Adeola Esther Olarinde, the Founder and Creative Director of Elegant Attire, showcased her latest collection, Divo Man Classic, at the Fashion Finest Africa festival, held from May 31st to June 1st, 2024. This collection was a bold statement of unconventional male fashion, featuring unique pieces like armless danshiki two-pieces and lace vintage t-shirts paired with straight cotton pants. The versatility of the collection was evident in its ability to seamlessly transition from casual to formal settings, appealing to young men who are the life of the party and love luxury. However, some pieces felt slightly disconnected from the rest of the collection, leaving room for improvement in terms of cohesion.
The Divo Man Classic collection was constructed with high-quality lace and cotton fabrics in a palette of blue, red, white, and brown. The durability of these garments was enhanced by precise stitch choices, generous seam allowances, and overall construction quality, ensuring that each piece would remain a staple in any wardrobe. The incorporation of practical details, such as adjustable cuffs and functional pockets, demonstrated Adeola’s consideration of the wearer’s needs. The subtle use of embroidery and appliqué added a touch of elegance to the garments without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
The special pieces, like the armless danshiki styled with a bowler hat and the hoodie danshiki with a V-neck, were particularly praised for their innovative design and comfort. These statement pieces showcased Adeola’s expertise as a garment constructor and her ability to forecast trends. As a result, she has established herself as a prospect in the industry, pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes of male fashion, especially by inputting elements of female design approach in the aspect of cuts and patterning.
Adeola’s expertise as a garment constructor was on full display as she manipulated the variety of fabric choices to bring her unique vision to life. Her ability to innovate while maintaining a strong connection to traditional African fashion solidifies her potential in the industry. This collection puts her up there alongside other fast-rising Nigerian designers who are making waves in the African fashion scene.
The reception at the festival was overwhelmingly positive, with the Divo Man Classic collection emerging as one of the main attractions. Adeola Esther Olarinde has once again proven her prowess in the fashion world, solidifying Elegant Attire’s position as a brand that seamlessly blends tradition with modern luxury. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Adeola adapts and continues to push boundaries.
