DIFFERENT SHADES OF BLUE: GINEVA’S 2024 COLLECTION

One popular myth associated with gender and colour is that ‘Pink is a woman’s favourite colour.’

If you were to put a hundred women in a room, you would be astonished to discover the truth. Most females are actually not fans of pink. Some women prefer black over pink. What is even more shocking is that ‘blue’, which is largely considered a masculine hue, appeals to many women.

We recently encountered a fashion series released by Gineva, and it was exciting to see that all the women’s wear in the collection featured a colour palette of different shades of blue. The CEO and lead designer, Ginika Eva Odikagbo, made a bold statement with that very collection. It was a subtle way of reshaping the minds of many people who believe in the myth that all women love pink.

In this blog post, we will review that particular collection. It is one thing to make an influence in the industry, but it is another to be excellent at what you do. Let’s see if Ginika and her team members are really experts in the field. We shall be taking each piece at a time, analysing the different features that stand out and also stating the flaws that could have been executed better.

Let us begin.

If you were to critique this cloth, what would you start with?

Well, the quality of a cloth is the first thing most customers look for when shopping. That is why most brands invest in quality materials. This outfit is made from a transparent material that has a shiny surface. Although it is a high-quality fabric, it would be a definite turn-off for modest women. Although there is an inner lining made for the piece, it still wouldn’t appeal to a certain group of women who are covered dressers. Ginika could have considered using an alternative material that isn’t so translucent. A lightweight opaque fabric, like voile, would also achieve an elegant look that wouldn’t be so transparent. Or perhaps a much better lining option if one is to maintain the fabric choice. A dark blue bra top is worn underneath the shirt as a fashion style to highlight the wearer’s bust, and a mid-thigh short is also used as a lining for the trousers. However, a camisole and a knee-length inner wear would have been more appropriate.

The shirt fits perfectly for a semi-casual event. It is a button-up shirt with buttons that have a slightly darker shade of blue. Another formal characteristic of this blouse is the collar. Its neckline is made into a band collar. It gives the top a corporate look. This unique collar is often used for formal clothes and is suitable for any weather condition. A button on the collar is used to join both ends together, but it can also be unhooked to provide optimal comfort for the wearer.

The sleeves of the blouse are extra large. The sleeve shape allows for easy movement of hands and also prevents tears due to the delicate nature of the fabric. At the end of the sleeves, feathers are embellished on the fabrics to form a trim design. This design is often used for dinner outfits, and it is also associated with luxury. It adds volume to the blouse’s structure and visual interest to the sleeves. The feathers conceal the wearer’s palms. However, they could cause discomfort in hot weather conditions.

The shirt has a firm fit at the waist region, and its length stops at the hips. The pair of trousers follows the style of the shirt. Its legs are in sync with the shape of the sleeves. They are wide and loose, the perfect fit for women with thick thighs. The trouser cut enables unrestricted movement of the wearer and provides maximum comfort throughout. At the ankle region, feather trims are added as a decorative feature similar to that on the sleeves. This design is prone to picking up dirt. Having the embellishment on just the sleeves creates enough drama for this piece.

Let’s proceed to the next piece, shall we?

This outfit is a two-piece set made from bright blue cotton fabric and silver and blue brocade material. The blouse is the highlight of this piece. Like the new generation will say, ‘It is giving everything that it should be giving.’ Both materials are premium fabrics that announce luxury in a subtle tone.

The brocade fabric is used to make the blouse. The neckline is a high band-collar that has a central opening. The cutout at the front reveals the wearer’s skintone and draws attention to the face. It also provides breathability and free movement of the neck. Silver buttons with a tint of brown are used at the front to fasten the fabric. The upper bust has a firm fit that defines the wearer’s bust.

The blouse has no sleeves, so a creative concept was used to make an elaborate shoulder covering that extends at the front and back to slightly conceal the arms. This design is sure to boost the wearer’s confidence. From the underbust, the design takes a different turn. The fabric is folded into medium-sized pleats and hemmed neatly to the other cut of the blouse. Bold earrings would perfectly enhance the beauty of the blouse and the wearer.

Furthermore, the blue pair of trousers is made from a plain bright blue material. The material is lightweight and tender on the skin. The legs of the trousers are wide and exaggerated. It is the typical shape of palazzo trousers. They provide ease and extra comfort for the wearer. Whoever wears it need not worry about tears. The length of the trousers is another unique feature. The fabric flows freely to the ground and conceals the wearer’s feet completely. Although this is a creative design, its large volume and excess fabric could cause one to trip. A heel-length palazzo serves as a better alternative while still being visually pleasing.

Most women would love this piece, and here is why. First, it is a modest style. The decency makes it suitable for everyday wear. The trousers can be styled with a different blouse. The colour palette also allows for multiple styling options. Overall, this piece is extraordinary.

Now, let’s review the final piece.

It is almost like Ginika said, ‘Enough with the trousers and shirts, let’s explore dress styles.’

This gown is endearing and is a must-have for every woman. The fabric used is of premium quality. It is light on the skin and perfect for all seasons. The gown has a round neckline that sets the mood of the design. While this is an acceptable cut, a keyhole neckline would have been more alluring. It would have added more details to the gown while still being modest.

The sleeves of this gown are extraordinarily long. They have a loose fit, and they stop at the knuckles. The wide sleeves permit the hands to move freely, but they are not very alluring to onlookers. A tight-fitting sleeve would complement this dress better. It would also give the overall piece a more structured look.

At the back, an invisible zipper joins the gown together. But the real drama of this piece only begins from the waist. This piece has an A-cut shape from the posterior view. This is a creative use of the fabric to add volume to the piece. However, at the hip region, the material is gathered in pleats to form a mini drape from one edge of the gown down to the centre and then back up to another edge.

It is quite clear that Ginika did it to exaggerate the model’s hips, but it wasn’t successfully executed. The pleats should have been positioned horizontally with a slight curve. To be frank, the seam in the middle gives the gathers an uneven look.

The design at the front is totally different. The gathered pleats flow from both sides of the gown, forming an X-shape. What makes this design unique is the opening underneath the X-cut. It is a flawless style made to flaunt the wearer’s legs and allow ease of movement. This piece reflects the excellent craftsmanship of the team members at Gineva.

Every fashion creative at Gineva is truly amazing. Nonetheless, there is room for improvement and also the need for designers and tailors to pay attention to details. Fashion is more than tailoring. It is an art and a means of expression. Ginika must embrace the artistic side of the industry to upscale her brand. Hopefully, this is done, and the next collection comes out even better.

Abisola Omolade