FASHION REVIEW: BSTYLE’S VISION OF SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH UPCYCLING
Tosin Clegg
Upcycling has emerged as an answer to the pressing issue of waste in a world increasingly aware of the environmental toll of the fashion industry. Fashion is no longer just about beauty, it has evolved to become an art of transformation, sustainability, and mindfulness.
As the industry grapples with overconsumption, brands like Bstyle have emerged at the forefront, breathing new life into the concept of fashion and bringing us closer to a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
Founded by the visionary Nigerian entrepreneur Oluwabamishe Iretioluwa Ola in 2019, Bstyle has grown and is more than just an ordinary fashion brand. It is a movement, a declaration of purpose, and a blueprint for what fashion can and should be.
Let’s explore some of the beautifully made dresses by Bstyle for their 2022 collection. The media is full of praise and we can’t wait to know if it is worth the buzz.
The first look in the collection is a simple yet captivating ensemble, a top paired with long trousers that effortlessly draw attention to the wearer. The top is crafted from a thick, black lace-like material, featuring a simple net design that adds texture without overwhelming the simplicity of the piece.
Its sleeveless cut perfectly hugs the body, giving the wearer a flattering, streamlined silhouette. The round neck adds to its simplicity, making it elegant and understated.
The trousers are made from a light blue fabric, contrasting beautifully with the blacktop. They are tailored to fit snugly at the waist before flowing gracefully down, covering the white heels of the wearer. The wide-leg design of the trousers adds a sense of movement, while the side slit brings an unexpected edge to the overall look, giving it that extra touch of style.
While the outfit stands strong on its own, adding the right accessories could elevate it even further, bringing a unique twist to the design. Whether it’s a statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings, the right pieces can add that finishing touch. Though a styling opinion, it is noteworthy as it largely impacts the overall look of the design.
With this collection, it is clear that Bstyle has once again delivered a masterpiece, bringing beauty to life with a design that’s both simple and sophisticated.
The brand’s creation is rooted in innovation, creativity, and most importantly, sustainability. The brand serves as an example of how fashion can be beautiful, functional, and, at the same time, ethically produced.
What makes Bstyle stand out in the wide sea of fashion labels is its commitment to upcycling and its relentless pursuit of reducing waste. In an industry notorious for its fast-fashion culture, where trends shift in the blink of an eye, and garments are discarded at the same speed they are made, Bstyle offers a different narrative.
Through the clever use of upcycling, they breathe new life into pre-loved garments, turning them into one-of-a-kind creations that hold not just aesthetic value but also environmental significance.
In the second design, the dress mirrors the first in its simplicity. This time, the ensemble consists of a longer top and long trousers, creating an elegant, cohesive outfit. The top is made from a soft brown fabric and warm colour.
What sets this top apart are the unique designs scattered across the material, shapes and patterns that add dimension and texture to the piece without overwhelming it. The design is understated, yet it comfortably holds the wearer’s body. The top is cut to a length that gracefully covers the waist, adding an extra layer of refinement to the overall look.
One of the striking features of this top is its up-shoulder design, which gives the outfit a more mature look. It adds a certain level of structure, elevating the simple cut into something more different. This simple touch of detail hints at an elevated sense of style, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Paired with the top is a matching pair of long trousers, made from a lightweight brown material that complements the richness of the top perfectly. The trousers flow smoothly down the wearer’s legs, covering the heels with ease, adding to the effortless elegance of the look.
Unlike the first outfit, the trousers for this design don’thave any slits on the side, maintaining a more traditional, sleek silhouette that enhances the overall graceful feel of the design. While the design is already striking in its simplicity, adding accessories like a sleek belt, a bracelet, or a pair of gold hoop earrings could bring an extra layer of personality to the look.
What stands out about this ensemble is Bstyle’s ability to create clothing that speaks to timeless elegance, while also incorporating modern touches that make the pieces stand out in today’s fashion scene.
The brand’s commitment to simplicity and quality shines through in every stitch, but it is the simple details like the up-shoulder design and the harmonious colour pairing that truly elevate the outfit. Bstyle has yet again shown how powerful fashion can be in its ability to bring out both the beauty of the fabric and the uniqueness of the wearer.
What may have once been overlooked or discarded becomes part of something entirely new. The result is not just clothing, but an ongoing dialogue about the future offashion, where waste is minimised, and the creative potential of the materials at hand is maximised.
But Bstyle’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at upcycling. The brand takes a holistic approach, considering every aspect of the fashion production process. Each piece is carefully crafted in small, limited collections, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This method reduces overproduction, a significant contributor to the pollution and waste the fashion industry generates.
Bstyle embraces the philosophy of quality over quantity, ensuring that each item is well-designed, produced, and delivered. This practice speaks volumes about the brand’s ethos, fashion as a means of expression, yes, but also fashion that respects the planet.
Moreover, Bstyle’s sustainability extends beyond the clothing itself, the brand works closely with global fabric suppliers and artisans, ensuring that those involved in the creation of these garments are treated with fairness and respect. Providing fair wages and creating flexible working conditions ensures that the people behind the clothes can thrive and that their contributions are valued.
This practice fosters a sense of community, helping to uplift local craftsmanship, especially in Nigeria and other African nations where Bstyle’s work resonates deeply. By supporting these artisans, Bstyle’s impact reaches beyond just the clothing, it creates opportunities, empowers individuals, and supports the local economy.
It is in these values that Bstyle’s true uniqueness lies. Fashion for Bstyle is about empowering women to embrace their individuality, to express their inner strength and beauty through what they wear. Bstyle creates garments that don’t just fit the body they empower the soul.
The designs show the uniqueness of each woman and provide a space for women to feel confident, and bold themselves. In a world where fashion often imposes narrow standards of beauty, Bstyle proudly champions body positivity, reminding us that everybody is beautiful and worthy of celebration.
Bstyle’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. The brand has showcased its collections at national and continental fashion events, proudly bringing African fashion to the global stage.
From Ghana to South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Bstyle has made its mark on the fashion industry, bringing a unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and cultural pride to every runway. The brand’s impact is not just felt in Africa, but worldwide, as it continues to challenge the status quo and show the world that fashion can be a force for good.
As Bstyle continues to grow, its commitment to sustainability and innovation remains at the heart of everything it does. The brand not only strives to reduce its environmental impact but also aims to inspire a new generation of fashion lovers, designers, and consumers to rethink their relationship with clothing.
It’s not just about creating beautiful garments but about creating a beautiful future, one where fashion works in harmony with the planet.
What Bstyle represents is a brand that shows movement towards a more sustainable, conscious, and inclusive future for fashion. It shows that fashion can be a tool for empowerment, an instrument for social change, and a means of expressing who we truly are.
It reminds us that style is not about the latest trend, but about wearing something that feels authentic to you, something that speaks to your values, your history, and your vision for the future.
