In today’s fashion world, where speed trends often dominate at the expense of creativity, Arivee has carved out a niche for itself by embracing elegance and meaning. The brand was founded by Chimdalu Victoria Arinze and has grown to become a name synonymous with clean lines, bright colours, and flowing designs that effortlessly complement any frame. Arivee not only dresses women but also gives them confidence, announces individuality, and informs us that fashion does not need to be costly.
Chimdalu’s design journey began in 2016, inspired by passion and perfected with skilled training. With Arivee, she aimed to create designs that reflect the essence of every woman, yet with high-fashion elegance. The collections are characterised by the union of high fashion and ease, rendering fashion not a luxury but a commonality.
Arivee continues that dream this year with designs that capture femininity in its highest form. This 2023 collection contains three outfits.
The first outfit consists of a floor-length kimono-style jacket worn over a black crop top and fitted trousers. Upon initial glance, the first thing you notice is the print. It is very attractive and catches the eye almost immediately. Bluestone, teal stone, oranges, purples, blacks and whites clash and blur together in a way that is somewhat akin to seeing a painting unfold before one’s very eyes.
It is not the type of print that recedes into the background as an afterthought. It makes an announcement. Prints like this one have a sense of energy, freedom and independence, and this print does not disappoint in that regard. It is a statement choice that works well with the relaxed cut of the coat.
If one looks closely, the coat is constructed from a light, glossy fabric that drapes well. It has wide black lapels and black cuffs at the end of its long sleeves. These solid black pieces serve the purpose of framing the busy print so that it does not get overwhelming. They give the eye somewhere to rest, balancing the movement of the colours with calming structure. The innerwear is plain and sleek. It is a black crop top with a bit of texture, and the pairing with high-waist trousers creates a colourful coat that stands out even more.
In the back, the coat falls in a straight drop down in a clean, uninterrupted line. Movement is good, though, because the back is merely a spread of the same print; it leans a little towards plainness. A seam or a pleat down the back would have been able to provide more shape and definition. The length of the coat also almost sweeps the floor, which, though dramatic, appears a little impractical, especially if one is going to be wearing it outdoors with heels.
The fabric used for this fit is exquisite. The coat appears to be made of polyester satin, giving it a shiny appearance. As for the trousers, they are likely made from crepe material, which blends well with the shine of the coat. The contrast in texture adds depth to the outfit without taking away from the print.
Overall, this is a bold, expressive statement piece. The print and colours are the standout features of the piece, very brilliantly done by Arivee. With little tweaks here and there, like a hint of back detailing or curving the lapels, the coat would feel a bit more high-end.
The next piece in this collection is an off-shoulder top paired with wide-leg pants. The top is bohemian in style, with one shoulder exposed and the other covered in loose apparel. The design is bold, featuring a mixture of blues interspersed with light colours and undertones of brownish tones, which gives the top a dramatic look. The puff sleeves allow for freedom of movement, drawing a little attention to the wrist. The sag of the neckline provides softness, even though the extra volume of fabric makes the top heavy when worn with the same-width trousers. A belt or a narrower waistline would provide balance and shape to the look.
The legs are floor-length, high-waist palazzo style. The smooth fall of fabric creates a long, lean line, but the unnecessary length causes it to puddle at the hem. This mars the elegance of the cut. A slightly shorter length that skims the floor would give a cleaner, more elegant finish. A pressed crease line or subtle pleating would also help to define the look of the trousers without depriving them of their drape.
From the back, the blouse maintains its asymmetrical drop, sagging loosely with no form at the waist. This minimises the form and creates a boxy look. The trousers maintain the same wide flow, but without tailoring at the waistband, the whole back look is less flattering. A little shaping, either through darts or a more constricted waistband, would make the fit more flattering.
The colour scheme is bold, with dark teal pants grounding the outfit and the top adding a dynamic mix of colour. The combination is dramatic but at peace, and the fabrics used, slippery for the top and heavier, flat material for the pants, are complementary. The top, however, would benefit from a fabric with some structure so it won’t be too loose.
This style is cool and makes a striking statement with its print and folds. However, it would shine more with some refinements: a neater hem on the trousers, a waistline, and slight tailoring at the rear. A simple belt or accessories, such as jewellery, would also convey class without taking away from the creative print.
For the final fit, we have a two-piece ensemble consisting of a top with loose sleeves and a matching pair of flowy pants. The design is spectacular yet plain, with the cut itself being enough to attract one’s attention. The top fits closely to the neck and shoulders but opens outward into flair sleeves that capture the motion. The ruched detail at one side of the waist was a good addition because it injects a little more style into the outfit.
The trousers are maxi length with a strong flow that makes the figure of the outfit look longer. They accentuate the shape of the top but can weigh at the ankles, especially since the hem grazes almost at floor level. Elevating the length a little would allow room for revealing footwear and tidying the look.
In the rear, the design is straight and basic. The seam line and zipper maintain it streamlined, but there is not much that will catch the eye. A minimalist detail like a tie, pleat, or cut-out would make the rear look as interesting as the front.
The colour is also the most impressive feature of this design. The cobalt blue is a bright and bold choice. It is a statement in itself and does not need prints or patterns. However, the intensity of the colour also means that it may not be suitable for all occasions. Offering an alternative variation, possibly with a contrast belt or sleeve detail, would then make it more versatile.
The weight of the material is fine, retaining its form at the top yet flowing nicely in the trousers. The material looks smooth and has a gentle sheen that suits the colour. In terms of comfort, there could be an option to use a softer material with better breathability, especially if the clothing and gear are to be employed in hotter conditions.
All in all, it is a strong, modern look which plays with volume and colour. The sleeve, the flared pants, and the bold colour all contribute to making it dramatic, but the side ruching keeps it from looking too flat. With some tasteful adjustments in the hemline, the neckline, and the back details, this outfit could be more than mere elegance to a timeless statement.
This 2023 collection from Arivee is certainly of high quality. It surpasses expectations in comfort, colour, and design, and it showcases the brand’s commitment to women, irrespective of shape or size. It is a true reflection of Chimdalu Victoria Arinze’s vision, and we cannot wait to see how Arivee will continue to change the fashion world.
