Tunde Bucknor

What comes to your mind when you think of Ankara? Bright colours? Bold Patterns? Traditional styles? That’s fair. But at Gaze of Luxury, Ankara is more than just fabric. It’s a statement, a story, and a lifestyle.
Ankara fabrics are everywhere, and almost every wardrobe has a piece of it. But here’s the thing: most Ankara designs follow the same predictable patterns. It’s either overly traditional or trying too hard to be modern without balance. That’s where Gaze of Luxury comes in.

Folafoluwa Oluwambo Afolabi, the founder of Gaze of Luxury, has always been passionate about fashion. Gaze of Luxury is his way of redefining African fashion, proving that Ankara can be luxurious, timeless, and globally relevant. The brand changes how you see and wear Ankara. Intending to take Ankara beyond the usual, Gaze of Luxury turns the fabric into something truly luxurious. For him, luxury doesn’t mean overpriced; it means designs with top-notch attention to detail and craftsmanship that make you stand out effortlessly.

This and many more are what makes Gaze of Luxury different. The brand’s approach to design is another differentiating factor. Ankara isn’t just cut and sewn but carefully crafted. The fabric is paired with the right textures, tailored to fit, and finished with sophisticated details. The results are luxurious pieces that feel comfortable and last longer than your typical fast-fashioned outfits.

This is evident in the brand’s recent collection. The 2022 collection houses designs that make you ponder how much Ankara fabric can function beyond traditional design. The first piece in the collection is a delicate balance between simplicity and boldness. At first glance, it leans towards minimalism, but the patterned cuffs introduce an unexpected contrast. It’s an interesting attempt at blending classic floral elements with African-inspired details. However, does it truly hit the mark? Let’s break it down.

Sleeve and Neckline
The neckline is a simple, functional round neckline. Given the rich floral print, a V-neck or boat neckline could have introduced more structure and definition. This would prevent the dress from feeling too relaxed.

The sleeves are an attempt to elevate the design. They are voluminous but not overly dramatic. The real conversation starter in this piece is the cuffs—bold, colourful, and sharp— contrasting the muted floral print. This detail hints at a fusion of traditional African patterns and contemporary styles.

Wow Factor
This dress doesn’t scream for attention. It’s a piece that relies on styling and movement rather than being an attention-grabber. The floral print is soft and elegant, making the piece ideal for those who prefer a more refined aesthetic. This design aimed to be a fusion of classic and contemporary, but a stronger defining element, such as a sharper neckline or a cinched waist, is required to create contrast.

Engagement Factor

Engagement in fashion is about making people stop, look, and want to know more. This piece has a quiet charm but doesn’t command attention instantly. The patterned cuffs might generate curiosity only if the viewer pays close attention.

Nevertheless, this design is ideal for a sophisticated and mature audience that appreciates subtle elegance. It’s built for the wearer who loves understated beauty.

Styling
The dress leaves a lot of room for creative styling. It serves as a blank canvas that can be dressed up with bold accessories. It can also be kept minimal for an effortless look. However, the outfit relies heavily on the wearer’s body shape and how they combine accessories. Adding a waist belt would instantly transform it into a more structured look. At the same time, statement earrings and heels would elevate it significantly.

Colour and Palette
The earthy floral print is soft and elegant. This makes it perfect for those who appreciate muted tones. However, it’s not the kind of colour palette that immediately grabs attention. The cuffs add a much-needed pop of contrast, but their placement isn’t enough to transform the entire look.

Craftsmanship
The fabric choice seems intentional, highlighting comfort and breathability. The stitching appears clean. The cuffs feel like an add-on rather than an organic part of the dress. Due to these reasons, it is safe to say that Folafoluwa deserves his flowers.

Retail Readiness
This is a wearable piece that would fit well in an everyday fashion collection. It’s easy to wear and style. However, if placed in a boutique, it would need strong styling to attract buyers. An e-commerce setting would require high-quality lifestyle shots that highlight its movement and versatility. Overall, without stronger marketing, it risks being overlooked for bolder alternatives.
The second outfit in the collection is an outfit that speaks before the wearer does. It’s playful, bold, and effortlessly chic design. The asymmetrical neckline and vibrant mix of patterns make it an eye-catching statement piece. But does it hold up across all the key criteria?
Sleeve and Neckline
The asymmetrical neckline is a masterstroke. It allows for ease of movement while drawing attention to the blouse. Unlike the first dress, which played it safe, this neckline is intentional and bold. It introduces an element of skin exposure that is tasteful rather than excessive, making it sexy but still refined.
The sleeve, designed into a voluminous puff, adds balance to the outfit. It is a contrast that works beautifully, preventing the piece from feeling too revealing. The designer uses the puff sleeve to counterbalance the asymmetric neckline.
Wow Factor
This piece is a head-turner. The vibrant mix of colour and daring silhouette ensure that it doesn’t fade into the background. It’s made for the bold fashion lover who enjoys standing out effortlessly. The tailored fit of the bottom half ensures it doesn’t overwhelm the figure, while the top remains playful. It’s the kind of piece that makes an entrance.
Engagement Factor
The bright colours, asymmetric neckline, and mix of prints make it a perfect candidate for fashion moments. It has enough drama to spark interest but remains wearable enough to be practical.
This outfit would perform well in fashion-forward retail spaces and on digital platforms where bold styling thrives. It’s a conversation starter, ensuring that people stop scrolling to take a second look.
Styling
This piece needs minimal effort to style because it’s already a complete statement. Simple heels work best, allowing the outfit to shine. Accessories should be kept sleek to do the trick. The key to styling this piece is balance. Let the outfit shine without competing elements.
Colour and Palette
The bright green base is a fantastic choice. It’s lively and fresh and complements a range of skin tones. The skirt’s multicolour prints add contrast, making sure the piece doesn’t fall flat. The combination is vibrant without being overwhelming.
Craftsmanship
The tailoring on the outfit is top-notch, ensuring the silhouette remains defined. The fabric choice is firm enough to hold the structure. The print placement is also well-executed, preventing the patterns from looking disorganised. The current length is decent, but a slightly sharper cut at the thighs could have improved the proportioning even more.
Retail Readiness
This piece has strong retail potential, particularly in fashion-forward boutiques and online stores. It appeals to those looking for standout outfits. It would perform well on fashion platforms that showcase movement.
The next outfit in the 2022 collection is a design that leans toward elegance and confidence. The striking red hue fabric, paired with a structured bodice and dramatic high slit, creates a powerful look. The dress exudes presence, making it perfect for formal events or red-carpet moments.
Sleeve and Neckline
The neckline is a sharp and structured V-neck that blends into the design. It adds an element of strength to the outfit. The neckline frames the upper body beautifully, giving a flattering look. The structured nature ensures that it doesn’t lose shape over time, keeping the look polished.
The sleeve design is subtle, letting the bodice and slit take centre stage. This was a smart choice by the designer, as too much detail on the sleeves could have overcomplicated the design.
Wow Factor
The bold red alone is enough to make a statement. This piece is the kind of outfit that turns heads effortlessly. The combination of a fitted bodice with a flowing lower half creates movement, making it perfect for grand entrances.
Engagement Factor
This dress thrives in high-visibility settings. The structured bodice ensures it captures attention from every angle. It’s a piece that benefits from fluid movement.
Styling
Minimalist styling works best here. Strappy heels in metallic tones or nude shades complement the look without overpowering it. The goal is to maintain the dress’s sophisticated edge without over-accessorising.
Colour and Palette
The red is striking and timeless. It conveys confidence, passion, and power, making it a perfect choice for the design. While red is already a strong statement, experimenting with subtle variations—such as deep crimson or a slight gradient effect—could add even more depth.
Craftsmanship
The construction of the bodice is impressive, with clean lines and structured tailoring that enhance the silhouette. The fabric is high-quality, ensuring that the dress flows well without looking stiff.
Retail Readiness
This is a luxury piece that belongs in high-end boutiques or designer collections. It appeals to women looking for bold elegance. This makes it a great fit for evening wear or event-focused collections.
Overall, each of these designs brings something unique to the fashion environment. They cater to different fashion personalities—soft elegance, playful boldness, and confident sophistication. Moderate styling would elevate them even further.
Anyone can sell clothes. But not everyone can sell an experience, a feeling, a transformation. That’s what Gaze of Luxury does with the designs in its 2022 collection. It takes a fabric everyone knows and turns it into something extraordinary.