CONFIDENT STATEMENTS: FASHION THAT EMPOWERS EVERY STEP
Tosin Clegg
There’s something undeniably electric about stepping into a room and making heads turn your way. There’s empowerment in the hum of admiration floating in the air as you walk by. It is a feeling that every fashion-forward individual chases. An unspoken power that comes from wearing something that truly embodies both confidence and elegance.
Fashion in Nigeria isn’t just a personal expression but a declaration of pride and a celebration of individuality. Whether it’s a high-profile wedding in Lagos or a casual brunch with friends, how you dress tells a story. And in this narrative, fashion is the dialogue.
From the way fabric drapes on the body to the perfect cuts and silhouettes that complement, there’s an art to making an impression without uttering a single word, and Nigerians are masters at this craft. After all, why say it when you can ‘wear’ it?
In a country that thrives on celebrations, like the glitzy Owambe parties, or even the spontaneous get-togethers, fashion is always an essential part of the occasion. Here, we know how to shine. But not just shine; shine bright with an effortless touch of grace and boldness. The perfect outfit makes you look good, feel confident and ready to own any room.
In recent years, there has been a delightful mashup of modernity and cultural heritage, with designers drawing on their Nigerian roots and also international experience. Whether you’re vibing to Afrobeats at an influential event in Ikoyi or catching up with friends at a casual rooftop dinner, Nigerian designers are serving looks that are very fashionable and true to the vibrant spirit of Naija.
In Nigeria, fashion has always been a bridge between tradition and modernity, where our cultural heritage is merged seamlessly with global trends. We’ve seen the fashion world embrace Ankara prints on international runways and witness the rise of Aso-Oke in contemporary street style. All this is a testimony to our ability to blend the old with the new, the familiar with the cutting edge.
Yet in this rich world of Nigerian fashion, few designers have managed to master this balance as seamlessly as Anuoluwapo Mutiat Isiaka, the creative visionary behind “ANÚ Threads”. Her designs are more than just outfits; they are wearable expressions of identity, crafted for the bold, the daring, and the unapologetically stylish. She has carved a niche that brings modern elegance into conversation with cultural aesthetics.
ANÚ Threads embodies modern sophistication, acknowledging the Nigerian essence that lies at the heart of every piece. It’s the kind of brand that lets you carry a piece of home with you, regardless of wherever you might be.
This is what Nigerian fashion has always been about -creating pieces that transcend the moment and leave a lasting impression. In a world that’s constantly evolving, Anuoluwapo’s designs remain timeless yet unmistakably modern, which reflects her journey as a Nigerian designer with global influences. With an eye for detail and a passion for excellence, she brings to life collections that are an embodiment of inner strength and elegance.
The 2021 collection under ANÚ Threads showcases her skill and exceptional approach to crafting the most beautiful design pieces that exude an understated elegance and a sophisticated structure. Let’s take a peek at a few designs from said collection.
The first piece is called the “Bella Set”, and like its name implies, it is here to make you feel beautiful, and powerful enough to conquer the world. The Bella Set is a two-piece ensemble featuring a peplum top with angular cut flaresleeves and tailored trousers, all crafted from a striking red crepe fabric. The choice of red is no accident as in Nigeria, red symbolises an unmissable confidence and energy. It is the colour that ensures you stand out in any crowd no matter the occasion, could be an upscale business meeting or evening dinner.
What makes this two-piece exceptional is its careful attention to detail. The peplum top, with its hourglass silhouette, accentuates the waist, providing that “snatched” figure while still maintaining comfort and fluidity. It is not just about looking good but about feeling powerful in your skin. The sleeves add a delicate contrastthat softens the boldness of the red making it more versatile and an all-rounder. It is elegance and strength, all wrapped up in one iconic outfit.
On the other hand, the tailored trousers are the perfect companion to this bold top. Cut with precision, they give the illusion of longer legs and bring a sophisticated polish to the overall look. The balance between the peplum top and trousers strikes the right chord between femininity and structure. It is indeed a fitting choice for women who aren’t afraid to embrace both.
While the Bella Set hits high marks, there’s room for subtle improvements. The peplum is flattering but it could use a touch of more tailoring around the bust for a snugger fit, especially for women with fuller figures. However, this is easily fixable with a custom adjustment. That being said, the design is so versatile that it would work equally well for women with different body types.
When it comes to styling this beautiful set, the options are endless. Pairing this fit with statement heels like a sleek stiletto or a more playful block heel depending on the occasion, would really elevate the vibe. Accessories should be kept minimal to let the outfit do the talking, though a chunky necklace or elegant earrings might still pop and could add a nice touch. This is the kind of outfit you wear to a high-powered meeting, a nice dinner out, or any event at all where you want to make heads turn.
The Bella Set is for the woman who values both style and strength. It is bold without being loud, sophisticated without being over-the-top, and versatile enough to take you from the boardroom to the ballroom. It is the kind of outfit that makes you feel like you can take on the worldand of course, look fabulous while doing it.
Next up is the “Easy Wear Set”. This ensemble lives up to its name with the perfect blend of comfort and chic. This set features a wide-leg pant and a long-sleeved shirt,crafted from luxurious silk floral fabric. What makes this set stand out is the dramatic feathers at the end of the sleeves that add a playful touch and give this otherwise laid-back outfit an unmistakable edge.
The Easy Wear Set is all about ease and flow just as the name implies, and it is ideal for those lazy days when you still want to feel effortlessly stylish without trying too hard.
The wide-leg pants are flattering and offer comfort, givingyou enough room to move while maintaining a sense of elegance. The long-sleeved shirt, with its bold floral pattern and silk texture, pairs beautifully with the pants in a way that speaks to comfort and class.
But let’s not forget those playful feather details at the sleeves that add an element of fun and whimsy, perfect for the trendsetter who loves to mix elegance with a dash of daring. It is a bold choice that takes this outfit from beautiful to outstanding.
Styling the Easy Wear Set is where you can really let your creativity shine. For footwear, think strappy sandals or even sleek mules for a relaxed and polished look. The vibrant colours and patterns of the fabric mean you can keep your accessories light.
With just a simple pair of hoops or a delicate necklace, youare good to go. This outfit is perfect for casual day events, brunch with friends, or even a creative work meeting where you want to show off your personality.
While the feathers add a playful touch, they may not be for everyone. For those who prefer a more minimalist style, a version of the set without the feathers could provide a more subtle option while still retaining its charm. And for the bold fashionistas out there, the feathers are definitely a must-have.
The Easy Wear Set is for the woman who values hercomfort and flair. It is the perfect outfit for those days when you want to feel put together but without doing too much. Just an effortless, chic, and undeniably stylishoutfit.
It is safe to say that ANÚ Threads has done it again, with designs that speak to the modern Nigerian woman. The thoughtful blend of traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary fashion trends makes her collection a legacy in the making.
Through her vision, she not only honours her roots but also pushes the boundaries of what it means to dress with confidence and a sense of individuality. ANÚ Threads is a movement that encourages women everywhere to embrace their uniqueness, feel beautiful in their skin, and dress to tell their own stories. With each piece in her brand, Anuoluwapo invites us all to embark on a fashion journey where culture meets elegance and every outfit speaks volumes without uttering a word.
