Constructive criticism of The Smartman Collection by Lasunimagination

Olasunkanmi Musi Jimoh, the creative director behind Lasunimagination, has once again brought his flair for versatile menswear to the fore with his latest offering, The Smartman Collection. Designed as a refreshing take on the classic kaftan, the collection embraces diversity in color and functionality, presenting smart, tailored kaftans that seamlessly transition across various occasions. Whether it’s a formal event, casual outing, or a festive gathering, The Smartman redefines how modern men can engage with traditional African attire.

Strengths of The Smartman Collection

Versatility and Functionality: The collection’s strongest feature is its adaptability. By focusing on smart kaftans that retain a clean and polished aesthetic, Olasunkanmi ensures that the pieces can suit a wide array of settings. This duality—traditional and contemporary—adds significant value for the modern man looking for style and practicality.

Color Exploration: Unlike many traditional collections that stick to monochromatic palettes, The Smartman Collection embraces an array of colors. From bold hues like royal blue and deep maroon to softer tones like beige and grey, the variety of shades caters to diverse tastes and skin tones, ensuring inclusivity and universal appeal.

Attention to Fit: The smart tailoring of the kaftans is noteworthy. The silhouettes are sleek, with clean lines that highlight the wearer’s form without sacrificing comfort. The refined craftsmanship reflects Olasunkanmi’s understanding of modern menswear trends.

Timeless Appeal: The minimalist design of the kaftans ensures longevity, making them staple pieces in any wardrobe. This timeless quality elevates The Smartman Collection from being just another seasonal offering to a more enduring statement of style.

Areas for Improvement
While The Smartman Collection excels in versatility and execution, a few aspects could be explored further to take future collections to the next level.

Fabric Innovation: Although the kaftans are beautifully tailored, there is an opportunity to experiment with fabrics. Incorporating textured materials like jacquard, brocade, or light linen could add a unique visual depth while improving breathability and comfort for warmer climates.

Detailing and Embellishments: While minimalism is an asset, some pieces risk appearing too plain. Thoughtful additions such as intricate embroidery, subtle patterns, or contrast stitching could offer an extra layer of sophistication without compromising the clean aesthetic.

Runway Presentation: To fully showcase the versatility of The Smartman Collection, future presentations could emphasize styling variations. Pairing kaftans with modern accessories—like statement shoes, hats, or layered outerwear—would highlight their adaptability for different occasions.

Narrative and Branding: While the collection’s design speaks for itself, stronger storytelling could help elevate its impact. Communicating the inspiration behind The Smartman Collection—whether through runway shows, lookbooks, or promotional materials—would create a deeper connection with the audience.

Final Thoughts
Olasunkanmi Musi Jimoh’s The Smartman Collection is a commendable addition to the evolving landscape of African menswear. Its focus on versatility, colour diversity, and clean tailoring positions it as a forward-thinking and practical choice for the modern man.

With further exploration of fabric innovation, detailing, and storytelling, Lasunimagination has the potential to redefine how men engage with traditional African attire. The Smartman is a solid foundation, and with continuous refinement, Olasunkanmi Musi Jimoh can establish himself as a frontrunner in contemporary menswear fashion.

The collection is a clear reminder that tradition and modernity are not mutually exclusive—and when combined thoughtfully, they create something truly timeless and impactful.