CHIC BOSS COLLECTION: REDEFINING WHAT MODESTY IS IN TODAY’S FASHION

Tosin Clegg

Can a woman be fashionable and still be modest?As fashion journalist, one of the most frequently debated questions we encounter is whether a woman can truly be fashionable without sacrificing modesty. The short answer is: absolutely!

In today’s fashion landscape, modesty and style are no longer seen as mutually exclusive. In fact, modest fashion has emerged as a major force, allowing women to express themselves while staying true to their personal beliefs.
Gone are the days when modesty was equated with plain or restrictive clothing ― where traditional designers were often faced with the challenge of creating pieces that were stylish and modest. But all thanks to modern brands like Hana Tajima’s collaboration with Uniqlo, Naima Muhammad’s Haute Hijab, and Dolce & Gabbana’s modest fashion line and our very own Oreoluwa Adeola Mubarakat, for proving to the world that modest clothing can be just as chic, elegant, and cutting-edge as any high-fashion trend.

As a consistent continuity, Oreoluwa, the gifted hands behind Orekelewa Clothing, has proven that modesty is not about limitation but embracing refinement and sophistication in a way that complements a woman’s style.
According to her, modesty, in its essence, must celebrate elegance. It’s about silhouettes that flatter without revealing, fabrics that drape with grace, and details that say enough without saying too much.

Today, modest fashion has become a movement, championing the idea that true style is about owning your narrative, not conforming to societal pressures to reveal more skin with fashion creatives like Oreoluwa taking the lead charge.
Since its inception in 2019, Orekelewa Clothing has carved a distinct niche in the luxury fashion landscape by blending modesty with elegance ― a secret only known to the top 1% of the industry.
Inspired by the western tribe in Nigeria, Orekelewa captures the essence of a beautiful and virtuous woman. At the core of this meaning is the brand’s unique approach to empowering every woman through fashion hinged on luxurious silhouettes and refined craftsmanship. Its commitment to modesty and elegance sets the brand apart, appealing to women who seek refined garments that elevate both their appearance and self-confidence.
Drawn to the realm of luxury, Oreoluwa creates bold and classic two-piece suites with crepe fabric, a material that beautifully combines fluidity with structure, making it a key component in the brand’s mission.
Crepe’s lightweight and soothing quality makes it a favourite among fashion designers aiming to create garments that exude grace and sophistication. Originating from the French word “crêpe,” meaning “wrinkled” or “crimped,” this material has been a staple in high fashion and everyday wear for centuries.

With the global rise of modest fashion, this smooth fabric has gained growing popularity, putting brands like Orekelewa at the forefront.
Many modern women choose modest fashion because it reflects who they are — strong, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. These women are not confined by trends. Rather, they set the tone, showing that grace and elegance can be achieved without compromising their values. From the fashion-forward streets of New York to the runways of Paris, modest fashion is making waves, proving that a woman can be both stylish and modest. For this reason, crepe’s versatility makes it ideal for modest fashion, offering a balance between coverage and elegance.

The shift towards modesty in fashion is highlighted as one of the most significant trends of the last decade, with designers like Oreoluwa using fabrics like crepe to create garments that exude refinement without being overly revealing.
Speaking of versatility, crepe’s soft and flexible texture makes it an ideal fabric for evening gowns, flowing gowns and tailored suits ― like Oreoluwa’s chic boss’ designs. No doubt, in today’s fashion world, crepe has become synonymous with luxury. Publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue often spotlight crepe garments in their features on modern minimalism, where simplicity in design meets the luxuriousness of fabric.

Orekelewa’s involvement with crepe reflects its commitment to quality craftsmanship, a trait that sets the brand apart in the competitive world of luxury fashion. Crepe plays a pivotal role in this commitment, as its unique texture and versatility allow for detailed tailoring and immaculate finishing. The fabric is carefully selected to ensure both comfort and longevity, with every stitch designed to enhance the wearer’s confidence and poise. A striking display of this craftmanship is captured in her Chic Boss 2022 Collection where every suit displayed is steeped in simplicity and charisma.

Let’s talk about how Oreoluwa’s genius shines through in this power-look collection.

From a first appearance, this ensemble grabs you. The eye-catching green tones have a striking contrast with the black lace, offering a balanced, but still bold, visual impact. Looking at these suits, we can say that the designer is clearly unafraid to shake things up. A green print jacket paired with high-waisted trousers? Not your everyday look! The patterned jacket screams individuality without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of bold statement that tells everyone, ‘Hey, I’ve arrived.’ And then there’s that black lace camisole ― with a touch of sensuality. It’s like the sneaky little addition that spices things up.

The material is not only durable but comfortable. Why not? It is made from crepe. How about the tailoring? It’s spot on! It fits the model beautifully, enhancing her figure. Every seam and stitch look well-executed, speaking to the quality of Oreoluwa’s craftsmanship.

The trousers are loose, ensuring ease of movement, while the jacket gives a structured and customised look ─ the chic boss. This outfit can handle the wear and tear of real life — no wardrobe malfunctions here!
Who says fashion can’t be functional? This suit is both striking and totally wearable. The wide-leg trousers offer plenty of room for movement — whether you’re at the office, at a dinner party, or strutting down a runway of your own making. The lightweight jacket makes it a multiple choice for multiple seasons too.

Oreoluwa taps into the current love for bold prints and relaxed tailoring while giving it her personal twist. Fashionable yet practical, this design would appeal to women who like to stand out but still appreciate comfort. It’s easy to imagine this look on a modern working woman, a stylish mother, or even a fashion influencer.
Look closely, and you’ll see Oreoluwa’s attention to detail. The way the jacket hangs just right, the subtle incorporation of the lace top, and even the shoes — those little touches make the whole look cohesive.

The second design is an extension of what we were served with the green look.

Orange has always been associated with energy and life. For us, this design is a masterclass with vibes on vibes. We love the smooth blend of the patterned and plain crepe fabric. The elbow-length sleeves, aside from providing flexibility to the wearer, are a gentle reminder that your suits don’t have to look the conventional way ― long-hand sleeves.

What is innovation without creativity? What is a fashion world without Oreoluwa’s designs?
From the high-neck button-up shirt to the sleek trousers with bold waistbands and side designs, this two-piece suit echoes originality.
One major factor sets these designs apart for use: multifaceted functionality. To the Orekelewa team, your occasion is not an issue as Oreoluwa ensures the choice of colour and design is wardrobe-friendly. Whether it’s your first day in the corporate world, rest assured that your confidence is intact. Or perhaps it’s a lunch date with a potential client, your appearance alone creates a lasting impression.

Maybe you intend to blend a part of each suit with vibrant colours like white, navy blue, yellow, black and nude; there’s no limit to the combo you can generate. In this part of the fashion world, anybody can be an icon. All you need do is feed your wardrobe with enough greens and oranges from Orekelewa and enjoy a balanced diet kind of look.

Again, modest fashion is about communicating your personality ─ not with skin, but with the art of refined elegance. At the end of the day, sophistication is the new chic.