UGEE’s 2022 COLLECTION: CLASSY CASUALS

Tosin Clegg

The season is a major trendsetter in the fashion world. In the exact words of Bill Cunningham, taste is constant, and style varies from season to season. That is why fashion designers typically turn out a minimum of two design collections to fit every season of the year. This shows that designers put the comfort of their customers into perspective as dictated by the weather conditions and seasonal changes.

This year 2022, it has been observed that the weather is getting increasingly hot in Nigeria, even on days that it rained. As a result of the weather’s harshness, people would need to opt for lighter wear that would help them get enough ventilation and reduce the heat. Nobody wants to put on an outfit that only ends up seeing them pour out sweat like a running tap. This presented an opportunity for which Ugee was well prepared to explore. The 2022 Classy Casual Collection saw that open window to roll out its simple, yet beautiful designs that resonate with the entire population.

Prior to this opportunity window, the Ugee design label, established by Isama Vincent Ugochukwu, has been known for its dedication to creating iconic pieces by blending various high-quality patterned fabrics to achieve astonishing designs. The brand celebrates the beauty of the African continent while promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
Ugee’s commitment to merging traditional artistry with contemporary fashion trends is one big reason that customers trust that its 2022 collection is full of vibrant pieces that are not only visually striking but also culturally significant. This collection offers customers a breath of fresh air from the familiar jean shorts and casual tops designed by fashion labels in the Western world. Since Africa prides itself in its many colourful traditional textiles that designers can creatively convert and blend into various appealing styles that customers can happily throw on, Ugee had all the resources needed to satisfy his customers while putting their comfort, sustainability and virtue of the fashion brand into perspective.

This round-necked short-sleeved top and slope cut short design is crafted with a colourful Ankara fabric, with a blend of pleated silk material. The silk pleating is used as a cross-band design on the top, while it functions as the edges of the slopped-cut shorts. The slope curve introduces a quirk that makes the design more interesting.

The silk is a good feature that blends well with the fabric, fostering consistency with the idea behind the design – light designs that will not attract heat to its wearers. The fact that the top is short-sleeved ensures that customers feel free in it. Another thing that is deeply reflected in Ugee’s choice of fabric used in designing this attire is the fact that it is consistent with the brand’s commitment to prioritizing eco-friendly designs. Clearly, the fabrics are responsibly sourced so that the environmental impact of production is kept at the barest minimum.

Looking at the holistic outcome of this attire, it is not certain that a lot of work was put into the conceptual design of this outfit. Although this piece is simple and comfortable for casual outings, Africans are big on style and this falls short of the expectation. In as much as the focus of this collection is to present the target audiences with comfortable and light designs that suit the hot weather, style and elegance should not be compromised.

Also, while the idea of the slope cut on the short is interesting, it is not balanced. One side of the short looks more curved than the other and the pleated silk on the well-curved side is well laid on the Ankara fabric while the other isn’t. More attention should be paid to design details and finishes to ensure that the brand achieves nothing short of excellence. Additionally, the top is somewhat short and not laying perfectly, causing it to bulge out in the belly area. That being said, the overall appearance can be improved with moderate accessories, beautiful makeup and a pair of heels.

This second attire is absolutely eye-catching. The concept is curated with blends of two beautiful fabrics – Ankara and pure cotton – that complement the design. The bright colour choice of the fabrics further exposes the radiance of the style. The armless wrapped crop top forms a V-shaped neck that not only suits the purpose of the design but also screams style and class. The fabric that forms the edge of the crop top is made long enough to double as the wrap tie. The top has a one-sided pleating design that evokes authority and class.

The high-waist shorts equally feature both Ankara and Senator Materials, to balance the design with that of the top. The pleated Ankara fabric is continuously joined to the same side of the shorts as in the top. This design is way better in style and resonates well with audiences, satisfying their desire for a simple, free yet stylish design.

Despite being generally a fine design, it is imperfect. Looking at the design from the side view, the first thing that catches the eye is the excessiveness of the pleated fabric that form gathers throughout the right side of the attire. While it looks brilliant on the crop top, perhaps, it should not have been on the shorts. Aside from the immoderacy of the gather, having it on the short means that the wearer cannot move their hands without being disturbed by it. Although this isn’t really a big deal, it is the little things that define perfection and professionalism. The wrapped crop top can be worn with a pair of high-waist jeans, pant trousers or even a pencil skirt to fit the occasion. There are no shoes that can’t be rocked with this outfit. Depending on your choice, be it a wedge, pencil heels, block heeled slippers, sneakers or flat sandals will match and complement the attire just perfectly.

This is another bespoke attire that suits the purpose of comfort and freedom while blowing the horns for African culture with the choice of materials used. The button-down shirt accentuates a short, but foldable collar and three-quarter sleeves. It is layered with neatly knitted and pleated plain net materials in a vertical approach. This adds a touch of creativity to the attire and makes it even more stylish and appealing to the eyes.

It is not clear if the material layers to the back of the shirt, but from the approach view, if not seen closely enough, one might think that the pleated design is a sweater vest worn on top of the Ankara shirt. The silver studded choice of buttons makes the shirt even more feminine, assuring customers of rocking the attire with liberty to keep their feminine energy.
Moving on to the short, the front view is completely covered with the pleated net material, the edges of which were cleanly knitted to prevent the material from pulling out and ensure durability. Ankara is given the freedom to dominate the back view.

The short also features pockets on both sides of the shorts. When pockets are featured in women’s outfits, unlike for men, it is not for storage purposes, but rather, to improve the overall design and make the outfit more stylish. The wearers can keep both hands in both pockets for a show of strength and confidence in themselves and their looks. Pair this beautiful attire with minimal pieces of jewellery, sandal heels and a petite handbag for that casual outing and you are good to go. In this beau, one will not only look casual and feel comfortable but will also command respect with their confident feminine and classy look.

Frankly speaking, the overall look of this attire is beautiful if only the front view of the shorts is not completely covered with the pleated material. Perhaps, it would have been perfect if the pleated materials were only layered on both sides of the shorts or the edges below. Completely covering the short in front, makes it look too busy. Notice how the shirt features the Ankara material at the centre, dividing the pleated material to tone down the business. Aside from that, this piece is a job well done.

It is not a surprise that Ugee’s 2022 collection is a success. Since its inception, the label has evolved with each season, crafting statement pieces that are both timeless and quintessentially African that the audiences have come to love. Even though casual, this design collection obviously honours the richness of African culture and celebrates the elegance of the Black Queen, showcasing the diversity of shapes, sizes, and styles.

Indeed, Ugee’s collections have been known to encourage women to embrace their identity and express themselves through fashion that reflects their heritage and one can testify that this 2022 collection is nothing short of the standard. With more attention to detail, and intentionality to explore creativity, Ugee will most definitely permanently inscribe its name on the walls of history in the fashion industry.