Although showing at the inaugural 2011 MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week, designer Koketso Chiepe is not new to fashion. Indeed her brand is retailed/or has shown in the UK, USA, UK and Japan. Accordingly, with the maturity and experience in fashion, we expected a Spring/Summer 2012 collection that was well edited to showcase all of her design experiences. We got it in the form of wonderful color palettes of nudes, teal/turquoise, beautiful fabric selections of fluid and soft silks and soft cottons, among others. The collection felt like you could reach out, touch the fabrics and immediately be transported into a world where sophistication, warmth and sexy casual glam rules.
But, the brand disappointed with over-accessorizing of the collection. The true beauty of the collection got quite lost in overpowering accessories. With the nude color palettes, the accessories popped and were just perfect. Other more colorful color palettes created so much conflict with clothing and accessories. Next season, we expect Koketso Chiepe to go easy and not overpower such beautiful designs with overpowering accessories, even though the label is very much about accessories as it is its clothing line.
Models: We want to see the models used in this particular show, like the Mango show, step it up. Forlorn faces, pursed lips does not sell or market the dresses.
-Uduak Oduok
Persnickety & Kola Oshalusi
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