There is an ancient proverb that says a woman’s beauty is in her hair.
A few people have tried to debate it, but the truth can never be conquered. Whether a woman is on a low-cut, locs, braids, or cornrows, the health and presentation of her hairdo affect her overall look. In the same vein, it can be argued that a woman’s beauty is in her attire. As the popular saying goes, you will be addressed by how you dress, and it is no news that women pay close attention to their wardrobes. This is why it is commonly said women own more clothing items than men. Fashion designers who major in women’s wear are constantly burdened with the responsibility to make outfits that cater to the varying preferences of today’s woman. And only the innovative and skilful ones effectively manage the demands of their target customers.
Eshun George is one of the rare designers, and he is the founder of Geovante, a Ghanaian fashion brand. George is popularly known for his unique pieces made to empower women to love their physique. His collections are said to challenge conventional notions of how African women are expected to present themselves. In this article, we will be reviewing Geovante’s 2023 collection. This series features a carefully chosen set of outfits that are inspired by modern designs. Through this body of work, George has shown his expertise, promoting his brand and its potential.
Let’s begin with the first piece. Can you take a long look at the picture for a moment? What was your first thought about the outfit? Simple but engaging? Exactly! This piece is for women of class who like calm colours that are not overwhelming. The use of light material makes this outfit a ‘go-to’ choice for everyday use. The fabric looks premium and highly durable. It has a net-like appearance and is slightly transparent. Interested buyers must be willing to wear seamless underwear. Jungle green is commonly used to create a connection with nature, and Eshun pulled that effect effortlessly. This colour stands out without being flashy.
At first glance, one might think this outfit is a two-piece because of the space between the blouse and trousers. But after a closer look, you would realise it is a jumpsuit. Eshun’s creativity flew out of the earth for this piece. Every detail holds a deeper concept that has a silent effect on onlookers. The most compelling feature is the sleeves of the blouse that grace the arms of the wearer. The loose shape of the top allows for free movement of the hands. The puff cut of the mid-length sleeves gives the wearer an aura of confidence, as if one is at attention with shoulders out and chest out.
At the end of the sleeves, the fabric extends into ropes neatly knotted into bows. The round neckline of the blouse balances the effect of the puffy sleeves. But it gives the top a simple look. A lower neckline cut would have been a more appealing option. Not only would it allow proper aeration during hot seasons, but it would also draw attention to the shoulders.
The crop top offers a youthful edge to this outfit, and at five distinct points, the material extends, forming a short rope that joins the blouse to the waistband of the trousers. This design is a masterpiece. It flaunts the wearer’s skin, capturing the attention of onlookers for a while. Naturally confident women would be drawn to this piece because of its bold and elegant style. The pair of trousers has two open pockets that can serve as a resting place for the hands or as storage for essentials.
A zipper joins the fabric at the back of the blouse, and an identical zipper joins the trousers also. This style draws subtle attention to the back view of the wearer and may not appeal to conservative women. A pair of trousers with an elastic waistband would be a better option than a zipper. The fabric of the trousers flows freely to the ground, providing comfort for the wearer. In a season where baggy trousers are the trending fashion, it is no surprise that Eshun opted for loose cuts. This piece will match any hairstyle and is best styled with heels and bold accessories.
Still within the green colour palette, the second piece of this collection is a lime green gown, the perfect dress for a ball party or dinner date. Eshun chose an energetic colour that would suit all skin types, drawing attention to the wearer’s silhouette. The asymmetric sleeve is the first engagement feature of this dress. The left side of this dress has no sleeves, flaunting the left shoulder and arm. This design gives a sultry and sophisticated look. This dress can be styled with a shawl for women who feel insecure about exposing their arms.
The right side of the dress has short sleeves formed from a side design of loose pleats. The fabric hugs the wearer’s bust tightly like a second skin and is joined at the back with an invisible zipper. The dress highlights the shape of the wearer and will appeal most to women with a smaller body shape. In this design, the most compelling feature is the pleats formed at the sides due to the folding of the fabric. The gown has a straight cut that becomes free on the wearer from the mid-thigh downwards, ending as a floor-grazing gown. Little folds form at the front and behind the gown from the waist to the feet. Long length restricts movement and makes the gown prone to picking up dirt. An ankle-length design may have offered wearers a more comfortable and stylish overall look.
What will elevate this look is styling. A waist-length braid or wig is the perfect hairdo to complement this look. Heels would have been the best match to boost the wearer’s confidence, but because of the length, flat shoes are a safer option. This piece would be the cynosure of any room. It is the perfect gown for a dinner date and would be marketed well in high-end boutiques. The tailoring is near perfection, and the seam highlights the expertise of the team at Geovante.
To close this collection is a simple and well-structured moss green gown. This design was crafted to suit all body shapes and is an everyday wear. The shiny fabric looks luxurious and delicate. The design would suit minimalists who are looking for modern dresses that are simple. The thick straps of the gown highlight the wearer’s shoulders and are sewn firmly to the body of the gown. At the back, a small part of the back is revealed, making the gown perfect for summer.
The ruffle trim at the chest and hip regions adds visual interest to this piece. It is sewn around the dress and is the key detailing of this dress. The design opens the flared cut of the gown. At the back of the dress, the material is joined with a straight hem. The tailoring for this piece lacks precision. Concealing the seam with a ruffle trim would have given this piece a clean finish and another engaging feature. Also, the use of a complementary colour as an embroidery or pattern on this fabric would have created a positive contrast to this design.
Knee-length gowns appeal to a wide audience, kudos to Eshun for making such a wise choice. The length of the dress complements the absence of sleeves, showing off enough skin without being indecent. The front view appears slightly shorter due to the bust lifting the fabric upward. This dress creates enough room for styling. During cold seasons, a turtleneck shirt can be worn under the gown, or a jacket can be worn externally. Also, a waist belt can be adorned under the bust for a slimming effect. Bold jewellery is best for this piece, balancing the structure of the dress with adequate accessories. This gown accommodates any hairstyle, even bald women would look exceptional in this piece.
Overall, the variety in this collection is truly noteworthy. Eshun has established Geovante as a comprehensive fashion brand capable of meeting diverse style preferences and catering to different occasions. Each piece has its distinct, engaging design and would stand out to any fashion enthusiast who appreciates beauty and comfort. Talking of being addressed by your outlook, anyone dressed in any of these outfits would be considered elegant and sophisticated. Whether it is for a simple get-together or a red-carpet show, any choice of outfit from this 2023 collection, styled with the right jewellery, shoes, and purse, would be a suitable attire for the function.
With time and attention to the suggestions made in this write-up and perhaps by other fashion critics, Eshun has the potential to make outfits that would inevitably challenge global fashion trends. Beyond Ghana and even Africa, the walls of the industry await great designers like himself.
He is already treading on the path to success and should double up his game. We can’t wait to unveil future collections and see the heights Geovante would reach in the years to come.
