Fashion Review: Cosmopolitan Excellence

With the many fashion brands churning out designs by the minute, it’s become a challenge to find one that delivers to desired expectations. Well, after a careful search, it seems we’ve found a brand going in the right direction.

Cosmopolitan is that brand that knows what today’s woman needs, something that just works whether you’re out making moves or simply showing up and showing off. The brand has spent the last five years perfecting the art of creating pieces that look and feel good. From clean cuts to bold prints, everything they make is made to flatter the body and boost confidence. The brand has also been able to garner partnerships with renowned boutiques across Africa like The Lotte Accra, Ghana; RJ4 and 41 Luxe, Lagos & Abuja to display some of Cosmopolitans’ attire.

Led by Arimiyau Kolapo Mustapha, the brand leans into timeless fashion. You can tell there’s a real love for detail and a respect for the female form in every piece.

This collection? It’s doing a lot, and we mean that in a good way. There’s drama, there’s edge, and there’s some softness too. Let’s walk through the 2025 collection pieces and see how well they carry the Cosmopolitan name.

Okay, let’s talk about this look.

By just looking at it, you’re hit with that vibrant pink and white pattern. The strapless cut works well for the upper body, letting the print shine without too much competition. The tailoring of the top is structured enough to hold its own, with clean lines and no drama.

Now, where it gets more complex is in the construction of the bottom half. These pants are wide-legged and dramatic, which is already a strong move, but then the designer went and layered more detail on top, literally. We’ve got panel-like flaps on each leg, trimmed with fringe. It’s giving: “I had a vision and I committed to it,” which is admirable. But now the thing is: there’s a very fine line between creative and overdesigned, and this one is toeing that line.

Let’s dissect this.
Here’s what works:
The colour choice is fun and refreshing. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it has that almost pop-art energy.

The bold print is striking, and the vertical direction helps elongate the frame, which would be an edge for shorter ladies.

The strapless bodice balances the volume below. It keeps the look grounded and doesn’t overwhelm the upper body.

However, here’s what doesn’t quite hit:
The layered panels on the pants feel like they’re doing a bit too much. Visually, they add bulk, and it seems to be taking the attention away from the actual design. They interrupt the flow of the silhouette and make the leg area feel heavy and boxy.

The fringe trim… hmm. It tries to introduce texture, but instead, it distracts. It’s more like a costume than a couture, and it doesn’t elevate the look. We think it clutters it, even.

The overall length and structure of the pants almost eat up the model’s frame. With less height or heels, the outfit could easily swallow the wearer. And it’s not a good look.

It’s like the design had multiple voices talking at once: “Let’s do print!” “Add texture!” “Make it architectural!” … and surprisingly, no one said, “Okay, but where’s the breathing space?” Well, right now, it’s like a fashion full of ideas but afraid to let one shine. If you stripped back the extra panels and maybe ditched the fringe altogether, it could transform into something striking.

This look switches lanes from vibrant to polished real quick. We’re in power suit territory now, and the vibes are very much bold and poised.

Let’s start with the construction. The tailoring is clean… really clean. You can tell this outfit was designed with structure in mind. The high-waisted trousers fall straight with no drama. The jacket is cropped just enough to define the waist, and that sharp lapel detail adds a nice punch of formality to it.

The subtle pattern on the fabric gives it enough texture to be interesting. It’s pink, yes… but more like ‘grown-woman pink’. If you know, you know. It’s classy, but still fun.

Let’s explore the working details.

First, the proportions are solid. The cropped jacket and high-waisted pants are a solid combo. It balances everything out. A1 for that.

The inner shirt breaks up the pink well. It’s a very good contrast to the pink two-piece
This outfit is quite versatile. It’s the kind of outfit you can wear to a fashion brunch and then to a press event without blinking. It travels between worlds easily. A1 for that, as well.

Now, to the other side of what could be better.

The sleeves feel a little stiff at the cuffs. It’s giving a bit of mannequin energy. Maybe if they were slightly softer or pushed up just a bit, it’d make the look feel balanced than it does now.

Not forgetting the shoes… sure, we don’t need them to steal the show. However, a slightly bolder pair, maybe something with texture or a metallic touch, could’ve elevated the whole vibe.

This is easily one of the strongest pieces from the collection. It feels mature and thoughtfully designed. It leaves a solid impression that screams “I’m stylish”. If the earlier looks felt like ideas in progress, this one feels closer to the finish line.

Here comes the finale, with fierce red colour with a slightly orange tinge, unapologetic.

Let’s just start by saying this outfit enters the room with shoulders back and head high. It’s a full monochrome moment in rich scarlet, which instantly commands attention. This bright red colour is a conversation starter.

We’ve got a sleeveless asymmetric top that drapes dramatically to one side, like a cape and a blouse had a stylish baby. It creates an interesting shape, almost sculptural. Then you look down and…bam! Those flared hems hit you like a retro throwback. The bell-bottoms are bold, theatrical, and maybe just a little bit cheeky.

Let’s highlight the features that stand out:
The colour. Red is always a power move, and here, it’s executed well. The fabric has a bit of texture, too, which keeps it from looking flat.

The silhouette is unapologetic. That cape-style drape on the top adds finesse and movement all at once.

The flared trousers are fun. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they bring energy. It gives this “fashion-forward auntie who knows her worth” kind of vibe. And that’s a whole mood. Really.

But hey, even with the stand-out features, there are some things not quite clicking:
The top, while striking, has a bit of a volume control issue. It’s heavy on one side and leaves the other side a little… empty. There’s an imbalance that could’ve been played with a bit more.

The pants, as playful as they are, might not be the most flattering for all body types. While the flare works in an editorial sense, it might feel like too much in real life.

Also, there’s a small disconnect between the drama on top and the drama at the helm. It’s like two big statements competing for the spotlight instead of sharing it. We don’t think that’s ideal.

This outfit is pure personality. It wants to be seen. And with a little refining, especially balancing out the top and smoothing the flow between top and bottom, it could go from ‘interesting’ to “iconic.” Still, as a closing piece in the collection, it makes sense. It ends the collection with a bang, even if it’s a slightly chaotic one.

To wrap it up, this collection from Cosmopolitan feels like a brand experimenting with style, shape, and colour. The brand clearly isn’t afraid to take risks, and that’s part of what makes the brand exciting.

There’s thought in the structure and a clear effort to speak to the woman who wants her clothes to converse without her having to say a word. It may not be a flawless win across the board, but it’s a collection with potential. If this is where Cosmopolitan is heading, then we’re still watching.

Abisola Omolade