The collection shown by Stitches by Gem is underwhelming in many regards. Considering that after the stellar first day of Kumasi Fashion Week and the logistic problems that plagued the show’s second day of showcases, compounded by the general lacklustre presentations that followed (design wise), the pressure to lead the pack wasn’t as high. But still Stitches by Gem disappointed us.
It wasn’t about the clothes, the tailoring wasn’t bad and the construction wasn’t bad either. We actually love how well the design duo behind the label were able to take their wax print choices and build a visually cohesive collection. Their use of colour was spot on, the contrasts between the sky blue wax prints and the lesser green and red prints helped add detailing to pieces that simply wouldn’t have stood out.
But design wise, Stitches by Gem didn’t come prepared at all. Their collection was dominated by mini-skirts and dresses and while some might argue that there isn’t all that much that can be done with so little fabric, fellow brand Baobab took that challenge and created magical pieces in the process.
The skirts and dresses from the label were pedestrian, there was nothing unanticipated, nothing that made us stop and stare, that was so awesome or so bad that we felt compelled to discuss it afterwards.
A fashion week is an opportunity to create pieces that clients otherwise wouldn’t think to ask for. Even the most minimal experimentation from Stitches by Gem could have turned things around. There is nothing as bad as a complacent brand.
Photo Credit: Chasquido Studios.
