Fashion | Fiction Features

Fashion Personalities

Discover the timeless fashion personalities of centuries past! From the iconic looks of the Roaring 20s to the bold and daring styles of the 1980s, explore the ever-evolving world of fashion through the ages. Get inspired, find your own unique style, and be the fashion icon of today

FASHION MISHAPS: A BASIC GUIDE TO AVOID THEM

In the new age, the concept of Fashion has become very subjective, meaning that, as generally accepted as the rules of fashion were in the past days, it is now more of a personal movement. The rules don’t apply in most areas, but we need to be aware that it could be a miss, as much as it could be a hit.

In the English Dictionary, Fashion is described as a current trend, favored for “frivolous” rather than practical, logical, or intellectual reasons, however, let us establish the fact that fashion is also a lifestyle, and it should be treated as such dress the way you want to be addressed. We express ourselves through the pieces we wear, we try to pass across a subtle message about how we feel and what we think, whilst striving for comfort and satisfaction.

As much as fashion is widely appreciated and talked about, we cannot disprove the fact that nobody is a stranger to fashion and styling mistakes, unconsciously or otherwise, we commit these “Fashion Offences” almost every day, but what can we say, nobody is perfect! No clothing piece is a waste, we just need to make sure that we put the FIT in the OUTFIT!

We have a lot of styling mishaps but we are simply going to focus on the basics, clothing and accessories.

BAD COLOR COMBINATIONS

Let’s focus on monochrome styling, this is very tricky, when you walk into a room with a full outfit of the same color, will people gaze in awe, or turn away because of the eyesore they just witnessed? Let’s be real, people will not take you seriously if you look like a lollipop stick or if you just mixed up your color poorly, become more familiar with the color wheel and color families, different shades of the same color can create a beautiful monochromatic outfit.

For example, if you choose navy as your base color, add lighter and darker shades of blue to create a gradient effect. adding pops of neutral also helps to balance it out, I’ll give you another free tip, play with texture! The texture is key to creating depth and interest in your outfit, try pairing a beige fuzzy sweater with a sleek brown leather skirt, sounds good, right?

OUTFIT MISMATCH

As stated earlier, no clothing piece is a waste, we just need to add it to the right “team”. Picture this, you have an appointment for an interview, you get called in but your possibly soon-to-be boss seated on his chair behind his desk notices someone walk into his office, he smiles seeing you in your full suited glory, he has been anticipating this interview has much has you have due to your almost perfect credentials, he stands up to shake your hand, but he looks down to your feet and sees a pair of Nike Air Jordan. As the popular Nigerian saying goes “E choke, choken’t it?”

What is the point of that scenario? Believe it or not, one wrong piece can redirect your message and have you looking clueless like our guy in the suit and expensive sneakers, don’t get it twisted, we are well aware that this combination is a popular trend, we admit that someone had to think outside of the box for that mini evolution, I mean, the picture to our right looks like a hot pick, we admit but what we are saying is, you need to study the occasion and know how to dress appropriately. No matter the circumstance, avoid wearing face caps with gowns, corporate shirts with shorts, flip-flops, and leather skirts, the list goes on, you can grow quite famous for wearing these combinations, just probably not the type of “famous” you are thinking of.

CHOICE OF JEWELRY

We are going straight to business here, know how to combine your jewelry, know your layers, make them match, and let them complement each other. Now you’re probably thinking, “Whatever can you possibly do to go wrong with jewelry? IT IS JEWELRY FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE!” Now, just because it is a little piece of silver, diamond, or gold, does not mean that we can just throw it on and around like it’s nothing.

We promote creativity here, do not be boring but doing too much with your jewelry pieces could look extremely tacky and unethical. Never underestimate the power of minimal jewelry, it still sends a message, keep it subtle, you’re not trying to show off, you are trying to look classy.

Wearing heavy jewelry on exaggerated attires is a heavy no-no, know how much jewelry is enough and understand how to accessorize jewelry to complement your outfit. You do not want to overwhelm your outfit with too many pieces of jewelry that are competing for attention, start with a statement piece, such as a bold necklace or a pair of earrings, and keep the rest understated.

Another mistake that is not commonly talked about is mismatched jewelry, this could be either a hit or miss, you can mix and match metals for a fun and interesting look, just make sure they complement each other so you can create a chic contrast, but once again, be extra careful with this step.

Combining necklaces of different lengths can keep things fun and unique, however, when layering necklaces, paying attention to the proportions of each necklace is very important, aim to create balance by pairing a chunky necklace with a simpler, more delicate one. This will prevent the necklaces from competing for attention.

The list of fashion errors goes on, but these tips and strategies can take you from a 0 to a solid 10 quickly. It is important to know how to style your fits and make a subtle but solid statement everywhere you go. Feel free to express yourself, in the best way which suits you and communicates your style, however, at the same time you do not want to be misunderstood.

Fashion is the canvas, your feelings are the pencil sketches, and your style is most definitely the paint. Paint away!

The Evolution of Fashion in the Digital Age

Fashion is an ever-evolving field, with new trends and designs emerging with every passing year. From sustainable fashion to digital marketing campaigns, the industry is fast-paced and dynamic, always keeping us on our toes. With fashion influencers, social media, and the democratization of fashion, the industry is experiencing an exciting time of growth and innovation. But with all these changes and advancements, we must ask ourselves, what's next for the fashion industry? What new technologies, trends, or movements will revolutionize fashion once again? As we move forward, the fashion industry must continue to adapt and evolve while remaining true to its roots. In this article, we explore some of the upcoming trends and technologies set to shape the fashion industry in the coming years. So, let's dive in and explore what the future holds.

Fashion has always reflected the times. From the afro haircuts, maxi skirts, and Oleku outfits which were among the fashion trends that separated the baddies from the wannabes in the 17th century, fashion trends have always been influenced by the world around us. But in the digital age, technology has had an even greater impact on the fashion industry, changing the way we consume and create fashion.

The fashion industry has undergone significant changes throughout history. However, in recent years, the rise of digital technology has revolutionized the way fashion is created, marketed, and consumed. Gone are the days when fashion shows were only accessible to a select elite few or when purchasing clothing was limited to physical stores. Nowadays, fashion enthusiasts can access the latest trends through websites, social media, and online stores, all thanks to the digital age.

Digital technology has brought about a new era of fashion democratization, as more people than ever can follow fashion trends and shop for the latest styles. The use of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat has made it possible for fashion designers and bloggers to connect with their followers across the globe without geographical limitations. These platforms have also made it easier for fashion lovers to discover new styles and brands which they might not have been aware of before.

Another significant transformation that digital technology has brought to the fashion industry is the way fashion is created. With advancements in technology, fashion designers can leverage 3D printing techniques to create prototypes of their designs more quickly and efficiently. Fashion designers can explore different designs without necessarily having to make physical samples, which is a more affordable and environmentally friendly way to create fashion.

In addition to that, digital technology has revolutionized the way fashion is marketed. Fashion influencers and bloggers have become powerful marketing tools and have found success on social media because their posts appear candid and relatable. This marketing approach has made it possible for many new fashion brands to gain popularity at an unprecedented rate with an audience that is tuning in because of their interest in the fashion influencer. Examples of notable fashion influencers in Nigeria are Diana Eneje, Nancy Isime, Ebuka, and Toke Makinwa.

Diana Eneje Nancy Isime

Ebuka Toke Makinwa

The traditional fashion calendar has also been disrupted by digital technology. Seasonal fashion shows still exist, but fashion brands like Atafo, Orange Culture, and Zephans rely on daily updates and quick changes in stock displays that cater to the ever-changing tastes of the younger generation. The fast fashion industry has moved towards producing smaller, more versatile collections that can be updated more frequently, based on the most active fashion trends.

Atafo Orange Culture Zephans & Co

The fashion industry is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize the fashion experience for customers. These technologies can analyze data on consumer preferences, shopping behavior, and social media activity to recommend personalized fashion items. Moreover, the use of blockchain technology is becoming increasingly popular, allowing brands to trace the entire journey of a garment, from the source of the materials to the point of sale, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain. As e-commerce continues to grow, the fashion industry is also experiencing a shift in the shopping experience, with virtual try-on tools and chatbots becoming increasingly important to enhance customer engagement and drive conversions.

In conclusion, the digital age has had a profound impact on the evolution of fashion. The democratization of fashion, the creation of prototypes through 3D printing, the rise of influencers and bloggers, marketing through social media, and changes in the traditional fashion calendar are all evidence of the shift the industry is experiencing. It remains to be seen what the future of fashion holds, but one thing is for sure, the digital age has undoubtedly created more opportunities for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. As we move into the future, it's clear that the fashion industry will continue to be shaped by technology. From e-commerce to social media to new technologies, the digital age has changed the way we think about fashion and will continue to do so for years to come.