A review on UGEE 2023 collection: Saving pockets, upgrading closets

We know that fashion is fun, expressive, and yes, sometimes a little bit extra. Yet, we love it! But let’s talk about something a bit more interesting.

The fashion industry, fabulous as it is, can leave quite a mark on the planet, bringing sustainable fashion-inspired brands like Ugee to the limelight.

If you’re someone who cares about the planet but still wants to look amazing, then you should consider embracing a futuristic concept like sustainable fashion.

So, what exactly is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion focuses on quality, longevity, ethical production, and creates clothing that ensures the safety of the environment. It’s all about choosing eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and creating pieces that are built to last, not just for Instagram.

Sustainable fashion asks us to buy thoughtfully and care for our clothes, so they last longer and have a smaller impact on the planet.

Let’s break this down ―

Your everyday fashion runs fast, producing clothes at lightning speed with fabrics that, unfortunately, leave a big carbon footprint. Think about this: sometimes, you buy these quick-fix clothes and wear them a few times, because let’s face it, social media has a way of making you feel guilty for repeating outfits, and then toss them when the next trend comes along.

The result? Mountains of discarded clothes pile up somewhere in your closet or perhaps donated to charity.

But this doesn’t stop water from getting polluted with toxic textile dyes. It’s like the fashion industry hit “mute” on the planet’s distress call or in simple terms, implies how many brands choose to prioritise speed, profit, and trends over the environmental and ethical consequences of their production processes. But all thanks to forward-thinking fashion labels like Ugee.

Founded by Artistic Director, Isama Vincent Ugochukwu, Ugee is all about creating iconic, meaningful pieces that celebrate African culture and treat the earth like a precious friend.

Even so, a key pioneer in the slow fashion industry, Stella McCartney, has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion, championing eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing since day one.

Like Ugee, Stella is leading the charge by using vegetarian and animal-free alternatives, and she’s pushing boundaries with innovative materials like Mylo (a mushroom-based leather) and lab-grown spider silk.

These designers remind us that fashion can still be artful, meaningful, and planet-saving.
Do you know the big part of sustainable fashion’s secret sauce? The materials.

Everyday fabrics like polyester are made from petroleum ― you guessed it right; it’s the same stuff we put in our cars. But you know what? Once they are made, they don’t break down for hundreds of years.

Imagine buying a dress that could outlive you, your kids, and possibly their grandkids — weird, right?

Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled components are basically some examples of sustainable materials.

Ugochukwu, for instance, sources African-inspired patterned fabrics that are natural and high-quality, so your wardrobe doesn’t get cramped with pieces of clothing that you would rather not steal a second glance at. And the bonus?

These eco-friendly materials are often more breathable, comfortable, and even better for your skin. It’s a win-win!

Fast fashion is notorious for creating clothes that look great until you wash them twice. In response, Ugochukwu and his team of creatives craft timeless designs inspired by African heritage.

We mean, clothes you can wear season after season, not to mention that they don’t lose their charm or fall apart at the seams. These pieces are more like old friends—reliable, dependable, and always stylish.

When Ugee released a batch of heart-melting designs in 2023, we knew something was about to change in the way we look. A collection of 6 vibrant masterpieces, each ensemble captures a new dimension of African trends with a touch of fusion fashion.

As fashion journalists, certain criteria must be followed to reach or pass the benchmark for designs that make it to our reviews’ headlines. Think of it as the standard for sustainable impressions. Consider Ugee’s 2023 collection as a perfect case study.

Of the six bold creations, we have chosen only three, especially because they capture what we consider the “non-negotiables”.

These include innovations, colour theme and background, choice of fabrics, embellishments and finishing touches, relevance to trend and environment and the audience’s feedback. Since the designer’s choice and texture of the fabrics are a big deal to us, we’ll begin with the light pink organza top and multicoloured flare skirt.

Organza has been a go-to fabric in the fashion world for ages. Its sheer, lightweight, and slightly stiff feel gives any garment, whether it is combined or stands alone, an airy elegance. Originally, made from silk, making it a top choice for high-end gowns and bridal wear, it always brings a touch of grace and luxury to the wearer.

But as times changed, organza started appearing in synthetic forms, making it more affordable and versatile — and soon, it became a favourite for designers looking to add drama without all the bulk. Now, we see organza everywhere, from casual tops to elaborate skirts and overlays that add dimension to traditional prints.

The elegance of organza and the vibrant flair of Ankara is like a classic love story where opposites attract. While organza brings all the sheer, floaty vibes, Ankara rolls in with bright, unapologetic patterns.

Together, they make an outfit that says, ‘I’m both sophisticated and here to slay!’

With these two fabrics blend, you get the best of both worlds: the soft, dreamy texture of organza with the cultural richness and colour of Ankara.

It’s like wearing a little piece of art that’s playful, chic, and unmistakably unique!
Pink and brown together in fashion are like the unexpected power duo that just works.

Pink, often seen as soft, playful, and romantic, brings that fresh, fun energy. It’s the colour of confidence with a dash of sweetness.

Brown, on the other hand, is earthy, grounded, and warm. It’s the colour of comfort, reliability, and simplicity. It’s a combo that feels vibrant and down-to-earth, with a touch of sophistication that’s easy to wear.

Now, about innovations, the open and ruffled sleeves are a takeaway from the regular puffy hand gears. While both sleeves are exaggerated, Ugee’s sheer ruffled sleeves are another fashion statement with a period.

This level of creativity, as we see, cuts across all three designs. The purple suit, for example, bears long droppings made from dull face satin in front, reminding us of the display of creativity in a place like the Garden of Eden. Each drop seems like a tree’s branch, holding invisible fruits.

But while the purple trousers and top, and armless knee-length gown tend to carry an extra flair like the organza pink blouse and high-waist Ankara skirt, we feel the designs would have done better without it. What do we mean?

Take the purple trousers and long sleeve top, for instance. The curly droppings look like they weren’t really necessary, especially because they appear more like coverings than aesthetics. We can say the same thing about the armless gown.

While the earthy colour and simplicity of this piece speak to our hearts, we feel the draping thrown over one of the model’s shoulders would have made a perfect addition to the second flare of the skirt. Just imagine what that would have looked like.

Nonetheless, the quality of the fabrics used is evident in the way each design rests peacefully on the model’s body, creating a weather-friendly feel. Even with the long and busy sleeves and extra materials like organza and dull face, the richness of each Dutch Wax makes it easier to wear, without adding to the volume.

Ugochukwu had opted for a moderate make-over for his model ― except for the popping eyeshadow. We’d say he is an ardent designer with a taste for moderation.

The tiny strapped black heels add just a bit of spice to go around. However, experimenting with other footwear like silvery or gold heels would have given the overall look the little spark it didn’t know existed.

If you’re wondering how to dive into sustainable fashion without breaking the bank, here is a bonus tip: instead of grabbing every trend, invest in quality items you genuinely love.

Go for quality Ankara fabrics and if you need to blend, some light-weight textiles like organza and dull face would be a step in the right direction.

In the end, sustainable fashion isn’t just another trend; it’s the future. Designers like Ugee are leading the curve, proving that we can have fashion that respects the planet and the people who make it. Choosing sustainable fashion means looking good and feeling good, without necessarily sweating your pockets.