THE REAL DEAL: AISOBEN TAKES THE STAGE WITH ITS 2024 COLLECTION

What is fashion?

Fashion can mean different things to different people. For some, it is loud and bold, while it is quiet and minimalist to others.

Fashion is more about an existence rather than an outfit. It is the clothing people choose to wear to show bits of their identity to those around them, plus, every person responds differently to the same outfit. With this knowledge, the main function of fashion houses extends beyond clothing production; they help you wear something that fits you, not just in size, but in essence.

Meet Aisoben, the rising fashion brand that’s been making waves since 2021. They’re not just out here making cute outfits for the moment. Aisoben is all about pieces marinated in style and quality. Every design feels intentional, as if it were made with you in mind. In such a voracious and fast-paced African fashion atmosphere, sometimes designs that individualise people can be more than just a market advantage; they can be an asset that sets fashion houses apart. Aisoben’s work so far has been predicated on satisfying the massively changing tastes of their customers through tailored features and interpretative techniques. It has ultimately propelled this budding fashion outlet into a leader in custom-made wear that seamlessly blends luxury with the continuous textile revolution.

Their 2024 collection has been on everyone’s lips since the day it was unveiled due to the signature Aisoben feel. But does it live up to the hype? Today, I will be breaking it all down.
I will see if it’s just noise or the real deal. But first, it would not be premature to comment on the inspiration behind this collection. In fact, I cannot properly review this collection without first acknowledging the concept that made it a reality. The ruched waist and bell-like flow methods juxtapose with the 1970s vintage while retaining its feminine modesty.

This piece is giving drama in the best way. The colour mix? It focuses on intricate patterns with purple, blue and a little bit of green colours, which looks experimental and eye-catching. The full-length flowing gown screams both old school and modern elegance. Now, look at the sleeves! They add that extra flair (literally). This feature isn’t just there as a design, but it also gives us that vintage feel.

But what is most impressive about this outfit is not just the features, but also the flowy silhouette that augments femininity at its peak. The carefully manicured cuts set the tone for a soft and well-defined relationship between feminine power and a sense of cultural belonging.

Looking at the side of the dress, we can see the ruched detailing. This doesn’t just sit there; it also adds what can be known as texture and dimension to the garment, which creates a flattering outline by highlighting the waist.

Now, is it for everyone? Maybe not. There are many people out there who might think the colours and design on this outfit are too much. You can’t wear this on a casual day. For a formal event, you can go for this. It doesn’t just spice up your appearance; it can also turn heads for the right reasons.

Another part can be the neckline. If it were switched up to a V-neck, that could bring in more edge and elegance, making the whole outfit even more versatile. An off-shoulder neckline is another excellent option. It can give it a romantic and feminine feel when showing off a bit of shoulder. You know, the kind of switch that makes the dress feel more personal, like something you can make your own

Let’s move to the next look.

This two-piece set gives a balanced vibe. It features a matching V-neck long-sleeved top with layered sleeves that immediately catch your eye. The sleeves are a little extra, by the way. Let’s be real about the ruffled sleeves; they feel a bit too much to me. The outfit has a clean, balanced vibe, but the sleeves throw that off. It’s giving “trying too hard” when the outfit could have easily been more polished with something simpler. Having a straight sleeve can do a better job. It may seem simple, but it retains the classy feel of the original styling, allowing the outfit to shine.

The sculptural cuts for this outfit set it apart from others in this collection, and it can only be described as a dance between sleekness and complexity. However, it is this balance that gives the outfit a stylish appeal.

The high-waisted trousers give a refined and elegant touch to the overall outfit, elevating its sophistication. This design choice creates a polished silhouette that complements the wearer’s figure, exuding a sense of maturity and modernity. The combination of the high-waisted trousers with the top results in a fresh, cohesive look that aligns with contemporary fashion preferences, appealing to individuals seeking a stylish yet mature ensemble. The elevated waistline not only enhances the outfit’s aesthetic but also offers versatility, making it suitable for various occasions, from professional settings to elevated casual events.

The material looks soft, which suggests it’s probably made of satin. It has that flow that makes the outfit expensive without screaming it. And the fit? Look at it, the way it hugs the body in all the right places while giving the wearer the right shape. Who doesn’t want that? It’s not looking uncomfortable, and a lot of people want just that. They want to look good while feeling good as well, and this outfit is serving both.

The outfit strikes a balance between formal and casual, which can work on both occasions. The colour also looks like a wise choice as it can work with anything. However, in real life, white is high maintenance. One tiny stain and it’s over. Wearing this, you have to be very careful, and not everyone has the time for that.

The waistline, in some ways, looks a bit boring. A simple touch could change the vibe, such as adding a belt, which won’t change the style but enhances it. Either way, this outfit is eating while leaving no crumbs on the table, and will definitely do well with the public.

Now, onto the next look is a vibrant green dress that knows how to grab attention in the best way possible. The colour itself is enough to turn heads. It’s not just bright, it is bold. You can feel the confidence energy this is giving without doing too much. If you walk into an occasion wearing this, of course, you’re going to get noticed.

It’s not just the colour doing all the work. The design of the dress brings something new to the table. There’s this interesting edge to it that doesn’t fall into the typical “safe” dress category.

Particularly when I examine the construction of the outfit, the cuts, the silhouette and even the textiles used, it reinvents femininity on a major scale. The design signature creates a delicate but also unmistakable interchange between pure tenderness and a bold statement.

Let’s start with the sleeves. It isn’t just long and flowing, it’s also dramatic in the best way. They give the dress this soft, graceful movement that instantly elevates the look. Then there’s the floor-length cut, which adds that touch of class to it without feeling old school. The modesty of the long sleeves adds certain grace to the outfit, and it also doesn’t look boring. It looks experimental.

Where things get interesting is the neckline. The cutout detail brings in a distinct look. Another standout is the knot detail at the waist. It’s a smart touch that shapes the body without doing too much. The material is also luxurious. It has that smooth, almost silk-like look. You can tell this is the type of dress that moves with you, not against you. It looks comfortable and suitable for a full-day formal event.

You can wear this as a wedding guest or even on a dinner date. It doesn’t need many accessories like overly designed earrings or neck chains because the styling on this outfit already speaks for itself.

Even with how well put together this look already is, there’s still enough room to make it better. Small changes here and there could easily switch up the vibe and give it a fresh feel without losing the original design.

Let me begin with the neckline. There are a lot out there that prefer a bit more coverage. Switching up to a high collar neck can do the trick. This could, in a way, switch the energy of the outfit. But this can be considered if you want to stand out.

The knot at the waist is cute, but to some, it might not be giving. And that’s because it can either not fit their body type, or they think having a knot there might be a bit too much. Switching the knot to a self-belt can be a great move because it can easily uplift the style. If a self-belt can’t be considered as an option, it’s best to take out the knot completely and let the dress flow naturally.

Also, not many people are into full-length gowns. Imagine this same design, but cut to knee length. It can give the outfit a more youthful vibe without losing its classy originality. These changes aren’t losing the originality of this outfit; it’s just giving it more options for the public.

I do not doubt that this collection is suggestive of designs from the Aga Culture. But while Aga focuses more on weaving cultural identity into their designs, Aisoben differentiate itself by weaving individuality and femininity into this collection. Another brand that comes to mind is Pepper Row. They use colour and silhouettes to stamp design signatures on their outfits, while this collection proves that Aisoben can use the same components to create elevated pieces that stand the test of time.

The pieces in this collection are not just clothes; they speak without words. Each design not only looks good, but also holds something. It’s like saying each design shows identity to the wearer, and honestly, that’s what makes the collection stand out.

What’s interesting is how Aisoben isn’t just following a trend but clearly carving its path. You can feel the originality in every look and the confidence in their work that is hard to miss. There is also this quiet boldness in them, challenging what we’re used to seeing.

I do acknowledge the designer Aisosa Faithful Enodunmwenben. These pieces were put together in a way that makes it clear that they know who they’re designing for and who their audiences are, to the point that nothing feels rushed or random.

One thing can be said at this point. Aisoben isn’t just here for the moment; they are building something that feels fresh but grounded. After seeing what they did with this, we are keeping our eyes on them and already anticipating the next collection. And that’s because if this is the direction they’re going with, then the future is very promising.

Conclusively, this collection is a testament to the fact that Aisoben has what it takes to catapult the African fashion scene into the global stratosphere. With more improvement in delivering features and balancing colours, this fashion brand can make a daunting statement with its designs. While it is not an easy feat to grow a skin in the game of fashion, Aisoben’s ability to adapt to fleeting market demands and trends might just keep them on their feet for the long haul.

Abisola Omolade