Modern femininity has been credited with many concepts and meanings in the world today. It, therefore, leaves one wondering what does it actually mean to be a modern woman in current times? Is it chasing your dreams without apology or reshaping gender roles?

Fashion is a powerful medium that portrays the dynamism of modern femininity because it empowers women to speak for themselves through their style. The days are over when fashion dictated what a woman must be. Now, fashion is all about giving her the freedom to be exactly who she is. Because this is what modern women do, they change, grow up, and dominate.

Arivee is among fashion brands that have put in work to efficiently reinterpreted contemporary femininity in terms of fashion. It is an award-winning luxury ready-to-wear brand characterised by easy-going femininity and classic sophistication. Founded by Nigerian fashion designer, Chimdalu Arinze in 2017, the brand has been devoted to creating clothes that touch the heart of the modern woman through her vibrant energy and uniqueness. As she strived to pursue her fashion passion, Arinze embarked on a professional career, beginning by enrolling herself in the course at JemiRiana African Fashion School in 2016 and attending it for one year, acquiring first-hand experience on everything involved in fashion.

After successful graduation from this training, Chimdalu set up her fashion brand, Arivee, to meet women’s fashion needs by designing items which accentuate beauty and make each woman fashionable, regardless of shape or size.

For a piece in their collection, at first glance, what catches the eye is the rich rust-orange hue. One of this outfit’s strengths is the fact that it can balance opposing elements. The intense colour of the top is countered by the neutrality of the white ‘palazzo’ trousers, and the effect is a calming appearance that does not overwhelm but instead feels put together. The top features an asymmetrical neckline and hem, adding a touch of advanced architectural elegance. Although revolutionary, the asymmetrical style can be perfected to make it look intentional and not lopsided.

The loose, flared sleeves add to a feeling of drama that is nearly royal, but the light, flowing fabric keeps the top feeling airy and unencumbered. Despite this, another feature of this top is the ruched detail on the left side. It hugs the wearer’s body without relying on too tight or revealing apparel. The ruched detail creates a waist cinch, accentuating the body’s natural shape without looking too large.

Pairing the asymmetrical top with crisp white palazzo pants makes for a tidy contrast to the bright orange colour of the top. The wide waist of these pants stretches the legs, and the loose-fitting cut allows for easy movement, a practical touch that will appeal to the modern woman who is on the move right now. It is interesting to note that while the wide-leg cut is irresistibly stylish, the pants appear slightly too long, slouching on the floor.

The back view has a sharp, streamlined line with a soft curve in the neck that sets off the shoulders and the crown of the back. It is minimalist, and it works, letting the colour and the silhouette do all the talking. It also has a zipper for utilitarian purposes running from a point below the level of the shoulder to the hip level.

The white palazzo retains its beauty from the back. It is perfect for an evening get-together with friends, an exclusive entertainment show, or a plain wedding reception celebration.

The second piece in this collection is a perfect ensemble, with crisp tailoring being paired with an unexpected colour combination. The design consists of two most crucial pieces: a netted design top and a high-waisted matching pair of pants. The top’s neckline appears to be straight across and sits just below the collarbone. The style is flattering, revealing the shoulders and upper chest stylishly.

What catches the eye is how the top relates to the netted cover-up that drapes over the top. The red material offers a striking background for the sheer overlay, adding a stunning visual contrast to the ensemble. It must be added that, depending on the occasion on which this ensemble is worn, the transparency of the netted top may not be appropriate for all situations. As such, it would be recommended that the designer incorporates a fitted camisole to preserve modesty without sacrificing the airy look.
The cape-like sleeveless cut provides a practical look that is ideal for both warm-weather outings and indoor affairs. It would be perfectly paired with a skirt, jeans, or even under a blazer for an office setting.

Paired with this netted blouse are orange-red palazzo wide-leg pants. They are wide-waisted, pulling the waist in to create a slimming silhouette that highlights the wearer’s curves. The broad-leg look is deliberate. They drape downwards from the hips to create a nearly skirt-like silhouette that conveys elegance and freedom of movement. But the trousers would still benefit from being fitted closely over the hips and thighs before they flare out.

The pants look slightly too bulky from the waist down. It would be advisable for the designer to trim off the extra bulkiness and slim it with a more fitted appearance, thus making the overall appearance sharper.

From the back view of this piece, the neckline is simple and softly curved. However, the designer could add a petite tie at the back of the neck to give the back some personality.

Arinze contributes this beauty to her 2022 collection. This is a sort of dress that doesn’t try too hard but, for some reason, catches your eye. The gown is ankle-length with a clear centre slit. The left of the dress features a beautiful, ruffled tier detail that adds a layer of femininity and flow to an otherwise linear form. One of the largest points of this dress is the off-shoulder V-neckline, which adds a sense of romance to the overall design.

However, upon closer examination, there is an awkward layering under the neckline. While it likely exists to offer modesty, its tone has nothing to do with the remainder of the outfit. A swap in fabrics or improved cut and balance would address that. There is a buckle belt at the waist that cinches in the waist, defining the hourglass shape of the wearer. It provides definition and confidence to the whole outfit. The belt is, however, slightly thick and not quite in proportion with the ruffles. Perhaps a narrower belt can offer the waist definition and a neater finish.

This collection demonstrates the injection of original ideas and skilled tailoring beyond expectations. It is a declaration of the multifaceted nature of women today, making it possible for them to take ownership of their individuality without giving up on anything