Sustainable Elegance: The Willow Collection Review
What exactly do we expect from fashion? Is it simply how culture is reflected, or should it transcend borders, mixing with other traditions, influences, and styles worldwide? And if fashion is meant to be a universal statement, has it truly met that expectation?
Western styles have found their way into nearly every corner of the globe, with everything from street style to haute couture establishing the season’s trend.
But what about African fashion? Has it been given the same global recognition? And more importantly, has it met its potential as a leading fashion influence beyond the shores of Africa?
In recent years, African fashion has gained more international attention, but the question remains: is it on the verge of something extraordinary, or are we only scratching the surface of its impact?
Traditionally, African fashion has always been seen as something that belongs distinctively to the continent – the vibrant and colourful fabrics that are deeply cultural and commonly attached to ethnicity.
Most people have come to admire the bold prints and patterns that are major features of African clothing, but they still tend to deem it most appropriate for special occasions or unconventional for those outside the culture.
But why should it be? Why shouldn’t the bright hues and striking patterns of the Ankara fabric be worn on red carpets across the world or be embraced as part of a global wardrobe?
These are the very questions that Nigerian designer Stella Chidinma Osuji, founder of “Sassy Muse” aims to answer with her bold and inclusive brand.
Sassy Muse was created out of the belief that African-inspired fashion should be for everyone and not only those with African roots. Just because it is African doesn’t mean it is reserved for just Africa. With her designs, Stella pushes against the limits of cultural boundaries showing that African clothing and textiles can and should be a part of the universal fashion narrative.
“What is stopping women from all backgrounds from wearing African designs?” Stella once asked in an interview. “Nothing. Fashion is about self-expression, and these designs can be just as empowering and beautiful for women of any race. They aren’t meant to be exclusive; they’re meant to be inclusive”
The vision of ‘Sassy Muse’ is to change the world’s perspective of African fashion. It is no longer just about African identity, but about creating a bridge where every woman regardless of colour, race or background can feel connected to the liveliness and creativity that African fashion showcases.
By merging the bold prints of the Ankara textile with modern styles, Stella is creating a line that speaks to women from all works of life. This fusion not only makes way for a fresh perspective but also introduces design possibilities that have never been explored.
There is even more to Sassy Muse than just creating inclusivity in fashion – it’s about doing it sustainably. Stella adopts the approach of slow fashion, focusing on quality and uniqueness rather than mass production. With every garment being handcrafted, this allows the brand to perfect the details of each design making each piece truly one of a kind.
In this fast-paced industry of fashion, Sassy Muse’s commitment to slow fashion and intentionality is a breath of fresh air.
Sustainability is also a major player in the design ethics of Sassy Muse. In a world where fashion waste has become a thing, the brand strives for zero waste.
Fabrics are sourced with great care, and extra materials are repurposed into other accessories or garments. It is this attention to detail and the environment that sets Sassy Muse apart from other brands riding the wave of African-inspired fashion.
African fashion has the potential to be so much more than just a trend or particular to a culture. It could be the next big thing in global fashion. There is no doubt that African fashion is pushing for something even more influential than just a moment on the runway.
It is becoming a part of the conversation about what fashion should be – a platform where beauty and creativity can unite us rather than divide us by our race and background.
So, has African fashion met the general expectation that we place on fashion as a whole? Well, it is on its way and designers like Stella are walking in this direction, pushing towards inclusivity and sustainability.
Stella’s latest collection for Sassy Muse, the “2021 Willow Collection” is a welcome relief in the world of fashion, and this collection embraces a theme that is both timely and timeless – “Greenvine”. Upholding a high principle of eco-friendly fashion, “Greenvine” isn’t just about aesthetics but rather a reflection of how fashion can co-exist with the planet.
The ‘Willow Collection’ aims to prove that sustainability does not have to come at the cost of style. With unique patterns that showcase the originality of African fabrics specifically Ankara, Stella’s works demonstrate that these prints and textiles can gracefully complement women from all over the world.
One of the outstanding designs from the Willow Collection is this striking blue Ankara ensemble. The design features a high-waisted Ankara with a bold sheer-blue organza blouse that flows effortlessly with every movement.
The use of Ankara here is significant: it not only celebrates the African heritage but also showcases the beautiful patterns printed on eco-friendly fabric sourced from local artisans, which portrays the brand’s dedication to sustainable fashion.
The blouse with its swirling puff sleeves is a work of art itself. The organza material creates a balance between the design form and fluidity.
In as much as the blouse was tailored in a structured silhouette, the allowance of fluidity gives it just the right amount of motion and flow while the sheer nature of the fabric allows you to feel both bold and feminine.
The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design – from the high neckline that elicits sophistication to the proper merging of organza and Ankara to create the perfect contrast between opacity and transparency.
There is much to be commemorated in this ensemble. The fit of the Ankara trousers is well-tailored, lengthening the legs and establishing inclusivity which is a major trait of the Sassy Muse brand.
However, while this design hits many high notes, there are subtle areas that could be improved to take the look to a greater height. For instance, the blouse, although stunning and indeed beautiful, could benefit from a slight adjustment in how the sleeves are structured to maintain a bit more form throughout the day.
The volume of the sleeve is very attractive but they can lose their shape due to how flowy they get. So, ensuring that they hold their shape even after hours of wear would make the blouse not just physically attractive but also ideal and functional for real-life occasions.
By improving these details, this two-piece design is set to transcend into even new heights of fashion.
The next piece in the Willow collection takes a different but equally vibrant approach. This outfit features a beautiful Ankara gown paired with a simple purple mini-skirt.
The striking patterns on the Ankara fabric with a mix of blue, purple, black and white hues create a contrasting balance with the solid purple skirt.
The gown stands out for its unique structure and open-front style which brings a sense of ease allowing for effortless motion. The asymmetrical cut in the design gives it a sophisticated look while the wide sleeves add a soft feminine touch.
The plain colour of the mini skirt works in favour of balancing the complexities of the striking Ankara Patterns allowing the Ankara print to be the focal point while still maintaining a youthful look. Pairing this look with a strappy lace-up heel just like the model is the perfect choice.
Although the outfit is totally gorgeous, one area that could elevate the overall look and style is the transition between the dress and the mini-skirt. Adding a bit of structure and depth to the waist maybe with a belt or a cinched fabric could create a more defined figure which enhances the overall fit and flow of the outfit.
This design like the others in the Willow Collection, stays true to the brand’s vision of sustainability. Stella’s choice of eco-friendly fabric like the Ankara reflects her mission to reduce waste and reimagine slow fashion.
Moving on to the final design in this collection, Stella really outdid herself here. The bright hues of yellow, red and black are nothing short of beautiful.
This design features a different fabric from the previous two designs – Kampala fabric.
This two-piece ensemble radiates a lot of energy and vibrance making it the centre of attention in any room. The top is an embodiment of creativity, a true masterpiece. It is a stand-out piece, thanks to the black ruffle detailing along the sleeves and shoulders.
Unlike the previous Ankara dress that flowed with ease, this particular piece creates a more sculpted look bringing attention to the upper body with its bold details. The matching trousers complete the look with a wide-leg fit that balances out the intricacies of the top.
Where this design excels is in the unapologetic embrace of tradition. The choice to use a tie-dye African classic fabric further highlights Stella’s devotion to sustainability and slow fashion. Tie-dye methods are often eco-friendly, which aligns with Willow Collection’s theme.
No doubt, the outfit is visually captivating, but one area that could be adjusted is the ruffle details. While it adds a playful and dramatic flair, reducing the volume a bit might give a more balanced look allowing the beautiful tie-dye patterns to shine through without competing for attention.
Overall, this design closes the collection on a powerful note, showing how Stella’s goal for inclusivity and sustainable fashion is being approached.
With designers like Stella and brands like Sassy Muse, African fashion continues to transcend into all the possibilities of what fashion can be and the world will see that African fashion is not only for everyone but also, for every day.
