By Tolu Aderibigbe
‘Fashion is more than what we wear — it is a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and the stories we choose to tell’- Moses Olasunkanmi Adebayo.
In these words, Moses Olasunkanmi Adebayo perfectly encapsulates the essence of Michybeth. Born from the spirited life of Nigeria, Michybeth is not your everyday fashion brand; it’s a platform where culture, innovation and forward-thinking creativity continue to thrive together.
For Moses and his team of dexterous talents, every piece they design not only looks stunning but also fosters connection and cultural dialogue. The 2021 collection is a living, breathing example to buttress this. This collection is a vivid celebration of African heritage, reinterpreted through modern patterns and sustainable practices. Whether it is elevated palazzo trousers, crips clean shirt, colourful two pieces suits or elegant jumpsuits, each piece in this ensemble reflects the detailed yet simple craftmanship of his skilled artisans.
At Michybeth, sustainability is explained in every stitch. Moses ensures that eco-friendly materials are responsibly sourced and that production methods minimise waste, creating garments that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful to wear. The 2021 collection is designed for the modern fashionista or trend admirer ─ the woman who is bold, curious, and unafraid to wear her skin with pride beyond the eye-catching and soul-soothing colours. The colour choices are deliberate: regal blues, sophisticated whites and energetic oranges. These colours aren’t just visually striking; they speak to the emotional connection that fashion can inspire.
Our rules of engagement are based on the following:
Environmental-friendliness: The environment must be kept healthy even during your creation process.
Originality: Be trendy, but be authentic.
Cultural Storytelling: We consider whether the design authentically celebrates African heritage while sprinkling little touches of contemporary flair in the right places.
Modern Appeal: The collection should resonate with today’s fashion scene while honouring timeless traditions.
Colour Theme and Meaning: African fashion is rich in symbolism. We ensure that this part of storytelling in fashion is often captured.
Originality & Origin of Style: An innovative design shouldn’t always replicate global trends but be creative and innovative.
Type of Fabric: The choice of material used can also determine the outcome and longevity of an outfit.
Fittings: Comfort and silhouette matter. A perfect fit should enhance the wearer’s form while focusing on comfort and significance to trends.
Finishing Touches: The beauty is in the details. Every well-thought stitch and embellishment can elevate a piece from being just ordinary to extraordinary.
Audience Reactions & Feedback: We often stimulate possible responses from a trend-savvy, culturally aware audience.
Let’s have a long peep into what this catalogue looks like, except that we will be examining only two outfits.
We’ll begin with the creator’s design concept.
The first two-piece suit is a high-neck, sleeveless crop top and wide-leg trousers. We are sure the designer intends to give this outfit a structured yet fluid aesthetic, and it shows. The halter-neck cut, no doubt, calls for adequate attention to the shoulders and upper body, while the cropped hemline adds a youthful, modern touch. This resonates with Gen Z fashion aficionados. The trousers are made specifically for perfection as they rest beautifully on the wearer’s waist before falling into an effortless wide-leg silhouette. One profound aesthetic of this type of trousers is that it creates a sense of height and ease of movement.
Similarly, the one-shoulder statement top paired with wide-leg plaid trousers encapsulates another well-structured outfit with a touch of a dramatic pattern. The top is everything for us. Its slanted cut introduces a posh feel, enhanced by the playful ruffle one-hand bell sleeve. The trousers may not be as fitting as the multi-coloured suit, but they are classic. The combination of fluidity in the top and flowing bottom creates an engaging contrast that makes the wearer feel effortlessly stylish and powerful.
Let’s also consider the colour story & symbolism used.
The deep royal blue top exudes royalty, power, and depth, serving as a strong opposition to the fiery mustard yellow and burnt orange trousers. The palette of blue, yellow and orange evokes a sense of dynamism and strength. While the custard yellow symbolises the rising sun, the orange speaks to radiance and power.
The deep blue hue and one-shoulder top maintain a thread of consistency with the previous look. It reinforces a sense of sophistication and depth. Blue, often associated with wisdom and confidence, serves as a grounding force against the heritage-inspired plaid print. The muted plaid tones of the generous trousers are tied to Scottish and African cultures. Additionally, the toned-down hue of the plaid ensures versatility, giving the top the centre stage.
Fabric and texture are part of our non-negotiables.
The halter-neck top appears to be made of sturdy crepe, scuba, or thick satin. This quality of thickness allows the outfit to remain crisp and elegant throughout wear. The trousers are made from a more fluid material like silk or a lightweight suiting fabric. This particular fabric choice is intentionally chosen to give the wearer a wave-like movement as she sways from left to right. After all, the intention is to make heads turn. Also, the slight contrast in fabric weight enhances the overall balance between structure and flow.
Like the multicoloured fit-loose palazzo and sleeveless top, the plaid large-size trousers and pleated one-sleeve top likely utilises duchess satin, structured silk, or crepe, allowing it to retain its voluminous ruffle without collapsing. The trousers appear to be a finely woven wool-blend plaid or structured cotton textile, adding a crispy, tailored finish to the design. Likewise, the interplay of textures — a smooth, flowing top against a sturdy linear trouser is a show of variety and interest to the overall composition.
How about the craftsmanship and construction? Check.
Michybeth’s attention to detail is evident in its sharp seamwork, clean edges, and precise tailoring. Despite being made to give comfort, neither outfit tempers with the designer’s expertise to accentuate the wearer’s body. Our focus is particularly on the cinched waistbands and smooth, uninterrupted lines. The concealed closures and internal structuring demonstrate a commitment to impeccable craftsmanship, a deliberate effort to polish every stitch from every angle.
Styling and wearability are also as relevant as the finishing touches.
Both ensembles are designed for statement dressing. They are ideal for high-profile events, fashion-forward gatherings, or elegant evening affairs. They can be paired with minimalist jewellery and bold, structured heels, giving the kind of look that commands attention without unnecessary embellishments. For instance, the high-neck detail also allows for dramatic styling with sleek, pulled-back hair or bold, graphic makeup. The plaid print was built for versatility, permitting the wearer to rock the trousers separately for workwear or casual-chic functions.
Cultural identity also meets modern relevance.
Both ensembles celebrate African heritage through colour, silhouette, and print while appealing to modern trends. The wide-leg tailoring, asymmetric draping, and structured finishes align with current global fashion trends. These features are what uniquely identify as part of Michybeth’s signature aesthetic.
Target audience and marketability are essential.
These designs cater to a bold, fashion-conscious clientele — women who embrace power dressing with an artistic edge. They are perfect for those who appreciate statement pieces that blend heritage with high fashion, offering a wardrobe that speaks to individuality and cultural pride.
Final verdict?
Michybeth’s 2021 collection delivers sartorial excellence with a purpose. Moses’s attention to detail, mastery of colour and interpretations, and relevance to culture and trends make him stand out as a leading force in sustainable African fashion. His 2021 collection is an expression of confidence, heritage, and contemporary sophistication. However, we have just one feedback for the designer. First, we understand his creativity with the plaid trousers, but they can still be more flattering without losing the designer’s effect. Considering the model’s body, a looser-fitting pair would have given the flared top a more balanced silhouette. Beyond this, we love what we see.
It’s an 8.5 out of 10 from us.
Disclaimer
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.