Someone in the management of Nigerian plussize design label Makioba Couture must be listening to the voice of reason because the label just announced a brand overhaul ditching the frankly unnecessary ‘Couture’ and letting the brand name fully reflect the vision of it’s creative director Makioba Olugbile.
Olugbile really leans into this new direction for her brand as an eponymous reflection of her style and philosophies by officially naming fitness instructor and media personality Taje Prest as the label’s muse and joining her to front the campaign for the label’s first collection post brand rehaul; ‘Blossom’.
Blossom is a significant collection to the brand, as it represents growth, happiness and style. The Makioba brand has once again made a statement in the Plus Size Fashion industry. The collection features staples in the closet of every woman – casual but chic casual pieces that can be found in every fashionista’s wardrobe. The designer is inspired by a woman’s innate desire to feel sexy, confident and smart – regardless of her size. The brand aims to clothe every Plus Size Lady in pieces that she will always feels comfortable and stylish in.
The new collection takes the concept of blossoms very seriously and features a lot of floral imagery, most of it literal three dimensional floral appliques used to jazz up body con dresses and pencil skirts. The collection also has some gorgeous floaty floral day dresses and a paired lace shifts. Many of the season’s trend are tastefully incorporated into the collection with adequate concern for proportions and silhouettes; cold shoulders, svelte pants, belted jackets.
There is however the concern that this collection might only dress one kind of plus size woman, flatter only one kind of silhouette. This is something that Olugbile might need to address more thoroughly in future collections.
Olugbile’s new and improved Makioba is proof that labels can grow, adapt to the market they’re in, shed harmful and counterintuitive ideals and labels in pursuit of a more cohesive idea.
Credits
Photographer: Jerrie Rotimi @jerrie_rotimi
Model & Brand Muse: Tajé Prest @missvivacioust and Makioba @couturebymakioba
Shoes: Desire1709 fashion @desire1709fashion
Makeup Artist: Mathilda Narebor @Amaebiere and Sidahome @soo_pro
Designer: Makioba @couturebymakioba
Creative Direction: @thestyle_concierge
