By Adedayo Laketu
The duo of Okiemute Lyris Ojelabi and Anita Emuobosa Okwuolise, who are both co-founders of Kiebely Design, have just showcased their latest collection, which is named Vibrant Looms Collection. The collection boasts feminine clothing pieces that are available in various colors and fabrics, and multiple designs and styles are featured in many of the pieces in the collection. This collection was unveiled at the brand’s new store, which recently opened in Lagos. The event had several fashion enthusiasts in attendance, as well as models and designers with whom the brand had worked. The event was equally described as an evening of fashion critiquing.
The vibrant Looms collection consists of fabrics such as Ankara, Adire, plain/patterned crepe, and lace. These fabrics were said to have been chosen based on their flexibility to work with and how comfortable they are with wearers. Each of these fabrics was equally selected for the additional effects they have on one another when paired. For example, Ankara can be paired well with LacelaceLace depending on the type of LacelaceLace being worked with, while Adire and Crepe can easily be used as complementary fabrics.
The collection has colors such as green, khaki, beige, tan, and orange, which is generally believed to mean that women do not look good, but it still rose to the occasion, breaking that myth.
The collection consists of Trousers, shorts, shirts and blouses. The shirts are made as short-sleeved with a single breast pocket as well as two side pockets, while the hems are cuffed to allow for the wearer to comfortably adjust the length if needed or leave it be for aesthetic purposes. The shorts and trousers have a few of them being made with the waistline having zips and drawstrings together or separately in others. The shorts are above the knee, but there are a few which are below the knee for taller women. The trousers have few options such as combat trousers, office trousers and joggers for choice. Each of the fashion pieces in this collection is designed to serve as part of a whole look as well as “The whole Look,” thus making it multi-functional.
Emuobosa is credited for being the illustrator of the collection, as her illustrations were worked on by Okiemute, who is the creative director of the brand. Emuobosa Anita is also the designer and co-founder of Kiebely, and she worked on this project with the other team members and the founder and co-designer, Okiemute Lyris Ojelabi. Both women have been working together for a while now, and they both explained that the collection was a result of the need to encourage women to try out more colors. Emuobosa, on her part, mentioned that women often shy away from trying certain colors because of the stereotype that those are masculine colors. She and Lyris hope to change that notion with the Vibrant Loom Collection.
