innovation. The gown neckline is cut asymmetrically, offering a unique twist in contrast to the conventional design. And when we think that is just all. The neckline design continues its flow. The design, also different, adds another little edge to the gown. This sets the gown apart from the traditional evening wear. 

The hemline extends to the ankle, giving the long, fitted sleeves a sleek shape that flatters the figure and adds a bit of modern drama. The silhouette is tailored and structured in a way that hugs the body down, right from the waist, bringing alive the wearer’s shape. 

The chosen hue, a dark shade of pink, is also striking. It captures attention because of its overpowering nature. The choice of shade is not too distracting, yet not too soft to go unnoticed. It is a definition of subtle sophistication with a touch of boldness. And this is what makes it versatile for both formal and informal gatherings. 

Now to the real magic of the piece: its lower part. The design cut in a zig-zag form is carefully sewn on the gown. It gives a unique yet playful contrast to the gown’s otherwise sleek structure. The lower part, with its layered effect, offers movement to its wearer. It is light, structured, but still free, giving the gown a finer finish. The detailed hemline and tailoring are worth noting. They reflect Jibbs’ commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.

However, the zig-zag attachment might risk being overly decorative and heavy, particularly to those who prefersimplicity over other features. The designer could consider another transition that would not be overwhelming but still offer visual harmony to the overall feel of the gown. 

This gown is an introduction to a feminine, structurallybalanced design wrapped in innovation. From daytimeevents to evening settings, the piece can adapt with the right accessories. 

From this vantage angle, the gown is seen to be held together with a zipper, showing flexibility when being worn. This offers easy access in and out of the piece. A wise addition from the Jibbsbrand. 

Here, the fitted collar, while fitted and elegant, could feel restrictive to its wearer. Also, depending on the wearer’s height or body type, the designer could consider another variation of collar length and width. This would enhance the versatility of the piece. 

The lower part of the gown from this view offers another visual appeal, which draws the eyes downward. The addition makes the dress perfect for the red carpet. 

What comes to mind at first glance? Whatever it is, the fact is, the word‘beautiful’ is an understatement to use in describing thepiece. To start with, the choice of fabric is a smart one. The material, as seen from the image, appears to be soft and lightweight with floral patterns in earthly hues of deep red and brown, on a white based textile popping out softly. 

The collar is fitted tightly to the model’s neck, covering it completely with no gaps. Then the neckline extends into long sleeves. The extended sleeves add a subtle drama to the gown’s overall feel. However, the fitted collar might be restrictive or uncomfortable for longer wear. A slit or a cut at the back might provide ease without compromising on the style. 

The upper part of the gown is structured, tailored to look as if it is tucked into the lower part. But that is not the case. This effect creates a sense of mystery; the visual break between the top and bottom gives an impression of a two-piece ensemble, though the piece is a one-piecestyle.  

The lower part of the gown flows like a skirt, but rather it is attached to the top, with a side cut that reveals a glimpse of the skin. This bold cut is framed like a crop top layered over a skirt. This design from Jibbs’ 2024 collection redefines the balance between modesty and modernity, structure and softness. But the cut at the side could be worked on to ensure it complements all body types. 

Overall, this piece tells a story of identity, structure, and modesty. It invites onlookers to look twice and question what they see. The 2024 collection is more than aesthetics, it is a blend of Nigerian craftsmanship, sustainable manufacturing to empower women. Each piece tells a story of the diverse cultural heritage and the move to redefine what it means to be a woman today. 

Jibbs is more than just a fashion brand. It is a movement that supports fashion that reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly practices. The fashion house is largely heavy on sustainability, and this is seen in how they source materials used in every piece. As it stands, Ajibola strives to inspire women and, in general, fashion brands to prioritise quality, sustainability and cultural integrity in the industry. 

This is an invitation to join a community that believes that fashion has a purpose. One that respects our heritage and the earth.