Fashion has never been kind to black and brown women, especially not in the mainstream. The industry has catered to the narrow few, leaving women with unique body proportions to settle for ill-fitting clothes or spend extra on alterations. Most brands follow a one-size-fits-all approach in their design without consideration for women with curves and unique body shapes. For them, the struggle to find clothes that fit their waist and hips or those that accommodate a fuller bust without gapping at the base is real.

Countering this norm is Vivilevard, a fashion brand built on a simple but powerful idea to cater to black and brown women, especially ones with unconventional body proportions. Founded in 2019 by Victoria Asamoah, Vivilevard exists to ensure that African women do not compromise on fit, comfort, and style.

Asamoah, a self-taught fashion designer, embraces body diversity, ensuring every piece is tailored to complement rather than fight against the wearer’s natural shape. In the 2022 collection, Vivilevard created pieces that not just focus on fitness but deliver confidence.

The collection showcases stylish designs for women who wish to enter a room and command it. Each outfit is designed to enrich the wearer’s wardrobe and flair.

The first piece from the brand is a crop top and wide-leg pants designed from crêpe fabric. The outfit is designed to reflect a chic appearance, creating a refined but modern look.

The top has long sleeves designed in a bell shape. The end of the sleeves has buttons that create a unique appearance. The top high-neck design adds a polished touch to the outfit. This creates a structured appearance that aligns with the sleeves.

The bodice complements the wide-leg trousers to create a balanced silhouette. The top also allows the exaggerated bell sleeve to take centre stage without overwhelming the frame. The trousers also create a streamlined look that adds movement and flow to the overall outfit. Overall, the silhouette is designed to highlight the waist while creating a structured yet effortless appearance.

The outfit is refined but too simple to command instant attention. The crop top with a high neck and buttoned sleeves adds a touch of creative uniqueness. However, it does not push the boundaries of designs. The overall look is subtle and won’t make a bold statement. Nevertheless, it is ideal for those who appreciate clean and modern aesthetics.

The outfit is versatile and appeals to a broad audience. The colour gives off a polished and professional look that also suits casual settings. The outfit, however, lacks strong visual contrast, which may reduce its impact on settings with bold colours.

The design piece gives a simple look that does not overwhelm the wearer. It can be complemented with simple accessories such as old earrings, statement handbags, and heels.

The outfit is highly sellable, especially in the contemporary fashion market, catering to professionals and fashion-conscious individuals. It is modest yet stylish, making it suitable for different groups. The neutral colours enhance their commercial viability as they can be easily paired with other wardrobe pieces.

The soft white and grey combination is a timeless choice. It suits a broad range of skin tones and offers versatility when paired with accessories. This creates a simple but professional visual interest.
Overall, this outfit not only offers elegance but gives a sophisticated look. The outfit is a seven out of ten as it checks most criteria.

The next piece in the collection is a shirt and trousers also made from crêpe fabric. The outfit is designed to exude professionalism while still ensuring the chic look is obtained. Let’s review the outfit based on the following criteria.

The long sleeves give the dress a defined shoulder line, adding a sense of power and authority to the overall look. The ruffle attached to the shoulders creates a balanced shape that complements the fitted bodice. The collar neckline adds an element of allure to the overall outfit. It gives it a professional look while making it both feminine and strong.

This dress is built to highlight the natural curves of the body. The palazzo trouser creates a feminine structure that enhances the hips. The outfit creates a silhouette for women who want to accentuate their waistline while maintaining a refined but striking look.

The outfit immediately attracts more attention than the first due to the exaggerated ruffle details on the blouse. The ruffles add movement and dimension, making it more dynamic. The sharp contrast between the structured collar and the fluid ruffles creates a visually interesting balance. This offers a distinct feminine elegance.

The ruffles naturally draw attention, making the look more memorable. It is appealing to those who enjoy bold details without becoming overly dramatic. The soft blue with light-coloured trousers keeps it sophisticated. The outfit has a high engagement factor due to the design elements serving as points of conversation.

The buttoned blouse with a crisp collar gives a formal edge to the otherwise flowy design. This makes the outfit versatile for both formal and semiformal events. The outfit can be complemented with minimal accessories. Pointed-toe heels with bold earrings would complete the outfit well.

The blouse is the key highlight of the outfit, and its construction is vital. The ruffles are precisely layered to avoid looking messy. The stitching and finishing appear well-executed, ensuring the ruffles maintain their shape. Also, the trousers maintain a clean structure, with a wide leg fit that complements the top’s volume. The overall construction suggests attention to detail and quality tailoring from the brand.

The dress is highly marketable and appeals to women who enjoy standout details in their wardrobe. For a retail collection, offering this design in multiple colour variations could increase its marketability. The trousers are a versatile staple that can easily fit into different fashion collections.

The soft blue and light-coloured trousers create a fresh, sophisticated look. While the combination is suitable for spring and summer, deeper or more contrasting shades could make it more seasonally flexible. The light trousers also risk being less practical for daily wear due to potential stains and maintenance.

Overall, the outfit checks the major criteria and can be considered a wardrobe ensemble for most females. On a ten-scale rating, the outfit hits an eight rating.

From the 2022 collection, it is evident that Vivilevard isn’t here to follow trends, but to set a new one where black women no longer settle for just what they find.