THE LFJ SS25 COLLECTION – WEARABLE ART

Everyone wants a brand that doesn’t just give them wearable fashion but also has a traditional feel to it, and that’s where LFJ (Love from Julez) comes in.

The brand is popularly known as Love from Julez, and they’ve set an identity of making every clothing a wearable art.

Today, the brand has presented its SS25 collection. And it’s not just for a random showcase; it’s for the Lagos Fashion Week! Was it the applause? Abi, the cheers? It was everywhere.

Still, there are a lot of people who are sceptical about the collection, calling it all hype.

Anyways, I’m here to unveil each piece to see if it’s worth every hype, or below the standard.

This collection opens up with a bold yet sculptural piece. And it’s one piece that plays with volume and texture.

Here, LFJ uses lightweight translucent fabric in layered coils. Now, this creates that floating ethereal silhouette that everyone can’t help but want. Crazy, right?

Now for the main gist.

I’ll start with the pink upper section that wraps around the shoulders. What I love about this is the cocoon-like form it has. A lot may look at this and be like, Omg, what is this? But the truth is that this is pure art.

The mint-green lower section spirals around the leg, and this is giving that organic flow.

There is also a playful experiment between structure and softness here. And to me, it suggests a deliberate push towards experimental couture.

Speaking of experimental, I’d say that this is inspired by the Yoruba Gele. Where are the Yorubas in the house?! The Voluminous sculptural wrapping technique resembles the folded and layered style of our Nigerian mothers’ gele, creating a dramatic shape.

Now, for those things that may need improvement.

These suggestions don’t mean the outfit isn’t good. Far from that, self. It’s just there to improve the general public’s opinion on this piece.

I’ll begin with the overwhelming volume and shape. Hmmm! The exaggerated sculptural styling, especially around the shoulders and hips, may not meet the interest of the public.

Why? It’s simply because it creates this bulky silhouette that may overwhelm the wearer’s frame. Leaving this style on without improving on it can distract from the overall elegance and make the piece appear less refined.

Another flaw here is the colour harmony. Yes, this was praised earlier. However, this can be another gbese, which means a debt caused by the flaw. Many will find that while the pastel pink and mint green are individually soft and appealing, their combination lacks a strong visual satisfaction.

Both colours blend in a way that makes the design appear less structured.

One more observation is that the outfit looks stiff, and this may restrict natural movement and make the outfit less functional. And for runways like Lagos Fashion Week, this can affect the fluidity of the presentation.

With that being said, how can LFJ make this better?

They can refine the silhouette. It’d be best if they could reduce the volume from the top or the bottom. Doing this can create that balanced proportion the outfit needs. Let’s take, for instance. The designers could keep the dramatic top, yes. But the skirt needs to be streamlined.

They could also introduce neutral colours. If that doesn’t work, then darker colours like black or even deep grey can give off that harmonious look.

While doing all these, it will be best to also consider making the structure more flexible. This can retain LFJ’s artistic form. Not just that, it can also help with easy movement.

It also gives off the African masquerade costumes or Egungun. The layered, flowing style gives off that traditional masquerade attire. They often use fabric stripes to create that dynamic motion that just puts everyone in awe.

It also seemed to be inspired by our handwoven aso-oke. But it is interpreted in our modern, synthetic style.

All in all, I’d say this looks relevant in the fashion industry. It inspires other fashion brands and, of course, pulls in media attention for the brand.

The voluminous sculptural design reminds me of the work of Van Herpen. She is someone famous for making pieces that look futuristic. However, LFJ’s design holds the African blueprint imprinted all over it.

Moving on to the next.

Now, this second outfit is giving that traditional wedding guest vibe. If there is one thing to love here, it is the bold silhouette everyone wants when attending occasions like that.

I mean, just look at the way it blends well with the usual avant-garde fashion we are so used to. Plus, it also has that distinctive Nigerian flair of drama everyone just craves.

In this one eh, the silver pleats look sculptural. It looks like something that fits the museum right? is it straight out of a painting? And the red? it just adds a different kind of energy. More like it is giving off that pepper dem gang energy.

The red details also remind me of our coral bead arrangement. This is something that symbolises both prestige and festivity. The knot gathering at the waist also gives off the way the Iro (wrapper) is tied.

Also, this pleated silver fabric is definitely inspired by our aso-oke, which is used for ceremonial attire.

However, the combination of red and silver may appease the eye, but the contrast feels a bit clashing.

All in all, this outfit is the balance we need in both cultural heritage and modern innovation.

Omo, in this next outfit, the top has this layered, pleated organza fabric in soft yellow and pink.

It is also arranged in a wave form, which I find interesting.

As a proud Nigerian, I can say that the pleated, layered detailing is reminiscent of our famous gele. Even the bold colour resembles the Yoruba aso-ebi fabrics.

LFJ also reinterpreted the iro style in the fluid metallic skirt.

The combination of the yellow and pink is playful. No denying that one. But adding the metallic skirt brings in a contrasting texture.

How can LFJ improve on this?

The designers can reduce the size of the yellow pleat. This could then create a more balanced and wearable look.

For my own advice, the designers could consider pairing the pastel top with a skirt. The skirt can come in a soft tone. It could be blush, cream, or maybe muted gold.

Now, to this masterpiece.

If there’s one thing I love here, it’s how the designers played with everything.

I mean, from the pleats down to the layered transparency. Everything is just fire . . . or should I say water.

Is it the cascading folds that are in blue and yellow? That one alone is giving that sense of comfort. It reminds me of the ocean waves.

The cool and warm tones remind me of our Ankara prints and Aso-oke weaving. Omo Yoruba!

Not just that o, the pleated fabric layers add interesting texture. But this could become a double-edged sword.

The volume in the front can hide the wearer’s shape, making the overall figure less flattering. And nobody wants that.

To make this better, the brand will just have to redistribute the pleats. This can help reveal more of the natural body line for balance.

I’d also say that this piece pushes boundaries. It just influences the mainstream fashion indirectly by inspiring more commercial adaptation.

Moving the spotlight to an even more exciting piece.

For this next outfit, we have a multi-layered styling and it has everything!

And I’m talking about how it draws inspiration from natural elements.

The blue tones give off the feel of water and sky. The purple is hinting at twilight. And the yellow represents sunlight.

But despite these praises, the colour coordination might come in as an issue o.

People looking at this would think that the yellow at the hem looks out of place, and no one can blame them.

But if there is a better blended transition with the colours, this piece would have a smoother visual flow. Overall, this dress is creative.

Moving to the sixth outfit on the list.

Alright, for this one look, we’ve got something straight out of African magic epic dramas.

The matching sleeveless top and shorts seem to be drawing inspiration from our very own agbada. Some can even argue danshiki.

There are areas here that, personally, I feel like the brand can do better, no doubt. Let’s take, for instant the loose fit.

Now, for this, it’s good. Some people love baggy things. But for this one, it just looks raw. It’s like there are no clear tailoring lines.

LFJ can just add some tailoring on the shoulder and waist to enhance the silhouette.

Moving on to the final look of this collection.

For this final look, the styling looks like a fitted jumpsuit with leopard prints.

This is very common in African fashion. It connects to nature and also symbolises strength and vitality.

The net overlay adds to the beauty and depth. Also, this whole style seems to have been gotten from Niger Delta Nigerian traditions. Because there, fishing communities use nets as part of daily life.

Now, the leopard print and the fishnet overlay are nice o. But it gives off some disconnection. It’s like they are fighting for attention.

The designer can choose a more subtle print. This will allow the fishnet to stand out without clashing with the leopard print.

This SS25’s latest collection just confirms LFJ as one of the most distinctive brands in African fashion.. The brand surely lives up to its aim of providing wearable art.

The full collection just reminds me of Cecilie Benhesen. This artist is just known for making voluminous outfits that give a person’s figure a romantic feel. Also, I can say it gives off the works of Salem Fessahaya as well. She is someone who is known for her bold colours. But for this collection, there is that touch of African heritage attached to it.

And though LFJ has just unveiled their latest collection, the public can’t stop talking about what they’ve planned to release for the next season.

Abisola Omolade