HOW UGOCHI PEACE OKEKE CAUSED A FASHION STANDSTILL

Tosin Clegg

It’s not every day you find a designer who isn’t afraid to let their creativity soar. Fashion today almost seems like it is losing its grip on the market as originality is becoming something of a rarity. Everywhere you look, it feels like the same trends are recycled over and over, with little room for bold, fresh ideas.

Remember the fashion of the old? Although it was on a global stage, designers were shaking things up, making statements with every stitch. They weren’t just creating clothes—they were creating movements. Take the 60s, for example. It was the era of Mary Quant and her revolutionary mini skirt. Nobody could deny how daring it was. Showing off legs like never before? It caused a stir but also symbolised liberation for women.

Then there was Pierre Cardin with his futuristic styles—bubble dresses, metallic fabrics, and those iconic geometric patterns. Everything screamed modern and forward-thinking. People were looking at clothes and saying, “This is the future!”

By the 70s, Yves Saint Laurent had flipped the script with his “Le Smoking” tuxedo suit for women. It was a huge moment—taking something as masculine as a tux and making it elegant and powerful for women. Suddenly, fashion wasn’t just about beauty; it was about power and attitude.

And let’s not forget the 80s—the decade of excess! Gianni Versace came in with those wild prints, daring cuts, and all the gold! There was nothing subtle about it. Everything had to be loud and larger-than-life. And who can overlook Vivienne Westwood’s punk revolution? Safety pins, plaid, and rebellion stitched into every piece. She took street style and turned it into high fashion. It was raw, edgy, and broke every rule in the book.
Fast forward to now, and it’s like we’ve lost a bit of that magic. With fast fashion and social media driving so much of what’s “in,” there’s a pressure to fit into whatever’s trending at the moment. It’s almost like creativity takes a back seat to whatever will get the most likes or sell the fastest. Where’s the fun in that?

Fashion used to be about making a statement, about individuality. Now, it’s beginning to feel like everything blends together in a sea of sameness.

But here’s where it gets better: there are still designers out there who get it. They’re not afraid to stand out, to break away from the mould, and create pieces that actually mean something. They remind us that fashion is meant to be art, not just a quick trend.
And guess what? These designers are in Africa!

African designs are nothing like we have ever seen before and everyone who truly knows their fashion can see that this is a fashion revolution that is taking over every fashion stage in the globe. The western fashion is beginning to embrace African fashion ideas and imbibe them into their own designs. So, while it might seem like fashion is losing its originality, there are still those bold creatives who keep pushing boundaries.

And that’s what makes it exciting. Because the real question is—are we ready to embrace the daring, the different, the truly unique again? Fashion should be fun, expressive, and most of all, original.
It is absolutely time to bring originality back into the game, and one designer who is leading that charge is Ugochi Peace Okeke. Known for her fearless approach and bold creativity, she has quickly become a pioneer in the new fashion era. Her designs don’t follow trends. Every piece is worth the hype, they set trends, and that’s what makes her stand out.

Just when creativity is fast becoming a thing of the past, Ugochi is the breath of fresh air we never knew we needed. Each of her collections feels like it speaks to an individual. This is proof that fashion can still be both expressive, personal and innovative.
She combines traditional African fabrics with modern silhouettes, creating pieces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

Her collections for her label, UniQ, are all about celebrating the African woman through bold and timeless fashion pieces. Since she launched the online brand in 2019, UniQ has become known for its vibrant, eye-catching pieces that stand out in a crowd. Unlike many brands that follow fast trends, UniQ takes the slow fashion approach, meaning every piece is designed with care and made to last. It’s fashion that’s meant to be cherished, not just worn for a season and tossed aside.
Her collections are for women who love to stand out and express themselves through fashion. UniQ’s designs help you show off your style and personality. And the best part? Every piece is versatile, mixing class and elegance with a bit of flair, so you can wear it again and again.
Her SS 24 Corenest is in simple words, a fashion wonder. Many who have seen the collection couldn’t help but talk about it over and over again. It is the buzz of the moment and the praises aren’t stopping anytime soon. The moment it hit the public domain people couldn’t look away. It’s got that “wow” factor that makes heads turn and mouths drop.
Every detail is being dissected. Every look is getting a second (and third) look. The collection is the moment of the season.
The collection houses five incredible designs that are all noteworthy.
The first piece is a pleated pinafore gown is a sight to behold. It is a perfect fit for a collection. It’s giving such a chic and polished vibe. That floral pattern on the dress? It’s vibrant yet understated, striking the perfect balance between elegance and playfulness. And the sleeves? They are a slight puff at the shoulders that adds just the right amount of drama without going overboard.

And the ruffled detailing running down the front is a clever touch, almost like a twist on a classic shirt dress. It breaks up the print and draws the eye in, giving the whole look a fresh, contemporary feel. Plus, that structured collar adds an element of sharpness, making the dress ideal for both a day at the office or a stylish brunch outing.

The way the hem falls just above the knee is just right showing off a bit of leg but still keeping it classy. Paired with those strappy heels, it’s a look that says, “I’m here, and I’m making a statement,” without even trying too hard.

Professionally, one would argue that the dress can be better. The dress currently has a loose, straight fit. Adding a cinched waist or a belt could enhance the wearer’s silhouette, creating a more flattering shape. This adjustment would prevent the dress from looking boxy and add definition to the figure. Plus, while the vertical stripes add structure, the thick white bands along the front draw too much attention and potentially shorten the torso visually. Narrower stripes or placing the stripes closer to the sides would maintain the contrast without disrupting the overall proportion.
Apart from these, she did wonders with the piece that would leave other designers struggling to keep up.

It is almost as if the second piece screams, “I’m here to steal the spotlight.” The contrast between the delicate pink rose and the geometric print on the pantsuit? Pure genius. It’s that unexpected mix of structure and softness, and it totally works.
The tailored fit of the pants gives off major boss-lady vibes, while that floral accent on the shoulder takes the whole look to a new level of sophistication. It’s bold, it’s feminine, and honestly, it’s just plain fun! The way the rose is positioned—high up on one shoulder—almost frames the face and draws attention right to the neckline. Plus, the shine of the satin fabric catches the light beautifully, making it impossible to miss.

And let’s talk about the print on the outfit itself. It’s subtle yet dynamic, keeping things interesting without clashing with the oversized flower. The silhouette is sleek and modern, and the cropped sleeves add a touch of casual cool. This piece is perfect for a woman who wants to command attention but still looks effortless.
If you’re the kind who loves to make a statement, this look is definitely for you. It’s the kind of outfit that people will be talking about long after the party ends.

Ugochi’s goal is simple: to create fashion that’s beautiful, bold, and true to its roots. Each collection is a blend of modern trends and traditional influences, making UniQ’s pieces feel fresh yet timeless. It’s what makes UniQ so special clothes that aren’t just stylish but also tell a story.

With UniQ, one can see that this is not an ordinary fashion brand. It is for women who want to wear something that stands out and makes them feel good inside and out. With Ugochi at your service, you get more than just a dress or a top, you get a piece that speaks to your individuality, your values, and your love for style.
Only one word could possibly describe the SS 24 Corenest; divine!