FASHION REVIEW: A Rise in Style

Tosin Clegg

Recognition and achievements in the fashion industry arepowerful steps that can bring new chances and boost a brand to new heights. Being featured in popular magazines, or working with well-known industry figures opens doors to more opportunities. These moments do more than just a good brand reputation; they are significant opportunities that make a real difference in sales, market positioning, and how customers see the brand. 

When a designer or brand gets praised and noticed, it builds trust and increases the brand’s worth in the eyes of the public. Customers see these achievements as proof of quality and are often willing to pay higher prices, knowing they’re buying something special. People tend to gravitate toward brands they see as successful or exclusive, and brands that make the most of their time in the spotlight often gain a lasting edge in pricing and customer loyalty.

Looking back at some popular fashion brands, the impact of recognition is clear. Take Ralph Lauren, for example. In the early 2000s, his brand became widely known as a top choice for celebrities, which helped it become more popular in the market. Ralph Lauren’s reputation for timeless American style became its key selling point, allowing it to charge higher prices. 

Similarly, when Prada won the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) International Award in 2004, it gained more attention worldwide. This recognition brought in new customers and strengthened the brand’s luxury status and price range. 

Gucci experienced a similar impact. When Tom Ford brought fresh energy to the brand in the ’90s, he earned wide acclaim, giving Gucci an iconic reputation and a huge boost in profitability. Ford’s ideas and high-profile celebrity support, made Gucci a leader in luxury and exclusivity.

These examples show how valuable recognition can be in fashion. For brands, getting noticed is a path to redefiningtheir place in the market. The success that comes from awards or well-known events lets a brand confidently set higher prices and improve its image. And it is not just large luxury fashion houses that benefit from the spotlight, small brands also see positive results. Once they’re recognised, they often attract more customers who want to be a part of the brand’s unique story.

One brand that has successfully grown from several awards and recognitions is Danibe Studios. Founded by designer Daniel Chinedu Ibeh in 2017, Danibe Studios has sprouted from a small women’s line to a respected name in African fashion. Their journey shows how strategic steps can help a brand strengthen its place in the market and increase its appeal. 

The brand stood out early on with its minimalist designs enriched with African influences, making pieces that reflect regional artistry and suit modern tastes.

In 2018, Danibe’s progress was marked by being named “One to Watch” by Guardian Life, signalling to both customers and industry leaders that it was a brand with great potential. This time in the spotlight was important, drawing attention from well-known retailers like Temple Muse, a luxury store in Lagos, which decided to feature Daniel’s brand. 

The exposure brought in a wider audience, solidifying Danibe Studios as a top choice for elegant, culturally rich clothing. The year 2020 brought even more achievements: Danibe Studios was featured in the Fashion Finest Africashowcase, which raised its visibility and earned industry praise for Daniel’s mix of modern design and African craftsmanship. The brand was also a finalist in the Alara Emerge Fashion Fund, putting it on an even bigger stage.

This momentum has allowed them to position themselvescomfortably within the high-end fashion market. The recognition received over the years has helped the brand feel secure in presenting itself as a luxury label, a move backed by the care and quality in every design. Customers value the effort that goes into Danibe’s pieces; the dedication to local artistry and the use of high-quality materials. 

The brand’s journey shows that being in the spotlight gives you a chance to raise your value, which allows for higher prices and a stronger position in the market.

Now, Danibe Studios is ready to capture attention again with its latest release, a collection that carries on its tradition of blending modern shapes with African-inspired design elements. This new collection embodies Daniel Ibeh’s vision, featuring simple cuts and cultural details that have become the brand’s signature. 

Let’s explore a few standout pieces from the collection, as we peek into how Danibe Studios continues to push the boundaries of modern African fashion. 

This striking two-piece ensemble seamlessly fusestraditional Ankara fabric with a modern design style. The top features an off-shoulder cut, which adds a touch of elegance and highlights the collarbone. This type of neckline makes room for a standout neckpiece that would further enhance the beauty of the outfit.

The ruffled sleeves give the piece an extra flair with the type of volume that contrasts nicely with the sleek silhouette.

The skirt is asymmetrical, with a ruffled detail cascading down one side, adding movement and visual interest. This asymmetric design creates a dynamic look and guides the eye from the waist down to the hemline. The high-low effect of the ruffles also makes the outfit feel balanced; one side is more dramatic while the other stays closer to the body.

The Ankara fabric is vibrant, with red, teal, and earthy hues against a gold-toned background. This colour palette feels warm and lively, and the bold leaf patterns bring in a connection to nature, grounding the look with an African-inspired touch. The fabric choice here emphasises cultural richness and also maintains a stylish, contemporary look.

Paired with simple, strappy heels like what the model has on, the outfit’s styling is minimalist, allowing the colourfulfabric and intricate design to be the main focus. The heels also add a bit of height, which helps balance the volume of the ruffles and enhances the overall silhouette.

This outfit blends traditional patterns with a fresh, modern design. The balance between structure and thethoughtful use of pattern and colour, makes it stand out as both culturally significant and fashion-forward. It isperfect for someone who wants to make a statement, showcasing a blend of elegance and personality with a touch of African heritage.

This one-shoulder Ankara gown is an interesting blend of style and elegance. The asymmetrical neckline and single-sleeve design create a bold look that draws attention to the upper body. The sleeve is long and slightly loose, providinga comfortable and relaxed fit while balancing out the fitted silhouette of the dress.

The Ankara fabric, with large star-like pink and yellow patterns against a brown background, gives it a striking contrast. These bright and bold prints make the outfit eye-catching and culturally inspired.

The asymmetrical hemline, shorter on one side and finished with ruffles, adds a unique and flowy touch. This ruffle detail brings a sense of movement and flair to the dress, making it look dramatic and stylish.

The back zipper, which extends from the top to the waist, is a practical addition that ensures an easy fit. 

In terms of improvements, the one-sided sleeve might make the dress feel a bit unbalanced in terms of warmth and comfort, especially for someone who prefers symmetry in their outfits. 

This gown is a fashionable piece that combines traditional Ankara fabric with a trendy silhouette. It is a perfect conversation starter, although a few minor adjustments could make it even more comfortable to wear.

This knee-length Ankara gown combines a relaxed fit with geometric prints that feature hues in earthy reds, deep blues, and pops of white and black. The overall design is simple and chic, making it suitable for casual and semi-formal occasions. 

The round neckline and short sleeves give the dress a modest look, while the straight cut keeps it easy-going and versatile.

One noticeable design element is the ruffled hemline, which adds a subtle flair to the otherwise straightforward silhouette. The ruffle detail softens the look, adding a bit of movement and texture to the outfit. The patterns on the fabric are eye-catching, with large intersecting shapes that create a layered effect.

The back zipper extends from the top to the waist, which is practical for ease of wear and helps to maintain the dress’ clean shape. 

In terms of functionality, the dress looks comfortable and breathable, ideal for warm weather. However, the fit around the shoulders and sleeves could be adjusted to avoid any boxy appearance. A V-neck or sweetheart neckline might work perfectly to elevate the style and look of this outfit. This Ankara gown offers a nice balance of style and comfort. Its unique hemline gives it character without being overwhelming.

To crown it all, this collection showcases the versatility and charm of Ankara fabric through a range of thoughtful designs. Each outfit combines traditional elements with modern touches, whether through ruffled details orasymmetrical cuts. It is an excellent example of how classic African fabrics can be crafted into contemporary pieces that appeal to a wide audience